Encountering the Beauty of China: Experiencing Poetry and the Faraway - Series on Traveling the Motherland, Part I - Comprehensive Edition (9) The Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks (Part 2)

📍 Huangshan · 👁 1 reads

Encountering the Beauty of China, Experiencing Poetry and the Faraway - Series on Traveling the Motherland, Part I - Comprehensive Edition (9) The Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks (Part 2)

Anhui - Huangshan - Huangshan

Jiangxi - Jiujiang - Lushan

Zhejiang - Wenzhou - Yandangshan

Shandong - Tai'an - Mount Tai (Eastern Sacred Peak)

Shaanxi - Huayin - Mount Hua (Western Sacred Peak)

Hunan - Hengyang - Mount Heng (Southern Sacred Peak)

China's 'Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks' are scattered across the land, some stretching for thousands of miles with graceful beauty, others towering above the earth with majestic grandeur. The 'Three Mountains' are places of ancient Chinese legends; the 'Five Sacred Peaks' are sites where Chinese culture flourished. The 'Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks' are the cradle of the Chinese nation, the earliest places where the ancestors settled, and are of great significance to the development and study of Chinese history and culture.

The 'Three Mountains' refer to Huangshan in Anhui, Lushan in Jiangxi, and Yandangshan in Zhejiang.

The 'Five Sacred Peaks' refer to Mount Tai (Eastern), Mount Hua (Western), Mount Heng (Southern), Mount Heng (Northern), and Mount Song (Central). They are named according to their positions east, west, south, north, and central relative to the Central Plains.

Anhui - Huangshan - Huangshan

Jiangxi - Jiujiang - Lushan

Zhejiang - Wenzhou - Yandangshan

Shandong - Tai'an - Mount Tai (Eastern Sacred Peak)

Shaanxi - Huayin - Mount Hua (Western Sacred Peak)

Hunan - Hengyang - Mount Heng (Southern Sacred Peak)

Mount Tai Scenic Area is located in Taishan District, Tai'an City, Shandong Province. Mount Tai is majestic, magnificent, and awe-inspiring. Since ancient times, it has been one of China's famous mountains, reputed as the foremost of the Five Sacred Peaks, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site for both culture and nature.

Mount Tai's peaks are steep and lofty, with spectacular natural scenery. The mountain also boasts numerous historical relics, stone carvings, religious temples, and other cultural attractions. Here, in spring, the mountaintop is covered in blossoms; in summer, it is lush green and pleasantly cool; in autumn, the leaves turn red and yellow, painting the forest in layers of color; in winter, rime ice often appears, creating a brilliant spectacle.

Shandong - Tai'an - Mount Tai (Eastern Sacred Peak)

1. After years of operation, Mount Tai has been developed into a very mature tourist attraction. There are multiple ways to ascend the mountain, whether on foot or by cable car and sightseeing bus, as you prefer. If you choose cable car and sightseeing bus, you can reach the summit quickly and easily. If you prefer to hike, there are several hiking trails available.

2. Many visitors who wish to watch the sunrise choose to climb Mount Tai at night. The Hongmen Visitor Center (entrance to the classic hiking route) is one of the few places among scenic spots nationwide that is open 24 hours a day.

3. If time and conditions permit, staying overnight on the mountain is a good option. There are several inns and hotels near Tianjie and Nantianmen for accommodation.

4. If you plan to hike, you need sufficient physical strength, endurance, perseverance, and mental preparation. Buying a hiking stick at the foot of the mountain for a small cost will be very helpful.

Shandong - Tai'an - Mount Tai (Eastern Sacred Peak)

Mount Hua is located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, also known as Taihua Mountain, and is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. The character 'Hua' in 'Zhonghua' (China) and 'Huaxia' (Chinese nation) originates from Mount Hua. The essence of Mount Hua's scenery is captured by the word 'precipitous'. 'Since ancient times, there has been only one path up Mount Hua' describes its perilous nature. Within the scenic area, there are thrilling spots such as the Plank Walk in the Sky, the Kestrel's Turn, and the Thousand-Foot Precipice, Hundred-Foot Gorge, and Laojun's Furrow carved into the cliffs. All who visit in person are awe-struck.

Mount Hua Scenic Area is vast. The main peak area is the core, including 'One Path up Mount Hua' and the five main peaks (East, West, South, North, Center). Most visitors refer to the main peaks when they come to Mount Hua.

Shaanxi - Huayin - Mount Hua (Western Sacred Peak)

1. The main peak of Mount Hua is at an altitude of 2,160 meters, making it the steepest among the Five Sacred Peaks and one of the most challenging climbing routes. Therefore, climbing Mount Hua is not only a test of willpower but also a contest of physical strength; be fully prepared.

