[2025 Tai'an Attraction] Travel Guide for Doumu Palace (Updated Apr)

it's too beautiful!!! Complete Guide to Mount Tai: Unlocking a New Daytime Climbing Experience Want to conquer Mount Tai, the most prominent of China's Five Great Mountains, but worried about making mistakes or getting tired? Don't worry! This detailed daytime guide will help you explore Mount Tai's magnificence and grandeur without exhausting yourself or making common mistakes! Essential Preparations 1. Ticket Reservation: Search for the WeChat Official Account "Mount Tai Scenic Area" to purchase tickets 2 days in advance. Students can enjoy half-price discounts with valid ID. Tickets are valid for 3 days, so don't miss this benefit if you want to visit twice. 2. Time Planning: It's recommended to start climbing before 7am when there are fewer crowds and the lighting is soft, perfect for both sightseeing and photography. 3. Equipment Preparation: Prepare a light backpack with essential items. As temperatures are lower on the mountain, a windproof jacket is essential. Hiking shoes provide good support and protection for your feet, helping you maintain steady progress. If you find climbing challenging, consider buying a walking stick for 2 yuan at the foot of the mountain - it will be your reliable companion during the climb. Choose Your Climbing Route 1. Classic Challenge Route: Red Gate → Wanxian Tower → Doumu Palace → Jingshi Valley → Zhongtian Gate → Eighteen Bends → South Heaven Gate → Jade Emperor Peak. The entire route includes over 6,000 stone steps and takes about 6 hours to reach the summit. This route is rich in historical charm, following an ancient path that feels like traveling through time. Along the way, you'll see ancient cypresses standing tall near Doumu Palace and magnificent waterfalls by the Cloud Step Bridge, making you feel like you're in a martial arts world. At the Zhongtian Gate platform, don't forget to stop - it's the perfect spot to photograph the panorama of the Eighteen Bends. On foggy days, the photos naturally capture an ethereal, breathtaking beauty. 2. Easy Route: Take a sightseeing bus from Tianwai Village → Zhongtian Gate → cable car (10-minute ride to the summit). This route is ideal for those traveling with elderly or children. The bus winds up the mountain road, offering views of the emerald waters of Black Dragon Pool. The cable car ride provides panoramic views of the sea of clouds, making for an easy and pleasant journey. Must-Visit Photo Spots 1. Tianku Hall in Dai Temple: As the main building of Dai Temple, Tianku Hall is magnificent and ranks among "China's Three Great Palace-style Buildings" alongside the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City and the Hall of Great Accomplishment in Qufu's Confucius Temple. Here, the red walls, yellow tiles, and ornate architecture make every photo spectacular. 2. Starting Point of Eighteen Bends: Standing at the beginning of the Eighteen Bends, looking up at the steep stone steps inspires a desire to conquer them. Photos with the Eighteen Bends as background perfectly showcase Mount Tai's majestic steepness. 3. Sun Viewing Peak: While this is the perfect spot for watching sunrise on Mount Tai, it's equally captivating during the day. From the peak, you can enjoy panoramic views of rolling mountains and vast horizons. Useful Tips 1. Dining Suggestions: Prices are high at the summit, with a scallion pancake costing about 10 yuan. To save money and maintain energy, bring light snacks like bread and sausages. Bring a thermos - you can get free hot water at various rest stops. 2. Special Activities: Near the old county office at the foot of Mount Tai, there are many specialty shops and eateries. After your climb, explore this area to experience local culture and authentic Mount Tai cuisine. 3. Safety First: The Eighteen Bends section is steep - never walk against traffic to avoid accidents. Walk sideways and hold the iron chains to prevent slipping. If it's raining, consider canceling your climb as the paths become slippery. Food Exploration 1. Mount Tai Three Treasures Soup: Made with local cabbage, tofu, and spring water, this traditional Tai'an dish is delicious and nutritious - a must-try when visiting Mount Tai. 2. Mount Tai Fire-Baked Bread: Crispy on the outside with various sweet and savory fillings inside. Fresh from the oven, these breads are aromatic and satisfying. 3. Braised Pork Knuckle: Carefully prepared pork knuckle with a reddish glaze, tender meat that's rich but not greasy, and a strong savory flavor - a delicacy not to be missed. Mount Tai, carrying thousands of years of history and culture, makes every step of the climb a spiritual journey. Pack your bags and head to Mount Tai to experience its unique charm!

