Mount Tai (Taishan)
Location
About
The foremost of China's Five Sacred Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site where 72 emperors performed the Feng and Shan sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, and where Confucius declared 'the world is small.'
Significance
For 3,000 years the most politically and spiritually important mountain in China; the ritual ascent to perform the Feng sacrifice was a declaration of a dynasty's legitimacy in the Confucian-imperial worldview.
History & Historical Arc
Emperor Qin Shi Huang performed the first Feng sacrifice in 219 BCE; Han Emperor Wu performed it eight times; a continuo…
Archaeological Notes
The Dai Temple (Daizong Fang) at the mountain's base is one of China's four great ancient architectural complexes, datin…
Key Features & Structures
- South Heaven Gate (Nantian Men)
- Azure Clouds Temple (summit)
Visitor Information
Open year-round; cable car available for the upper section. The climb from Dai Temple takes 4–6 hours. Located adjacent …
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- UNESCO World Heritage List #437
- Naquin, Susan and Chün-fang Yü. 'Pilgrims and Sacred Sites in China' (1992)