Say goodbye to flashlights, as night “climbing” Mount Tai becomes history and night “touring” Mount Tai becomes a reality.
On January 24th, the Mount Tai Scenic Area announced: A lighting scheme designed with the concept of “leaving the night for the stars” and positioned as “friendly and gentle, non-glaring light, warm illumination for visitors” has begun trial operation. From now on, you won’t need to bring flashlights for nighttime mountain climbing!
During the trial period, the lighting schedule for Mount Tai is as follows: Red Gate from 6:30 PM to midnight, Zhongtian Gate from 6:30 PM to 3 AM the next day, and Nantian Gate from 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM the next day. The schedule will be adjusted dynamically according to seasons.
Let’s join our friendly guide for a night tour of Mount Tai today!
1.Night Tour of Mount Tai
Climbing Mount Tai at night, watching the sunrise in the morning
Compared to daytime visits, climbing Mount Tai at night is a popular way for many people to experience the mountain. It not only provides exercise but also offers a different perspective of the scenery.
The new lighting illuminates Mount Tai with over 2,800 various types of lights installed along the hiking path from Red Gate to Nantian Gate and in the sunrise viewing area at the summit. Additionally, 60 meters of light strips and more than 140 surveillance cameras have been added along the route, making the scenery even brighter!
If you were captivated by the ancient stone inscriptions during your previous Mount Tai climb, you must visit again after the illumination upgrade.
Some of the ancient buildings and stone inscriptions such as “Endless Romance” and “Good Fortune” have been carefully illuminated and beautified. The summit area, including Zhanlu Platform, West God Gate, Jade Emperor Peak, and the Meteorological Station, has also undergone high-standard beautification and illumination, fully showcasing Mount Tai’s culture to visitors.
When climbing Mount Tai at night, you can not only observe the cultural beauty of the mountain but also gaze at the stars and experience its natural beauty. Night “climbing” Mount Tai has truly become night “touring” Mount Tai!
The advantage of nighttime hiking is that you can focus solely on climbing, greatly increasing efficiency. If you haven’t experienced Mount Tai at night yet, consider following this guide.
At the beginning of the climb, when your energy is high, there are stone railings along the path where you can rest at any time. After passing Zhongtian Gate, there’s a downhill stretch of over a li (about 500 meters). The lighting increases here, while the number of visitors becomes sparse. This is a good spot to take a short break and replenish your energy and water before continuing.
After Zhongtian Gate, the steps gradually become steeper. This section to Nantian Gate is the essence of the Mount Tai hike, featuring the Five Officials Pine, Duisong Ridge, Eighteen Bends, and numerous stone inscriptions and temples. Whenever you feel tired, look up at the starry sky to slowly gather motivation to continue.
A bit further, you’ll reach the famous Eighteen Bends. This area might be slightly more crowded, not because of the number of people, but because most hikers are tired by this point and compete for seats on the steps and railings to rest, narrowing the pathway.
Of course, you can choose to push through in one go, as you’re getting closer to the peak once you’ve passed the Eighteen Bends and reached Nantian Gate. Make sure to arrive at Sun Viewing Peak before sunrise, as it’s the prime location for watching the sunrise.
Be cautious of slippery surfaces on the summit path. The beautiful rime ice formations along the way will definitely help alleviate your fatigue. When the terminator line appears, the sunrise will surely sweep away all your exhaustion and cold!
Although it’s just a fleeting glance, sometimes not fully satisfying one’s curiosity is the best outcome. Du Fu’s verse, “Nature’s divine beauty, day and night divided by light and shadow,” aptly describes this scenic wonder.
Mount Tai Hiking Routes
Classic hiking route: Red Gate – Zhongtian Gate – Eighteen Bends – Nantian Gate – “Five Mountains Bow to This One” Stone – Jade Emperor Peak
Imperial route used by emperors throughout history: Dai Temple – Red Gate – Summit (passing the famous “Five Mountains Bow to This One” stone between Nantian Gate and Jade Emperor Peak; you can take a quick photo with your flashlight while it’s dark and less crowded before waiting for the sunrise).