2. Mount Hua has two cable car lines: the East Line and the West Line, reaching the North Peak and West Peak respectively. 'West up, North down' is the most popular one-day hiking route. This route takes the West Peak cable car up and the North Peak cable car down, covering most scenic spots in about 5-8 hours without backtracking.

3. During the climb, there are many steps, some extremely steep. Be sure to wear comfortable athletic (hiking) shoes. Also, prepare gloves, hiking poles, and other gear according to personal needs.

Shaanxi - Huayin - Mount Hua (Western Sacred Peak)

Mount Heng (Southern) is located in Nanyue District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province. Its highest peak is Zhurong Peak at about 1,300 meters. Among the Five Sacred Peaks, Mount Heng (Southern) is situated in the south, with relatively better climatic conditions, resulting in lush greenery and dense forests all year round, earning it the reputation of 'the most beautiful among the Five Sacred Peaks'.

The popular Chinese idiom 'Shou Bi Nan Shan' (Longevity as long as the Southern Mountain) refers to Mount Heng (Southern). This area is among the first batch of national key scenic spots, first batch of national 5A-level tourist attractions, national nature reserves, and national dual heritage of culture and nature.

Hunan - Hengyang - Mount Heng (Southern Sacred Peak)

1. It takes 40-50 minutes by scenic area shuttle bus from the visitor center to the mountain; it takes about 1 hour on foot from Nantianmen to Zhurong Peak. A round trip including bus ride, walking, and sightseeing takes at least 4-5 hours.

2. Around Nantianmen, there are sedan chair carriers who can take visitors up the mountain. If you cannot climb, you can hire a sedan chair for a fee.

3. At the foot of Mount Heng (Southern), the Nanyue Temple in Nanyue Town is a large-scale palace-style ancient architectural complex in southern China, grand in scale and with vibrant incense offerings. Most visitors to Mount Heng (Southern) will pay a visit here.

Hunan - Hengyang - Mount Heng (Southern Sacred Peak)

Mount Heng (Northern) is located south of Hunyuan County, Datong City. The scenic area includes Tianfengling, Cuipingfeng, and Qianfoling scenic spots. Mount Heng (Northern) not only boasts beautiful scenery but is also an important birthplace of Taoism. There are many Taoist temples on the mountain, and it is said that Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals, attained Taoist enlightenment here.

The Hanging Temple, a thousand-year-old temple. When arriving at the foot of Mount Heng (Northern), you can see the Hanging Temple perched halfway up the mountain, a structure above a deep abyss. The entire temple hangs on the steep cliff, ingeniously built using the uneven surface of the cliff, creating a unique and staggered layout. It is known by the saying, 'The Hanging Temple, half in the sky, suspended by three strands of horsetail.' It is famous for its perilous location. It is a unique temple that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, and is a key national cultural relic protection unit.

Shanxi - Datong - Mount Heng (Northern Sacred Peak)

1. When visiting Mount Heng (Northern), it's common to first visit the thousand-year-old Hanging Temple on the cliff under Cuiping Peak, then go to Tianfengling to explore the Taoist architectural complex and climb to the top for a distant view.

2. The Hanging Temple is located on the cliff of Cuiping Peak in Jinlong Gorge on Mount Heng (Northern). It was built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a history of over 1,500 years. It is one of the earliest and best-preserved high-altitude wooden cliff-side buildings in China, well worth a visit.

3. Taking the cable car, you can tour Mount Heng (Northern) in half a day, and reaching the summit is relatively easy and not too tiring, though the cable car ticket is a bit expensive.

Shanxi - Datong - Mount Heng (Northern Sacred Peak)

Mount Song Scenic Area is located in Dengfeng City, Henan Province, also known as the Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area. Mount Song consists of Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain, stretching along the south bank of the Yellow River. It not only boasts magnificent natural scenery such as Sanhuangzhai and Junji Peak, but is also an important birthplace of Chinese civilization. It is a famous scenic area in China and a UNESCO Global Geopark. There are many famous temples on the mountain, including the grand Zhongyue Temple and the Songyang Academy, one of the four great academies of ancient China.

Henan - Dengfeng - Mount Song (Central Sacred Peak)

1. Currently, the entire Mount Song area is divided into three major scenic areas: Shaolin, Songyang, and Zhongyue. The Shaolin Temple, Songyang Academy, and Zhongyue Temple are the core attractions of these three areas respectively.

2. The scenic areas and attractions are far apart. For visitors with limited time, choosing the core attractions according to personal preference is a time- and energy-saving option.

Henan - Dengfeng - Mount Song (Central Sacred Peak)