The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Mount Tai in China as a World Heritage Site, included in the mixed heritage list in 1987.
Mount Tai – A Mixed World Heritage Site in China
Mount Tai is a majestic mountain located in Shandong Province, north of the city of Tai’an. This mountain covers an area of up to 426 km², and ancient Chinese believed it to be the pillar of heaven. Mount Tai is one of the five sacred mountains of China, particularly associated with dawn, rebirth, and for ancient Chinese, it is considered the most sacred mountain among the five.
The Mount Tai range consists of several peaks, with the main peaks being Tian Zhu Peak and Yuhuang Peak, both rising to 1,545 meters above sea level. The rugged terrain is adorned with many pine and cypress trees, as well as natural scenic spots such as: Yuhuang Peak, Tian Zhu Peak, Sunlight Peak, Moonlight Peak, the Cliff of a Hundred Statues, the Fairy Bridge, the Cloud Waterfall, and the Dragon Pool Waterfall. Additionally, Mount Tai is home to numerous temples and unique architectural structures, including: the Dai Temple, the Queen Mother Pond, the South Heaven Gate, the Bixia Temple, the Doumu Palace, and the Red Sky Pavilion, all famous ancient buildings with artistic value. Currently, Mount Tai boasts thousands of ancient trees over 100 years old, notably the Ginkgo tree in the temple, which is 2,000 years old and dubbed a “living fossil” of the flora typical of Mount Tai.
Historical records indicate that from the time of Qin Shi Huang ascending Mount Tai to the reign of Emperor Qianlong, twelve emperors of China conducted rituals to the heavens here. In addition, many poets and literati visited to admire the scenery and left their inscriptions in this natural wonder.
Confucius, during one of his visits to Mount Tai, inscribed on a rock wall, “Climbing Mount Tai to oversee the world.” The poet Du Fu also recorded the line “At the summit, the mountain peaks are but a single glance…”
With its grandeur and breathtaking natural scenery, Mount Tai has not only inspired thousands of poems, songs, and paintings, but it is also a favored filming location for many filmmakers. Notable films shot here include “Journey to the West”, “The Return of the Condor Heroes”, and the 2009 version of “Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber”.
To truly appreciate the beauty and majesty of Mount Tai, one must ascend to its peak. With 6,600 stone steps leading from the base to the summit, Mount Tai is a striking testament to the wonders of nature.
According to geologists, Mount Tai began to form about 2.45 billion years ago. At higher altitudes, the rocks take on peculiar shapes resembling heads, pillars, and more. Many stones are arranged in the shape of blooming lotus flowers or animals in dynamic poses. Interspersed among these unusual rock formations are a significant number of ancient trees. Historical records indicate that there are over 10,000 trees older than a century, with at least 3,300 trees aged between 330 and over 1,000 years. The pines at the Holy Temple of Mount Tai were planted by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty over 2,100 years ago. The relics of six dynasties in the Pumin Temple boast 1,500 years of history.
Mount Tai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. Every year, tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors flock here to witness the majesty of this mountain.
Despite its towering peaks, the mountain also features pristine streams and beautiful waterfalls that leave viewers in awe.
On Mount Tai, besides the stunning natural landscape, there are three coexisting religious doctrines: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. These three streams are the main pillars of Chinese religion, and their coexistence on Mount Tai adds to its uniqueness. At the foot of Mount Tai lies a temple, which is the site where emperors conducted heavenly sacrifices. The temple was built during the Qin and Han dynasties and has been gradually modified and repaired over many dynasties to become the architecture it is today. The temple covers an area of 96,400 m², surrounded by high yellow walls with two slanted roofs and intricate window frames…
Although it is a natural heritage, Mount Tai is closely linked to the spiritual life and many cultural and historical aspects of China, which is why it was designated as a mixed World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.