📍 **1. Mount Taishan Introduction** Located in Tai'an City, Shandong Province, Mount Taishan is known as the "Chief of the Five Sacred Mountains" and China's first World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. Famous for its grandeur, uniqueness, steepness, and beauty, it was the site of imperial ceremonies and a source of inspiration for scholars and artists. The main peak, Jade Emperor Peak, stands at 1,545m, featuring four wonders: sunrise, sea of clouds, stone inscriptions, and ancient temples. 🌞 **2. Best Time to Visit** - **Spring and Fall (April-June, September-November)**: Pleasant weather, beautiful flowers or autumn leaves, high chance of seeing sunrise. - **Summer (July-August)**: Great for escaping heat, but bring rain gear; Winter (December-February) offers stunning snow views, but some paths are closed. - **Avoid holidays**: Skip May Day and National Day holidays due to crowds. 🗺 **3. Classic Hiking Routes** **1. Red Gate Route (Most Classic)** - **Suitable for**: Physically fit visitors wanting the complete mountain culture experience. - **Route**: Red Gate → Midway Gate to Heaven → Eighteen Bends → South Heaven Gate → Jade Emperor Peak (6-8 hours). - **Highlights**: Many stone inscriptions and temples, including Doumu Palace and Jingshi Valley; challenging Eighteen Bends. **2. Tianwai Village Route (Easier Option)** - **Suitable for**: Those with limited time or energy. - **Route**: Bus from Tianwai Village → Midway Gate (30 minutes) → cable car or walk to South Heaven Gate (10 minutes by cable car, 2 hours walking). - **Tip**: Combine walking and cable car for easy sightseeing. **3. Taohua Valley Route (Less Crowded Scenic Route)** - **Suitable for**: Visitors seeking tranquility, especially beautiful during spring bloom. - **Route**: Taohua Valley entrance → scenic area bus → Taohuayuan cable car → South Heaven Gate. **4. Houshiwu Route (For Adventure Seekers)** - **Features**: Pristine and wild, less crowded but partially undeveloped; proceed with caution. 🚀 **4. Must-Visit Spots** 1. **Dai Temple**: Starting point, former imperial palace with artifacts like "Qin Dynasty Stone Inscription" and "Tianquan Hall." 2. **Eighteen Bends**: 1,630 steps at 70° incline, final challenge before summit. 3. **South Heaven Gate**: Iconic building often surrounded by clouds. 4. **Jade Emperor Peak**: Summit with "Supreme Among Five Sacred Mountains" inscription. 5. **Bixia Temple**: Popular temple dedicated to the Goddess Bixia. 6. **Sun Viewing Peak/Gongbei Stone**: Prime sunrise photo locations, arrive early. 🚀 **5. Practical Tips** - **Tickets**: Peak season (March-November) CNY 125, off-season (December-February) CNY 100; Dai Temple CNY 20. - **Cable Cars**: Midway Gate → South Heaven Gate CNY 100 (one-way), Taohuayuan → South Heaven Gate CNY 100. - **Accommodation**: - Summit: Shengqi Hotel, South Heaven Gate Hotel (ideal for sunrise, book ahead). - Base: Many affordable options in Tai'an city. - **Equipment**: Comfortable hiking shoes, windproof jacket (large temperature variations), flashlight (night hiking), power bank. - **Night Hiking**: 5-6 hours from Red Gate to summit; summer sunrise around 4:50 AM, plan accordingly. 🚀 **6. Food Recommendations** - **Three Taishan Delicacies**: Chinese cabbage, tofu, spring water (light and fresh). - **Scallion Pancakes**: Local specialty with various sauces. - **Taishan Fire Bread**: Crispy and savory, perfect hiking snack. - **Recommended Restaurants**: Tai'an Old Street, summit hotel cafeterias (expensive, consider bringing snacks). 🚀 **7. Itinerary Suggestions** - **One Day**: Red Gate ascent → Jade Emperor Peak → cable car descent (or reverse). - **Two Days**: - Day 1: Dai Temple → bus from Tianwai Village to Midway Gate → hike/cable car up → stay at summit. - Day 2: Sunrise viewing → explore Houshiwu → descend via Taohua Valley. 🚀 **8. Transportation Guide** - **High-speed Rail**: Tai'an Station (30 minutes to scenic area). - **Train**: Taishan Station (closer to Red Gate). - **Local Bus**: Tourist buses 1 and 2 to scenic area. 🌟 **9. Important Notes** 1. Safety first! Hold railings on steep sections like Eighteen Bends. 2. Protect the environment, no littering. 3. Check weather forecast, avoid hiking in rain or fog. 4. Summit prices are high, bring some snacks and water. **📌 Summary**: Mount Taishan isn't just a mountain; it's a microcosm of Chinese culture. Whether challenging yourself or exploring history, it's worth the journey! Pack your bags for an unforgettable climbing adventure! ✨

