The Mount Taishan, China is the main among the 'Five Sacred Mountains' of China. Mount Taishan also known as Mt. Tai is located in the center of Shandong Province, lying across the cities of Tai'an, Jinan and Zibo. The main peak of the mountain is the Jade Emperor Summit, which is located within the Tai'an City and is about 1532.7 meters (5,029 feet) high.
The Mount Taishan, China was once called Mt. Daishan, Mt. Daizong or Mt. Taiyue and was renamed as Mt. Taishan in the spring and Autumn Period during 770BC to 476BC. It symbolizes the splendid Chinese culture and was listed in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO in 1987.
In the ancient times, the first thing the emperor had to do before ascending to the throne was to climb Mount Taishan and pray to heaven and earth or their ancestors. It was said that 72 emperors of different dynasties made pilgrimages to this mountain. These special ceremonies and sacrifices earned the mountain widespread fame. In addition, many poets and literary scholars also visited the mountain to gain inspiration. The grandiose temples, the numerous stone inscriptions and stone tablets are the best testaments to these visits. Mt. Tai also played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Taoism.
Taishan Mountain is a natural museum abounding with cultural relics and artworks. Heavenly Queen Pool, Red Gate Palace, Mid-Heaven Gate, Azure Cloud Temple are powerful examples. Stone carvings include the Buddhist Diamond Sutra in Jing Shi Valley, the Scripture of Mt. Tai and the Mo Ya Tablet.