Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If this sounds like too much for your knees, take a minibus to Midway Gate
to Heaven and then a cable car to South Gate to Heaven near the summit,
and then a bus back down.
Weather can change suddenly and the summit can be very cold, windy and
wet, so bring warm layers and rain gear. You can buy rain ponchos and at the
top, rent overcoats (¥20).
As with all Chinese mountain hikes, viewing the sunrise is considered an in-
tegral part of the experience.
Central Route
This has been the main route up the mountain since the 3rd century BC, and
over the past two millennia a bewildering number of bridges, trees, rivers, gul-
lies, inscriptions, caves, pavilions and temples have become famous sites in
their own right. Figure on at least four hours to get to the top.
Purists can begin with a south-north perambulation through Dai Temple in
Tai'an, 1.7km south of the trailhead, in accordance with imperial tradition, but
there is no shame in starting at the bus stop by
Guandi Temple
(
Guandi
Miao; admission ¥10
), the first of many dedicated to the Taoist protector of
peace.
Passing First Gate of Heaven ( Yitian Men; 987m) marks the start of the ac-
24hr)
is further still. The
Red Gate Palace
( Hong Men Gong; admission
¥5; 8am-5pm)
is the first of a series of temples dedicated to Bixia, the com-
passionate daughter of the god of Tai Shan.
Take a detour into the
Geoheritage Scenic Area
( Dizhi Yuanqu) for a look
at unusual radial rock formations that mesmerised Confucius himself. Back on
the main path is the
Buddhist Doumu Hall
( Doumu Gong), first constructed
in 1542 under the more magical name 'Dragon Spring Nunnery'.
marks the point where some travellers, seeing the stairway disappearing into
the clouds, turn heel for the cable car. Don't give up!
