I hope you can appreciate the beauty of Tai'an.

Day 1: The Majesty of Mount Taishan and the Night Hike Experience Morning: Tianwaicun Hiking Starting Point Take the scenic bus (CNY 35/person, approx. 20 minutes) from Tianwaicun Tourist Center directly to Zhongtianmen. Those with plenty of energy can choose to hike to the summit (approx. 3 hours), passing Yunbu Bridge and the Five Scholar Trees along the way, and experience the cultural heritage of the cliffside stone carvings. Those with limited energy are advised to take the cable car from Zhongtianmen (CNY 100 for a one-way ticket) directly to Nantianmen, overlooking the sea of clouds in the mountains. Afternoon: The Scenery at the Summit After reaching the summit, visit Tianjie Street, Jade Emperor Peak, and the "Five Mountains Peerless" stone. It is recommended to bring a CNY 5 bill to take a photo with the stone carving. If you choose to hike at night, you can refer to the special forces route of "meeting at Hongmen at 2 AM" and climb to the summit in 3.5 hours to watch the sunrise (bring a flashlight and a light down jacket). Evening: Hot Spring Relaxation After descending the mountain, it is recommended to go to Culaishan Hot Spring (Qianfengtang). The ancient spring water from the Tang Dynasty is smooth and can relieve mountain climbing fatigue. Day 2: Historical Heritage and Lively Old Streets Morning: Exploring Dai Temple As the starting point for emperors to offer sacrifices to heaven, Dai Temple requires a focus on the murals in Tiankuang Hall, the Millennium Han Cypress (2,100 years old), and the Three Treasures of Mount Taishan (Wenliang Jade Tablet, Agarwood Lion, and Yellow Glazed Porcelain Gourd). It is recommended to rent a tour guide (approx. CNY 20) to learn more about the history. Afternoon: Dongping Lake Cruise Drive for 1 hour to Dongping Lake (free admission). It is recommended to rent a boat for sailing or cycling along the lake. In autumn, the reeds sway and egrets fly. The "Long River Sunset" scenery at dusk is particularly stunning. Evening: Taian Old Street Carnival After returning to the city, go straight to Taian Old Street. Must-try foods: • 🌮 Taishan Pancake: Freshly made thin pancake rolled with scallions/red scale fish, crispy, salty and fragrant • 🍢 Taishan Fried Chicken: Local free-range chicken with green peppers, full of wok hei • 🍧 Sanmei Tofu Pudding: Made with Taishan spring water, smooth, tender and sweet At night, you can watch the 7D music fountain show, and on weekends there are also intangible cultural heritage performances such as shadow puppetry. Day 3: Tianwaicun Surroundings and Hidden Gems Morning: Tianwaicun Cultural Circle • 🏞 Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool): A 10-minute walk away, it is said to be the location of the Taishan dragon vein. The stream is cool in summer. • 🏯 Daizong Archway: The starting point of the central axis of Mount Taishan. The stone archway from the Tang Dynasty and the millennium-old pagoda tree form an excellent photography spot. Afternoon: Caishixi Easy Hike Take a bus from Tianwaicun to Caishixi (free). The colorful pebbles and clear flowing water in the stream complement each other, making it suitable for families to play in the water (prepare stream tracing shoes). Before returning, a surprise: Experience Shandong-style braised pork at "Chao Yi Xing" fast food restaurant next to Taishan Railway Station. The fatty but not greasy braised pork with rice is a carbohydrate bomb. Accommodation Recommendations • 🏨 Four Points by Sheraton Tai'an, Baolong: Near the old street, the rooms offer panoramic views of Mount Taishan • 🏡 Jiunvfeng Homestay: Wild luxury style, with a starry sky terrace and mountain view hot spring (suitable for self-driving tourists) Useful Tips 1. Transportation: City buses No. 3/4 connect Dai Temple and Tianwaicun; a taxi to Dongping Lake costs about CNY 80 2. Tickets: Mount Taishan CNY 115 (including Dai Temple), Caishixi is free, Dongping Lake cruise is CNY 50/person 3. Equipment: Hiking poles (hotels often provide them for free), non-slip shoes, sunscreen 4. Things to avoid: Taian Old Street is not a real historical site, it is recommended to focus on the food experience; night climbing at Hongmen requires advance ticket booking