Tai'an

Tai 'an City is located at the southern foot of Mount Tai in the middle of Shandong Province, with Jinan, Zibo and Linyi cities in the east, Jining City in the south, Liaocheng City and Puyang City in Henan Province across the Yellow River in the west, Taishan and Jinan City as the boundary in the north, between 116°20 '-117 °59' east and 35°38 '-36 °28' north, with a total area of 7762 square kilometers.

By the end of 2022, Tai 'an City has 5.401 million permanent residents, and the urbanization rate of permanent residents is 65.45%.

Tai'an is a really small town compared to Qingdao and Jinan, however, there are more of places worth your seeing and potentially help you to understand the Chinese traditional beliefs.

As of October 2022, Tai'an City administers 2 district-level cities, 2 county-level cities, and 2 counties. The Tai'an City People's Government is located at 3 Wangyue East Road, Taishan District.

• Taishan Distric. Taishan District is located in the central part of Tai'an City and serves as the seat of the Tai'an City Party Committee and City Government. It is the political, economic, technological, cultural, and tourism center of the entire city. Taishan District is situated to the north, backed by Mount Tai, and bordered by Daiyue District of Tai'an City to the east, west, and south. It shares its northern border with Licheng District and Changqing District of Jinan City. The total area covers 336.86 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 5 streets, 2 towns, and 1 township: Daimiao Street, Caiyuan Street, Taiqian Street, Shanggao Street, Xujialou Street, Shengzhuang Town, Qiujia Dian Town, and Dajinkou Township. (updated Nov 2023)
• Daiyue District. Daiyue District is located on the sunny side of Mount Tai, along the banks of the Wen River, in the heart of the Qilu region. It is situated to the north of the provincial capital, Jinan, and to the south of Confucius's hometown, Qufu. It is known as the midpoint of the "One Mountain, One River, One Sage" tourist line. Daiyue District is the birthplace of the ancient "Dawenkou Culture" and has been renowned since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods as a "land of ancient civilization and fertile soil, where the Qi and Lu states must compete for the fields of Wenyang." It covers a total area of 917.2 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 3 streets, 14 towns, and 1 township: Zhoudian Street, Tianping Street, Beijipo Street, Shankou Town, Zhuyang Town, Fan Town, Jiaoyu Town, Culai Town, Manzhuang Town, Xiazhang Town, Daolang Town, Huangqian Town, Dawenkou Town, Mazhuang Town, Fangcun Town, Liangzhuang Town, Xiagang Town, and Huamawan Township. (updated Nov 2023)
• Xintai City. Xintai City is located in the central part of Shandong Province and is one of the top 100 counties nationwide. It is also one of the 15 medium-sized cities designated for key development in Shandong Province. Xintai City was selected as one of the Forbes China's Best County-level Cities during the 7th Forbes China County-level City Ranking. It ranked 25th in the province's scientific development assessment for counties, and it held the 38th position among China's top 100 counties in terms of comprehensive strength for small and medium-sized cities in 2016. Xintai City has received 68 national-level honors, including the title of National Hygienic City, and 78 provincial-level honors, such as being one of the first provincial-level demonstration cities for e-commerce. It covers a total area of 1946 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 3 streets,17towns, and 1 township: Qingyun Street, Xinwen Street, Xinfu Street, Dongdu Town, Xiaoxie Town, Zhai Town, Quangou Town, Yangliu Town, Guodu Town, Xizhangzhuang Town, Tianbao Town, Loudi Town, Yucun Town, Gongli Town, Guli Town, Shilai Town, Fangcheng Town, Liudu Town, Wennan Town, Longting Town, and Yuejiazhuang Township. (updated Nov 2023)