| Experience the Majesty of the First of the Five Great Mountains in One Day. 🌄Climbing Mount Taishan | Experience the Majesty of the First of the Five Great Mountains in One Day Mount Taishan, the first of the Five Great Mountains, with its profound history, culture, and magnificent natural scenery, has always fascinated me🌼. Finally, I embarked on this one-day trip to Mount Taishan, eager to uncover its mysterious veil🎈. One-Day Super Detailed Best Route Morning 🌅Arrive in Tai'an early and check in to the Taishan Baosheng Hotel. There is no subway in Tai'an currently. Take a taxi from the hotel to Taishan Hongmen. Taishan admission is CNY 115💰. The Hongmen in the early morning is quiet and solemn. Step onto this ancient mountain road and start your climbing journey😍. Noon 🍱Climb to Zhongtianmen and have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Taste the special delicacies of Mount Taishan, replenish your energy, and prepare to move towards higher places🤤. Evening 🌆After a hard climb, ascend to the Jade Emperor Peak on the top of Mount Taishan to enjoy the beautiful sunset. After a short rest, stroll along Tianjie Street and feel the unique atmosphere of the mountain top at night✨, then return to the hotel along the same route to rest💤. 6 Must-Visit Attractions and Features 1. Hongmen 🏮 - Feature: The starting point of the climb, quaint, full of historical charm, and the beginning of the climbing journey🎊 - How to enjoy: Take photos in front of Hongmen to feel the simple atmosphere and officially start your journey to climb Mount Taishan📸 2. Doumu Palace 🛕 - Feature: Quiet and elegant, the architecture is simple, and the flowers and green plants in the palace add a peaceful atmosphere🌸 - How to enjoy: Enter Doumu Palace to visit, admire the ancient buildings, feel the peace and tranquility, and relax🌿 3. Zhongtianmen 🌄 - Feature: An important node on the way to climb the mountain. You can see the magnificent mountain scenery and replenish your energy before setting off again🌈 - How to enjoy: Take a break here, enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery, and taste special delicacies to restore your strength🍜 4. Eighteen Bends 🧗‍♀️ - Feature: Steep and dangerous, the stone steps are stacked on top of each other, and the climbing process is full of challenges and excitement😮 - How to enjoy: Summon up courage, climb step by step, take appropriate breaks along the way, and conquer the Eighteen Bends💪 5. Jade Emperor Peak 🌅 - Feature: The top of the main peak of Mount Taishan, you can overlook the mountains and watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset🌇 - How to enjoy: Walk around after arriving, admire the magnificent scenery, wait for the sunset, and take photos to record the beauty📷 6. Tianjie Street 🌃 - Feature: The street on the top of the mountain is like a fairyland surrounded by clouds and mist, full of a unique atmosphere🎉 - How to enjoy: Stroll along Tianjie Street, visit the specialty shops, and feel the unique hustle and bustle of the mountain top at night🎈 Hotel Accommodation 1. Taishan Baosheng Hotel 🌟 - Feature: Elegant environment, attentive service, comfortable rooms, and complete supporting facilities💁‍♀️ - Recommended reason: Convenient travel, can provide a comfortable resting place for the mountain climbing trip🤗 2. Four Points by Sheraton Tai'an, Baolong 🌟 - Feature: Brand hotel, excellent location, rich dining, providing a high-quality accommodation experience🍽️ - Recommended reason: Enjoy a comfortable environment and service, adding convenience and comfort to your trip😌 3. Wanda Realm Tai'an 🌟 - Feature: Located in a prosperous area, convenient transportation, complete facilities, and considerate service🥰 - Recommended reason: Convenient for travel and shopping, meeting various needs, making the trip more comfortable and free🥳 Transportation Subway Guide🚌 There is no subway in Tai'an currently. Taking a taxi🚕 to Taishan Scenic Area is a more convenient way, which can directly reach the entrance of the mountain. If you want to experience public transportation, there are also buses🚌 that can reach the surrounding area of Mount Taishan, but you may need to walk a certain distance. Recommended Specialty Food 1. Taishan Sanmei Soup🥣: Stewed with cabbage, tofu, and spring water, light and delicious, a must-try delicacy😋 2. Taishan Baked Cake🌯: Crispy on the outside, with a variety of fillings, delicious and filling🤤 3. Braised Red Scale Fish in Sauce🐟: The fish is tender, the sauce is rich, and the special flavor is full👍 Personal