Since ancient times, Mount Tai has been an important place for emperors to offer sacrifices and worship, symbolizing the unity and prosperity of the country. After Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms, Mount Tai became the object of worship for feudal emperors. Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Guangwu, Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Wu Zetian, Emperor Xuanzong, and Emperor Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty all climbed Mount Tai, so some people say that the history of Mount Tai is a history of emperors.

Mount Tai not only carries a rich history and culture, but also attracts countless tourists with its unique natural beauty. From the Dai Temple at the foot of the mountain, Tianmen to Zhongtianmen, this section of the road is flat, with towering ancient trees, fresh air, birds singing, flowers blooming, and gurgling water, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. From Zhongtianmen up, it is another scene, with steep mountains and winding mountain roads, tight eighteen turns and slow eighteen turns, which makes people feel the charm of "infinite scenery on dangerous peaks". The process of climbing Mount Tai is like a rhythmic music, reaching a climax when reaching the top of the mountain.
The climate of Mount Tai changes significantly vertically. There are many springs, rivers and streams, and abundant water resources. The four seasons are distinct at the foot of the mountain, while the top of the mountain is like spring for three seasons. In winter, there are unique landscapes such as rime and rime.

Mount Tai's "Golden Belt of the Yellow Sea" is a famous wonder. On a clear evening, standing on the top of Mount Tai and looking far into the distance, you can see the afterglow of the setting sun pouring down over the Yellow Sea, and the surface of the sea looks like a golden ribbon lying across it.

Watching the sunrise on Mount Tai is very shocking. There are only a few faint lights in the eastern sky, which seem to be pulling against the dark night. After a while, the light red spreads, and the clouds are also bordered with color. In an instant, a red sun breaks through the clouds, just like a pearl appearing in the world, illuminating the entire mountain. The whole process is as unpredictable as a magician, which is amazing.

When climbing Mount Tai, climbing equipment is essential, especially trekking poles. Everyone who climbs the mountain will have trembling legs and be exhausted. The real test is especially when going down the mountain. Only then will you understand what it means to be easy to climb up but difficult to go down.
Here is a guide to climbing Mount Tai at night:
1、 Prepare your equipment in advance:
a) Headlamp/high-intensity flashlight (there are no street lights on the mountain road, USB charging models are recommended);
b) Trekking poles (necessary for the steep slopes behind Zhongtianmen, a bamboo pole for 5 yuan is enough at the foot of the mountain);
c) Lightweight backpack (capacity of about 20L, preferably with a rain cover);
d) Power bank (within 20,000 mAh, there are shared ones along the way but they are expensive);
2、Hiking clothing preparation:
a) Quick-drying clothes + fleece liner + jacket (the temperature at the top of the mountain is 10-15℃ lower than that at the bottom of the mountain);
b) Thickened windproof gloves (holding the handrail to prevent freezing of hands);
c) Knee pads (a great tool for descending the Eighteen Bends);
d) Spare socks (it is recommended to bring 2 pairs of wool socks);
3、Mountain climbing supplies:
a) Thermos cup (hot water 5 yuan/cup along the way);
b) Snickers/compressed biscuits (replenish every 2 hours);
c) Salt pills (to prevent electrolyte imbalance);
d) Mint candy (to prevent sleepiness);
4、Other preparation:
a) ID card (swipe to enter the park);
b) 5 yuan note (take a photo with Wuyue Duzun Stone);
c) Emergency medicine (Band-Aid + Yunnan Baiyao spray);
5、Full hiking route:
22:00 Depart from Hongmen → 00:30 Zhongtianmen → 2:30 Eighteen Bends → 4:00 Nantianmen → 5:00 Yuhuangding/Riguanfeng
6、Precautions:
a) The queue for the toilet behind Nantianmen lasted more than 30 minutes, so you should get rid of it in advance;
b) Bring cash! There is no signal in some areas;
When the first ray of sunlight pierces through the sea of clouds, all the fatigue will turn into shock. Mount Tai has both majestic natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage. Its ancient buildings and magnificent mountain scenery are intertwined, making it a famous mountain that people admire.
Categories: travel