• Feicheng City. formerly known as Feizi State, derives its name from this historical association. Located in the middle of Shandong Province, at the western foot of Mount Tai, Feicheng City has received numerous accolades and honors, including being designated a National Hygienic City, an Advanced City in Public Safety Construction, a Forest City, a Water-saving City, an Advanced Cultural County, a Nominee for the Civilized City title, a county with basic balanced development in compulsory education, and recognition with awards like the China Environment Award, the National Model City for Land Resource Conservation and Intensive Use, the Circular Economy Demonstration County, the Green Shade Action Demonstration City, and the Human Settlement Environment Award. It covers a total area of 1,277 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 10 towns and 4 streets: Chaoquan Town, Hutun Town, Shiheng Town, Taoyuan Town, Wangzhuang Town, Anzhan Town, Sunbo Town, Anzhuang Town, Bianyuan Town, and Wenyang Town, as well as Xincheng Street, Laocheng Street, Wangguadian Street, and Yiyang Street. (updated Nov 2023)
• Ningyang County. Ningyang County is situated in the western part of Shandong Province, in the southern region of Tai'an City. It is located at the center of the tourism triangle formed by Mount Tai, Qufu, and Shuiboliangshan. To the east, it borders Xintai City, to the west, it connects with Wenshang County, and to the south, it shares a boundary with Yanzhou City. It shares its borders to the southeast with Qufu City and Sishui County, while to the north, it is separated by the Dawai River from Daiyue District and Feicheng City. Ningyang County is positioned between 116°36' to 117°38' east longitude and 35°40' to 35°37' north latitude. It covers a total area of 1,125 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 2 streets, 10 towns, and 1 township: Wenmiao Street, Baxianqiao Street, Sidian Town, Dongshu Town, Fushan Town, Kangcheng Town, Jiangji Town, Ciyao Town, Huafeng Town, Geshi Town, Dongzhuang Town, Heshan Town, and Xiangyin Township. (updated Nov 2023)
• Dongping County. Dongping County is located in the southwestern part of Shandong Province, at the confluence of the Yellow River, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and the Da Wen River. It is the birthplace of the Water Margin culture and boasts over 400 natural and cultural attractions, including 5 national-level scenic areas and points of interest.
  Dongping Lake, with a total area of 627 square kilometers, is the second-largest freshwater lake in Shandong Province. It serves as a crucial hub for the eastern route of the South-North Water Transfer Project. The lake is also the last remaining water area of the "Eight Hundred Li Waters." It features pristine wetlands covering approximately 40 square kilometers.
  The county covers a total area of 1,343 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 3 streets, 9 towns, and 2 townships: Zhoucheng Street, Pengji Street, Shahezhan Town, Laohu Town, Yinshan Town, Banjiudian Town, Jieshan Town, Dayang Town, Timen Town, Xinhuzhen Town, Daimiao Town, Shanglaozhuang Township, and Jiuxian Township. (updated Nov 2023)
• The Mt. Tai is the mountain believed to be the palace of gods. With Mt. Helly (Haolishan, 蒿里山) the palace and entrance of hell. There is a river call River Null (Naihe, 奈河, which sounds like 奈何, means helplessness of the death of a life) which is believed to the boundary of the mortal world (Yang, 阳) and the afterlife (Yin, 阴).There are mainly 3 ways to the top of Mt. Tai, since all are prepared for the royal visit, they are called Royal Way or Okimichi. East Royal Way is from Peak Candle (Peak Tianzhu, 天烛峰), West is from the Blossom Valley (Taohuayu or Tyohwa Valley or Peach Blossom Valley, 桃花峪). The Main Royal Way is the most popular choice since it is in the town centre. It goes from the Red Gate (Hom-Men, Hongmen, 红门), via Goddess Pool (Wangmuchi, 王母池), God's cave (Dongbin Cave, 洞宾洞), Confucius footpath (Kongzi Deng Lin Chu, 孔子登临处), then there are cable way to the Middle Haven Gate (Zhongtianmen, 中天门) and then a sharp mountain way called 18 Turns (Shibapan, 十八盘) to the main gate Haven Gate (Nantianmen, 南天门).On the top there are Biha Palace (bixiaci, 碧霞祠, the palace of goddess and god of the ultimate power and who bless the people).