Feelings This one-day tour of Mount Taishan is simply unforgettable for me🥳! Starting from Hongmen, the scenery and monuments along the way constantly surprised me. The tranquility of Doumu Palace, the magnificence of Zhongtianmen, and the steepness of the Eighteen Bends, each place made me deeply feel the charm of Mount Taishan. When I finally climbed to the Jade Emperor Peak and looked down at the continuous mountains, my heart was filled with shock and pride. And the unique atmosphere of Tianjie Street added a unique color to this journey🌈. But to be honest, climbing the Eighteen Bends was really super tiring, and I felt like my legs didn't belong to me anymore😫. And the prices on the top of the mountain are relatively high, so I was a little bit distressed about my wallet when buying things👛. But these small episodes do not affect the sacred position of Mount Taishan in my heart at all. Its majestic, magnificent, and historical heritage deeply attract me, making me feel that all the hard work is worth it. Mount Taishan is really a magical mountain that you don't want to leave once you come, and you want to come again after you leave. If you also yearn for a trip full of challenges and beautiful scenery, then come to Mount Taishan, I believe you will be conquered by its charm😃!

Dandong Phoenix Mountain is located in the southern suburbs of Dandong Fengcheng City, a border port between China and North Korea. It is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery, combining the majesty of Mount Tai, the danger of Mount Hua, the seclusion of Mount Lu, the wonder of Mount Huang, and the beauty of Mount Emei. It has the reputation of being the "famous mountain at the national gate", "the first mountain of the Great Wall", and "the first dangerous mountain in China". In October, the mountain is full of red maple, making it a good place to enjoy the autumn leaves. Although we deliberately avoided the peak of the National Day Golden Week, seeing the long queue of tourists for the cable car to "Old Bull's Back", we still chose to walk up the mountain without hesitation. From the West Mountain Scenic Entrance, passing by the first scenic spot of the Liberation Monument--"Doumu Palace", it is often overlooked by people. Standing on the "Guansheng Platform" behind Doumu Palace, you can see the whole view of "Ziyang View" to the east, and the distant East Mountain stretches endlessly. Looking to the west, it is "Guanyin Pavilion", soaring into the sky. Looking to the south, it is the "Ancestor Worship Stone" where the phoenix bowed three times to Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty. It is truly a beautiful scene at the bottom of the eye; Phoenix Cave, named "Phoenix Mountain" because Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty named it "Phoenix Worship Ancestor" when he visited this mountain. The space inside the cave is narrow and you need to use your hands and feet to hold the iron ring and climb up against the rock wall to pass; walking up the zigzag stone steps, looking up is the "Guanyin Pavilion" between the green cliffs; turning around the cliff, in front of you is a winding and twisting dragon--the skywalk. Walking on the plank road, the sky is high and the clouds are light, the wind is blowing, and the autumn forest is colorful. Looking back, "Doumu Palace", huge rocks support, cliffs surround, green trees cluster in the middle, looking far away, the mountains stretch, winding and undulating, overlapping green peaks, every step is a beautiful scene, it is so refreshing and happy! After taking photos of Phoenix Pine and Canglong Ridge, halfway through the journey, we encountered the real dangerous road on the east line--Little Bull's Back. Although Little Bull's Back is not as huge, dangerous, and strange as Old Bull's Back, it is also a natural giant rock nearly a hundred meters high, tens of meters long, and only a foot wide. The two sides are like being cut by a knife and ax, all cliffs, it is one of the important natural landscapes on Phoenix Mountain where you can experience a thrilling feeling; After passing the Beacon Tower, Luohan Peak, and General Peak, overlooking the mountains, you can see birch and maple trees interspersed all over the mountains, red, orange, green, blue, and purple intertwined, the colorful autumn scenery of Phoenix Mountain is rich and charming; Finally, standing on General Peak, looking at the distant Old Bull's Back and the glass plank road, the slowly moving crowd, happily took the cable car down the mountain.