Mount Tai Shan – A Spiritual Climb on the Stairs of Immortality
The perfect base for conquering one of China’s five sacred mountains—Mount Tai Shan—is the city of Taian. Here you’ll find the comfortable and affordable Taishan International Youth Hostel, where a dorm bed costs around 45 RMB and a double room about 190 RMB. The hostel is conveniently located near the famous Dai Temple, making it easy to combine your stay with sightseeing. From the modern high-speed rail station, you can take bus K37, then transfer to line K4 at the “old station.”
After dusk, be sure to explore the local food street, where you can sample traditional regional delicacies at very reasonable prices—a perfect way to end a day full of adventure.
Your journey to Tai Shan begins with a long ride on bus K3 to the mountain’s base. Then, take a 20-minute shuttle bus (costing 30 RMB) that covers about one-third of the route. While some choose the arduous climb along the winding road where buses run, I recommend using the shuttle to save energy for the rest of the trek.
After getting off the bus, you still face about 6,000 steps to climb. Along this “stairway path” stretches a series of stalls selling religious items, food, and souvenirs. Less experienced pilgrims can rent or buy trekking poles, which greatly ease the ascent. From the summit, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges provide an energizing reward for the final stretch.
The summit of Tai Shan is a fascinating blend of the sacred and the secular -several historic religious buildings stand alongside numerous shops and restaurants catering to the many pilgrims and tourists. For centuries, Tai Shan has been a pilgrimage site for emperors and common folk alike, regarded as a symbol of birth, renewal, and immortality in Taoist tradition. Climbing the mountain is not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey, allowing visitors to feel deeply connected to China’s rich history and culture.
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