Mount Tai 泰山 is a mountain of historical and cultural significance in China.
Mount Tai is one of the Five Sacred Mountains. It is associated with sunrise, birth, and renewal, and is often regarded the foremost of the five. Mount Tai has been a place of worship for at least 3,000 years.
In ancient times, the first thing for an emperor to do on ascending to the throne was to climb Mount Taishan and pray to heaven and earth or their ancestors. It was said that 72 emperors of different dynasties made pilgrimages to this mountain. These special ceremonies and sacrifices earned the mountain widespread fame.In addition, many poets and literary scholars also visited the mountain to gain inspiration. The grandiose temples, the numerous stone inscriptions and stone tablets are the best testaments to these visits. Mt. Tai also played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Taoism.
There are many different ways to reach the top. First we took a mini-bus up to the "middle gate". From there, we walked step by step up hundreds of stone steps (to be precise 7200) to the south gate.
Reaching the path of 18 bends.
People tie red ribbons on tree branches on the mountaintop in order to bring happiness, love and peace.
There were many shops and outdoor vendors selling all kind of stuff.
The street is called Heavenly Street and is lined with a number of temples and viewing pavilions.
Taishan Mount is a natural museum abounding with cultural relics and artworks.
1,500 meters above sea level.
People put a lock on incense burners and marble handrails in order to bring love, luck and happiness.
It was listed in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987.
Mount Taishan is supposed to be one of the best places in the country to view a sunrise. We weren't that lucky, though to enjoy it, since we went there at noon.
We took the cable car to go back down the mountain.It was really tiring ride to get there. The traffic was awful, so it took us 9 hours, but it was worth it.
5 comments:
What a fantastic trip. I am a little at a loss for words to describe how I feel right now. There is a sense of wonder and awe that permeates this place, and comes through very strongly in your words and photos. Thank you so much for taking me on this journey with you.
Oh, I would like to go also there, butyou know not everything interesting or beautiful can be seen in this world :)
thank you for stories of your journey!
Wow, Dani! What a fantastic trip you had! I wish I could join you:)
Dani girl I would have to do this with my eyes closed all the time .. my fear of heights would get the better of me ? LOL
BUT .. it is such a beautiful progression .. those stairs are STEEP and putting locks on to garner good luck ? that is a first for me to see : ) too funny .. again the curving architecture is beautiful !
Joy : )
Fabulous , and so interesting! i love the round door!
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