[WHS #0038: Visited on April 29, 2017]

Taishan is inscribed in all 6 cultural criteria and criterion vii (superlative natural phenomena or natural beauty). Listed prior to the idea of cultural landscapes, inscription under criterion vii seems odd today as Taishan’s natural beauty/phenomena is short of being universally exceptional. The views at the top is pretty but typical of mountain vista. Rather, it is in the harmony with the cultural aspects where Taishan stands out not only in terms of its architectural elements but also of the ideas it represented and originated.

Like a true pilgrim, I climbed Taishan in the middle of the night hoping to reach the summit in time for the sunrise. Taking the 8PM train from Beijing on a Friday night, I arrived at Tai’an just after midnight. A quick cab ride from the station brought me to the Red Gate, the starting point the climb.

Night climb was as popular as any time of day, evident from long lines at the ticket counters when I arrived. Climbing up with lots of people made the journey less spooky and elevated it into a communal experience with everyone having the same goal. The route was dotted with many stone inscriptions and temples but only a few were visible in the dark with a torch. There were pit stops along the way where you see people curled-up in the rented sleeping bags. There were also stores selling different beverages to reinvigorate the journey up. On some stops near the temples, you will be delighted with the surreal glow of auspicious red ribbons tied by pilgrims on tree branches (in photo). The climb was certainly exhausting with over 6600 steps. And you could see people left and right sitting along the ledge catching a nap.

Did I reach the peak before sunrise? Lack of sleep and exhaustion took its toll. At 98% of the way, within a few hundred steps from the Jade Emperor Peak, the sun was already out. I laid my travel blanket on a ledge and slept for an hour. I then continued my journey up to explore the temples and see summit. The top was crowded but people were dispersed. I found my own space on a cliffside with scenic views, continued my sleep and occasionally interrupted with the raucous of tourists. After exploring the summit, the temples and the inscriptions, I took the cable car down fully satisfied with the visit.

Taishan remained one of my most memorable WHS sites. The cathartic journey, the emotional payoff, the sites and the history makes Taishan, in my opinion, one of the best WHS in China.