Taishan

» Shan Dong

Taishan Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Taishan (Tai'an) City is situated directly in the center of Shandong Province, and is about 176.6 kilometers long from East to West and about 93.5 kilometers wide from North to South, with a total area of 7,762 square kilometers. Taishan City is a part of the Middle Lu mountainous region, which slants gradually downward from the Northeast to the Southwest and boasts of a highly varied topography, including mountains, rivers, lakes, marshlands, forests and much more.

History

Taishan City is a mystical land with an ancient, wonderfully complex history. Five thousand years ago, the area saw the emergence of the Dawenkou, a group of people whose history reflects perfectly the ancient transition from matriarchal to patriarchal society and the disintegration of primitive society. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the Qi-Lu culture of the Mount Tai area was at the forefront of human cultural development. Mount Tai, located not far from Taishan City, has been invoked as a metaphor for limitless power and might for three thousand years, and it was on the mountain slopes that the Buddhist emperors of the later dynasties worshipped Buddha.

Scenic Spots

Standing amid the clouds and looking down like the statue of Zeus at Olympus upon its people scattered among the foothills, it is only natural that the magnificent Mount Tai has become the symbol of tourism in the Taishan area. Tourists can hike up its sides to any of the several temples and pavilions located on its slopes, or they may just as easily enjoy the beautiful scenery within the several forest parks and water preserves located at the feet of the mountain.

Economy

Since Reform and Opening Up began in the late seventies, Taishan's economy has taken off. It has formed a steady industrial base that relies mainly on the production of machinery, chemicals, textiles and other light industrial goods, as well as building materials and coal. It also boasts a burgeoning international sector - the city has already opened business relations with over 30 countries around the world - and tourist economy.

Perhaps closer to the casual tourist's area of interest is Taishan's agricultural economy. The area is famous for producing the Dawenkou peanut, Xintai celery, Feicheng Buddhist peach ("fotao" in Chinese - one cannot say one knows peaches until one has tried a fotao), the Ningyang date and the Mount Tai Chinese chestnut, all of which are, of course, best sampled fresh).

Natural Scene

• Mt. Taishan

Historical Site

• Dai Temple

Taishan Highlights

Buddhism attraction highlights

Originated in India, Buddhism can be considered as the biggest and most influencial religion in China. Even some people say they don't believe in it, the spirit of Buddhism is still worth following.

• Mt. Emeishan
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Mt. Lushan
• Mt. Putuoshan
• Mt. Wutaishan
• Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
• Mt. Jiuhuashan
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Dai Temple
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• Bailin Temple, Great Zen Buddhist Center

city highlights

• Dunhuang
• Dengfeng
• Luoyang
• Taishan
• Emeishan
• Leshan
• Shijiazhuang

Five Great Mountains attraction highlights

The Five Great Mountains, associated with Taoism, refer to Mt. Taishan in the east (Shandong), Mt. Huashan in the west (Shaanxi), Mt. Hengshan in the south (Hunan), Mt. Hengshan in the north (Shanxi), and Mt. Songshan in the center (Henan). According to Chinese mythology, the Five Great Mountains originated from the limbs and the head of Pangu, who is the first being and creator of the world.

• Mt. Songshan
• Mt. Taishan
• Mt. Huashan
• Mt. Hengshan
• Mt. Hengshan

city highlights

• Xi'an
• Dengfeng
• Datong
• Taishan
• Hengyang

Taishan FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. How is the weather in Shandong? Anything to prepare?

  Food

1. What to notice about dining in Shandong?

  Shopping

1. What are some local products in Shandong? What to notice when buying them?

  Travel

1. What should I notice when visiting scenic spots?

• How is the weather in Shandong? Anything to prepare?

  There is a big difference between morning and nights temperature. The average temperature is between 16-26 degrees C, so you should put on or take off clothes at suitable times to prevent from catching a cold. Wear warm clothes when climbing Mt.Taishan, because the temperature on the mountain can be 8 C 10 degrees lower than at the foot of the mountain. Dont forget to bring raincoats or umbrellas.

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• What to notice about dining in Shandong?

  • The food in Shandong belongs to Lu cuisine. The seasoning of Lu cuisine is a bit strong, so that there is a big difference between Lu cuisine and Yue Cuisine. If you dont like strong seasoning you can ask for light seasoning dish.
  
  
  • Drink enough water, and eat more fresh fruit.
    
    
  • Do not eat food or snack at the little stands along the street, they might not be clean.
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• What are some local products in Shandong? What to notice when buying them?

  Shandong local products
  Donkey-hide Glue, kites, grass art works, green stones from Mt.Laoshan, gyrophora, tommy knocker, Longkou Vermicelli, Dezhou Braised Chicken, pancake, Yantai apples, Laiyang pears, Laoshan green tea, etc.

  Notice: make sure the products you buy are all real, and worth the price.
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• What should I notice when visiting scenic spots?

  • It is very crowded in some hot scenic spots, so please follow your guide closely, in case you will get lost.
  
  
  • Take good care of you personal belongings, especially your passport.
  
  
  • Please do not reach your head or hand out of the window when in the tour bus.
  
  
  • Protect historical sites and the plants around, do not draw or carve on the architectures.
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