Mount Tai, standing at 1,545 meters above sea level and stretching 400 meters, is located in the Yellow River Plain and is considered the cradle of China.
Mount Tai is especially renowned for the rich alluvial soil deposited in the surrounding plains. The mist and clouds enveloping its mysterious peaks further contribute to its fame. Throughout history, countless emperors, nobles, and devotees have constructed numerous temples, erected sacred statues, and conducted rituals to honor heaven and earth at this site. A significant number of writers and artists have been inspired by the beauty here, leaving behind poems and inscriptions on stone that have become invaluable legacies for future generations.
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Statues and temples located on Mount Tai |
Mount Tai embodies the essence of ancient Chinese cultural traditions. In 1987, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Mr. Lucas, a guardian of world-famous scenic spots, expressed tremendous admiration for the natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural relics of Mount Tai. After being acknowledged as a valuable scenic area, it was once again selected by the Chinese tourism sector in 1991 as one of the four most attractive tourist destinations in China.
It is difficult to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Mount Tai without climbing to its summit. It resembles a heavenly staircase with 6,600 stone steps. According to geologists, Mount Tai began to form between 2.45 billion and 2.5 billion years ago. As one ascends the stone steps, the first striking feature is the grandeur of the landscape and the oddly shaped rocks that resemble heads and columns. Many rocks are arranged to look like blooming lotus flowers or animals in lively postures. The stones display vibrant colors of green, red, yellow, and white, creating a visually appealing sight. Interspersed among these strange rock formations are numerous ancient trees. Historical records indicate that there are over 10,000 trees that have lived for more than a century, with at least 3,300 trees aged between 330 and over 1,000 years. 
The sacred pines at the Temple of the Holy Tai were planted by Emperor Wu of Han (156 – 87 BC) over 2,100 years ago. The legacies of six dynasties in the Pumin Temple have witnessed 1,500 years of history.
Despite its towering heights, the mountain also features pure springs. Sudden waterfalls cascading from above leave visitors in awe.
Legend has it that when Zhao Hong (968 – 1022), the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, visited Mount Tai for a sacrificial ceremony, he was so captivated by the moon and the spring waters that he ordered a tent to be erected on the rocks to spend the night.
Standing at the peak of the Jade Emperor Summit (the highest point of Mount Tai), one can see the mountains rolling beneath. On clear days, the shimmering golden ribbon of the Yellow River, the sea of fog, the floating clouds, and the splendid sunrise combined with the grandeur of Mount Tai herald good fortune.
