First Trip to Dai Temple? Travel Guide

✨✨Dai Temple, located at the southern foot of Mount Tai in Tai'an, was first built during the Qin and Han dynasties and expanded during the Tang and Song dynasties. It served as a sacred site for emperors throughout history to perform the Feng and Shan ceremonies. ✨✨The main attractions of Dai Temple include Zhengyang Gate, Xuanhe Stele, Hanbai Courtyard, Hanbai Pavilion, Tang Huai Courtyard, Fusang Stone, Mount Tai Geological Museum, Tiankuang Hall, and the Exhibition Hall of Steles from Various Dynasties. 👉👉Tour Route: Dai Temple is divided into three routes: the east route, the central axis, and the west route. The main tour route covers the east route and the central axis (as these two routes have more cultural relics). You can take a detour along the city wall on the west route for an overlooking view. 👍Recommended Route:👍 ➡️Yao Can Alley → Dai Temple Archway → Zhengyang Gate → Bingling Gate → Hanbai Courtyard → East Imperial Palace → Ren'an Gate → Touching Fortune Stone → Tiankuang Hall → Copper Pavilion → Houzai Gate 📸 Must-See Attractions ✔️Zhengyang Gate A five-phoenix building from the Song Dynasty, it was the entrance to the central axis exclusively used by emperors. Taking photos here evokes a strong sense of history. ✔️Tiankuang Hall The main building of Dai Temple, "Tiankuang" means "heavenly gift," originating from the historical context of Emperor Zhenzong of Song promoting the divine right of kings. It features nine bays wide, five bays deep, a double-eaved octagonal roof, and soaring brackets, covered with yellow glazed tiles. A giant plaque inscribed with "Song Tiankuang Hall" hangs between the eaves. ✔️Hanbai Courtyard The 2,100-year-old Hanbai interlocking trees (planted by Emperor Wu of Han), with a stele and drawing personally created by Emperor Qianlong, are truly stunning. There are also other ancient cypresses like the "Azure Dragon Spitting Earthworm," "Red Eyebrow Axe Mark," and "Husband and Wife Interlocking" trees. The courtyard also houses ancient and modern stone carvings, including Mi Fu's "First Mountain" inscription. ✔️East Imperial Palace Located north of Hanbai Courtyard, formerly known as the Guest-Greeting Hall, the East Imperial Palace was built during the Yuan Dynasty as a resting place for high-ranking officials. During the 35th year of Qianlong's reign (1770), it was expanded and renamed the Imperial Sojourn Pavilion, becoming an imperial residence. The East Imperial Palace is currently the only well-preserved Qianlong Palace on Mount Tai. ✔️Tang Huai Courtyard The thousand-year-old Chinese scholar tree complements the Xiangfu Stele, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for quiet contemplation. The courtyard features attractions such as the Tang Huai Embracing its Child, the Huai Fragrance Pool, the Ancient Huai Shading the Mountain, the Hundred Stele Wall, and the Qianlong Emperor's Tang Huai Poem Stele. 🕙Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Tickets: 20 yuan/person 📍Address: 191 Dongyue Street, Taishan District, Tai'an City