Old cypresses
Deep shade.
Zhangzhugang — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zhangzhugang — CC BY-SA 4.0 · xiquinhosilva — CC BY 2.0 · 祝鱼贵 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · rheins — CC BY 3.0 · Huanokinhejo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zhangzhugang — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 祝鱼贵 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A large walled temple complex in the centre of Tai'an at the foot of Mount Tai. It dates back to the Han dynasty, emperors held rites honouring Mount Tai here from the time of Emperor Wu in 110 BC, and it was rebuilt and greatly extended under the Song in 1008. The city of Tai'an grew up around it because of the many visitors it drew; a rammed-earth wall was built around it in 1162 and rebuilt in stone between 1511 and 1523. Inside are wide courtyards shaded by ancient cypresses, carved stone gateways and dozens of inscribed stelae from many periods, and from here the traditional route up Mount Tai begins. Tickets cost CNY 20, and it is also covered by the Mount Tai ticket; it is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm in spring and autumn, to 6 pm in summer and to 5 pm in winter, per visitor guides.
Deep shade.
Centuries of inscriptions.
Fine carving.
Central Tai'an, at the foot of Mount Tai, Shandong
Yes, the Mount Tai ticket covers the Dai Temple, which can also be visited alone for CNY 20, and the traditional route up the mountain starts here, per visitor guides.