Eighteen Bends
The steepest stairs.
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The highest point in Shandong province and the «Eastern Mountain» of China's Five Great Mountains, often counted the foremost of them; tied to sunrise and renewal, it has drawn worship and imperial rites for at least three thousand years and has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1987. Its Jade Emperor Peak rises about 1,545 metres; the traditional route starts at the Red Gate at its foot in Tai'an and climbs some 6,660 stone steps to the South Gate of Heaven, the most famous stretch being the steep «Eighteen Bends» with its eighteen hundred steps, past carved steles and cliffs inscribed by emperors and poets. The climb on foot takes two and a half to six hours; those who prefer not to walk ride the bus to the Midway Gate of Heaven and take the cable car to the top, many climb at night to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds, and at the foot of the mountain lies the broad Dai Temple with cypresses, some dating from the Han dynasty. Tickets cost CNY 115 from April to November and CNY 100 in winter, valid three days from the first entry and booked in advance in the visitor's name, while the Midway Gate cable car costs about CNY 100 one way, per visitor guides. Bring warm clothes for the sunrise wait, as the summit is cold even in summer.
The steepest stairs.
At the top.
Over a sea of clouds.
North of Tai'an city, Shandong
Two and a half to six hours from the Red Gate up some 6,660 steps; you can shorten it by taking the bus to the Midway Gate and then the cable car, per visitor guides.
Tai'an has noodle shops run by Hui Muslims under the halal sign, while the stalls on the mountain path offer limited choices, so bring snacks and enough water.