A trek up Mount Taishan – a Peaceful, Powerful Venture
The harmony on Mount Tai between the man made masterpieces and the strength of nature, has long inspired Chinese scholars and artists. In its magnificence it has been called the greatest of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism and remains to this day a great symbol of ancient Chinese culture, civilisation and religious beliefs.
This most majestic wonder rises from the plains in the province of Shandong, where in ancient times it was called Dai Shan. In Chinese Tai means peace and the wonderful Mount Tai’s many temples and relics have brought thousands of pilgrims to its slopes for over 3,000 years. Before ascending to the throne, seventy two emperors climbed Mount Tai to lay before Heaven and Earth, and their ancestors, their prayers for peace and prosperity. These special pilgrimages brought fame to the mount as dynasty after dynasty showed reverence to the mount.
The highest peak is the Jade Emperor Peak, with an altitude of 1,545 metres above sea level. The ancient peoples of the plains around Taishan were so awe struck by the imposing mountain; they left an abundance of cultural relics and architecture. There are twenty two temples, ninety seven ruins and over eight hundred inscribed stone tablets and carvings. The Mo Ya Tablet and the carving of the Buddhist Diamond Sutra are two of the most prominent inscriptions. There are also many poems and prose, carved into cliffs and rock faces on the slopes. They were written by ancient peoples who took pleasure in the astounding scenery, the flora and fauna of the mountainside.
Mount Taishan was listed as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It has been an epicentre for Buddhism and Taoism, and is recognised by the peoples of the China, as a blessed and sacred mountain, becoming a symbol of Chinese spirituality.
The beauty of Mount Taishan is attributed to the natural phenomenon, with jagged peaks, deep lush valleys and canyons, enchanting waterfall and cypresses and pines locusts trees that are centuries old. Pine trees grow at peculiar angles and odd shapes, intriguing the beholder, while the luxuriant vegetation is splendid and graceful. The twinkling sounds of the streams of Mount Taishan, mixed with the tweets of the variety of bird species captivate our aural senses.
Above all the most astounding aspect of the Mountain Tai, is the thousands of stone steps carved from the foot of the mountain, to the zenith. There is said to be over 6,500 and no one knows who skilfully carved this marvel. The Temple of the God of Mount Taishan is at the foot of the Mountain. It was dedicated to the Earth and countless ceremonies have taken place there. The Azure Clouds Temple of the Temple of the Goddess of Mount Taishan, is at its apex and to many who trek the long winding stairs to see it, are not disappointed with the sight they behold. These complexes are remnants of the architectural skills of the ancient peoples, as they combined wood, metal, brickwork and stone structures to create masterpieces of construction.
Mount Taishan is indeed a natural wonder, enhanced by the beauty of human skill and dedication. To this day thousands of pilgrims, tourists and adventure seekers flock to its slope to experience and marvel and this steady, earthly gift.