Note: From January 24th, the Red Gate route (hiking to the summit) is open from 5:00 AM to midnight. The Tianwaicun route (driving to Zhongtian Gate) is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The Taohuagu route (driving into the mountain and then taking the cable car; however, hiking to the upper station of Taohuayuan cable car and the shuttle bus service are temporarily suspended) is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Due to snow and ice accumulation, the East Imperial Road, Taohuagu hiking trail, Tianzhu Peak, and other routes are temporarily closed.
Observing Mount Tai in Daylight
Witnessing sea of clouds and rime ice, a glimpse of earthly splendor
After the anticipation of the sunrise dissipates, fatigue sets in. Don’t rush to descend at this point, as you might witness Mount Tai’s natural wonders if you wait a while longer.
First, the most easily observable phenomenon at the summit is the winter-exclusive rime ice and frost. Ice crystals covering branches and buildings glisten like diamonds in the sunlight.
Standing at the summit, everything in sight becomes ice-sculpted trees and jade-like railings, creating a dreamlike, enchanting beauty.
The ice sculptures and jade-like formations sparkle, with mountains covered in white, trees adorned with layers of ice flowers, creating a scene full of poetic charm. Pure white, crystal-clear frost adorns the branches, transforming the summit into a fairyland.
From the mountaintop, looking out at the distant mountains, ground vegetation is encased in transparent ice, trees and vines are covered in ice crystals, resembling a frozen world from a fairy tale. The vast expanse of white is a spectacular sight, with delicate ice-covered flora creating an exquisite landscape.
The second wonder of Mount Tai is undoubtedly its dreamlike sea of clouds.
When the mist rises, the peak of Mount Tai is blanketed by white clouds stretching for miles, constantly changing shape with the wind. Looking around, mountain ranges are engulfed by thick fog, with only a few peaks peeking out like small coral reefs in a vast ocean.
The crystal-clear icicles, ethereal mist, and majestic or delicate snow formations in their thousands of shapes evoke countless joys.
As a gentle breeze blows, the sea of clouds ripples, with mountain peaks appearing and disappearing like elusive mystic islands. When the wind strengthens, the jade-like expanse transforms into a giant dragon, surging up and down, churning like a turbulent sea – this is Mount Tai’s famous “sea of clouds and jade plate” phenomenon.
Besides the sea of clouds, if you’re extremely lucky, you might encounter the “crossing clouds” phenomenon.
Mountains are more beautiful when clouds come, and picturesque when clouds go. When crossing clouds appear, the summit is immersed in swirling mist. The ever-changing clouds intertwine with the rolling mountains, alternating between thick and thin, revealing and concealing the peaks, adding a touch of softness to the majestic Mount Tai that stands tall in the east.
In fact, the sea of clouds itself isn’t particularly striking; the most beautiful sight is the few mountain peaks that appear and disappear within it. They resemble small boats in the sea, seemingly sailing forward in the brightening dawn of the east…
Important Notes
1.Wear warm clothing
The summit is quite cold and windy, with temperatures about 10-15 degrees Celsius lower than at the base. Although you can rent coats at the top, it’s best to bring your own thick, lightweight warm clothing.
2.Comfortable shoes
Don’t rush during the climb; maintain a steady pace as you ascend, and remember to rest along the way. A pair of lightweight, comfortable shoes is essential.
3.High-energy food
Bring high-energy foods like chocolate and beef jerky to replenish your energy. Many people climb Mount Tai at night, so safety isn’t a major concern, but some areas are quite steep, so caution is still necessary in the dark.
Night climbing can be exhausting, so pace yourself according to your abilities! Also, be mentally prepared for the possibility of not seeing the sunrise due to weather conditions.
I soar above the vast landscape of hills and valleys, living a life of freedom, rising with the wind.
We are born free, loving fearlessly. With mountains high and roads long, our passionate youth never retreats. While we’re young, how can we not climb Mount Tai at least once? We are forever young, forever on the road, forever possessing the courage and freedom to appreciate the beauty of this world and witness the vastness of mountains and rivers!
