A Worry-Free Guide to Climbing Famous Mountains During the May Day Holiday

Mount Tai Travel Guide: Climb the First of the Five Great Mountains and See the Wonders of the World **I. Introduction to Mount Tai** Mount Tai, the first of the Five Great Mountains, is known as the "No. 1 Mountain Under Heaven." It is located in Tai'an, Shandong Province, and is a dual World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. Mount Tai is majestic and magnificent, with a profound cultural heritage. Since ancient times, it has been a sacred place for emperors to offer sacrifices and for literati to compose poems. **II. Best Time to Visit** * **Spring and Autumn (April–May, September–October):** The climate is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful, making it the best time for mountain climbing. * **Summer (June–August):** It is hot, but you can see the sea of clouds and the sunrise. * **Winter (November–March):** It is cold, but you can enjoy the snow scenery. **III. Climbing Routes** There are four main climbing routes on Mount Tai. You can choose according to your own situation: 1. **Red Gate Route (Classic Route):** * Starting point: Hongmen Palace * End point: Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate) * Length: Approx. 6.5 km * Features: Long history, many attractions, but many steps, which consumes a lot of physical strength. * Main attractions: Hongmen Palace, Doumu Palace, Zhongtianmen (Middle Heaven Gate), Shiba Pan (Eighteen Bends), Nantianmen, etc. 2. **Tianwaicun Route (Easiest Route):** * Starting point: Tianwaicun * End point: Zhongtianmen * Length: Approx. 5 km * Features: Gentle slope, suitable for those with weaker physical strength or tourists with elderly people and children. * Main attractions: Tiandi Square, Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool), etc. 3. **Taohuayu Route (Most Secluded Route):** * Starting point: Taohuayu * End point: Nantianmen * Length: Approx. 6 km * Features: Quiet environment, less crowded, but some sections are steep. * Main attractions: Taohuayu, Caishi Creek, etc. 4. **Tianzhufeng Route (Most Primitive Route):** * Starting point: Tianzhufeng * End point: Nantianmen * Length: Approx. 5 km * Features: Primitive and natural, magnificent scenery, but the journey is long, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. * Main attractions: Tianzhufeng, Houshiwu, etc. **IV. Ticket Information** * **Peak Season (February–November):** CNY 125/person * **Off-Season (December–January):** CNY 100/person * **Cable Car Ticket Price:** * Zhongtianmen Cable Car: CNY 100/person for a one-way trip, CNY 200/person for a round trip * Taohuayuan Cable Car: CNY 100/person for a one-way trip, CNY 200/person for a round trip **V. Accommodation Recommendations** * **Accommodation on the Top of the Mountain:** * Taishan Shengqi Hotel * Nantianmen Hotel * Tianjie Hotel * **Accommodation at the Foot of the Mountain:** * Major hotels in Tai'an city **VI. Food Recommendations** * **Three Beauties of Mount Tai:** Chinese cabbage, tofu, and water * **Taishan Pancake** * **Taishan Red Scale Fish** * **Taishan Donkey Oil Shaobing** **VII. Precautions** * Warm up before climbing, and do what you can. * Wear comfortable sneakers and clothes, and pay attention to sun protection and warmth. * Bring enough water and food, as prices on the mountain are higher. * Pay attention to safety, abide by the scenic area regulations, and do not climb dangerous areas. * Protect the environment and do not litter. **VIII. Itinerary Suggestions** * **One-Day Tour:** Climb the mountain via the Red Gate Route and take the cable car down the mountain. * **Two-Day Tour:** Climb the mountain via the Red Gate Route on the first day, stay on the top of the mountain, and descend the mountain after watching the sunrise on the second day. **IX. Nearby Attractions** * Dai Temple * Mount Tai Hot Spring City * Fantawild Adventure **X. Transportation Guide** * **Train:** Tai'an Station * **High-Speed Train:** Tai'an Station * **Plane:** Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport **Summary:** Mount Tai is a famous mountain worth visiting. Both the natural scenery and cultural landscape are amazing. I hope this guide can help you plan a perfect trip to Mount Tai!