Don't rush to leave after climbing Mount Tai! The city of Tai'an at the foot of the mountain hides many surprises

Many people come to Mount Tai just to rush to the summit to watch the sunrise, then leave quickly after. But they overlook Tai'an City at the foot of the mountain, a city that carries a thousand years of Mount Tai culture — this is the real place to experience Mount Tai culture. Having just enjoyed the weekend there, today I’m sharing some must-visit hidden gems. 1️⃣ Dai Temple As the largest existing ancient architectural complex on Mount Tai, here you can see the most complete Mount Tai culture. It’s recommended to go straight to the second floor, where near the Han Cypress Courtyard you can capture stunning shots of ancient buildings with Mount Tai in the background. The ticket costs 20 yuan (peak season), offering great value. 2️⃣ Old County Government Courtyard Preserving the soul of old Tai'an, it’s right opposite Dai Temple. The old buildings along this central axis are well preserved. Just walking around you can feel the lifestyle of old Tai'an residents, and the street food stalls are especially authentic. 3️⃣ Taishan Xiucheng Don’t forget that inside Taishan Xiucheng there are special seats engraved with the characters "Tai'an," and you can see Mount Tai from a distance! The most worthwhile experience here is the live-action performance "Mount Tai Beacon Fire." It’s so impressive, based on the real history of Tai'an Dawenkou. Trains 🚞 and armored vehicles 🛻 bring the atmosphere to life. The stunt performers are amazing 👍, with fire-breathing, siege scenes, and other traditional performances! 4️⃣ Tai Ji Cultural and Creative Specialty Warehouse Mount Tai shadow puppetry, fridge magnets, paper cuttings, Mount Tai stone talismans, and various interesting souvenirs! Plus cultural and creative products, all worth taking home. About Food: After climbing Mount Tai, you must try the "Three Beauties of Tai'an": tofu, cabbage, and water. The Mount Tai Tofu Banquet near the Old County Government is a must-try (recommend the "Three Beauties Tofu Soup," made with Mount Tai spring water, with a tender and smooth taste). You can be very satisfied for about 50 yuan per person. Also, Mount Tai baked flatbread is crispy outside and tender inside, only 3 yuan each, a local favorite. Climbing Mount Tai: Mount Tai, the foremost of the Five Great Mountains, is known as "The First Mountain Under Heaven." This peak in Tai'an, Shandong, stands at 1,545 meters and has been a place for imperial sacrifices since ancient times. Climb Mount Tai to feel the grandeur of "Standing on the summit, all other mountains seem small." The best climbing route is the Red Gate route, 7.8 kilometers long, taking about 4-6 hours to reach the summit. Along the way, you’ll pass famous spots like Zhongtianmen and Shibapan, enjoying both the fun of hiking and the ancient stone carvings. Night climbing is recommended to avoid crowds and catch the sunrise at the summit. Must-visit spots: 1️⃣ South Heavenly Gate: iconic Mount Tai building 2️⃣ Jade Emperor Peak: highest point of Mount Tai 3️⃣ Sunrise Peak: best spot to watch the sunrise 4️⃣ Bixia Temple: the most popular Taoist temple For the route of the "Supreme of the Five Great Mountains," see the attached map: starting from Red Gate, passing Zhongtianmen - Shibapan - South Heavenly Gate - Jade Emperor Peak. Finally, it’s recommended to explore the city before climbing the mountain, so you can save energy and gain a deeper understanding of Mount Tai culture. Remember to adjust your itinerary flexibly based on your stamina and time.