• 🌍 Culai Mountain (徂徕山). 08:00-17:00. Culai Mountain, also known as Longlai Mountain or Tuolai Mountain, is the sister mountain of Mount Tai. This mountain range runs from northeast to southwest, stretching continuously for 29 kilometers and covering a total area of 250 square kilometers. Its main peak, Taiping Peak, rises to an elevation of 1027 meters, with a relative height of over 800 meters. It is located about 30 kilometers in a straight line from Mount Tai's Yuhuang Peak. Culai Mountain is situated approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Mount Tai and 40 kilometers west of Xintai City. It encompasses a total area of 250 square kilometers, with 97 peaks and more than 100 scenic spots. Over 2500 years ago, it was celebrated in the "Book of Songs" as the "Culai Pine.". (updated Nov 2023)
• 🌍 Dai Miao Temple (the Temple of God of Tai Shan). one of the three most important temples in China, initially built 2000 years ago rebuilt around 1600. ¥40. 
• 🌍 Tai Shan peak (Jade Emperor Peak, 玉皇顶). See main article.Taishan, also known as Daishan, Daizong, Daiyue, Dongyue, Tai Yue, one of the five mountains, there is "the first of the five mountains", "the first mountain in the world" said. 
• 🌍 Old Town Hall (Laoxianya, 老縣衙), 通天街. Nearby you can find various art collections to be sold. (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Fairyland (天外村). The start point of New Middle Royal Path to the peak. Also bus terminus for service to Middle Heaven Gate. (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Puchao Temple (普照寺). Puzhao Temple is located in Daguan Town, Dujiangyan City, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province. Temple is dedicated to the heart lotus monk Yinghua master, the construction of the time has been impossible to investigate, according to the "Puzhao Temple source flow record" : "Temple several dynasties, the world has descendants, the end of the Ming fire in offering." The original temple was burned by Zhang Xianzhong at the end of the Ming Dynasty. ¥5. (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Red Gate (红门, Hom-Men). Red Gate , full name Taishan Red Gate Palace, is located in Tai 'an City, Shandong Province and Licheng and Changqing county in the southern foot of Taishan Wangmu Lake northwest. It is the starting point of climbing Mount Tai, because there are two red doors on the northwest cliff, which look like doors and get its name. (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Daicong Gateway (岱宗坊). Daicong Gateway was built on the platform, four pillars and three doors type stone square, rough and simple shape, forehead title seal character "Daizong square" three golden characters, there is a sign of guiding effect. It was rebuilt during the eighth year of Qing Dynasty (1730). In front of the square, there are nine years of Yongzheng "re-repair of Taishan oracular monument" and "Taishan Monument" east and west face each other.
  Historical evolution. (updated Feb 2016)🌍 Blossom Valley (Tyohwa Valley, Taohuayu, 桃花峪). Quiet peach blossom Valley can not hear the noise of the people, only hear the sound of gurgling brook and graceful bird song, but see the water abundant grass beauty, flowers numerous trees. Valley full of herbs, everywhere is treasure. Flowers along the way full of valley, bamboo forest green. Peach Blossom Valley because of the deep Qingtan river, remote secluded, water quality has not been polluted, the highest oxygen content, less minerals, low hardness, become the breeding ground of Taishan red scale fish, gold, silver, iron, grass and other four different species of red scale fish are living here. The vegetation in the valley is abundant, and the trees are mainly Pinus tabularis, and there are Huashan pine, black pine, red pine, Libra, Alder and so on. In autumn, daylily, south snake vine, Pentagon maple, pineapple trees like gorgeous satin, the mountains and cliffs dressed in colors. (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Helly Mountain (蒿里山), Located in the south of Taishan Railway Station, Tai 'an City. it was called "Gaoli Mountain" before the Han Dynasty. For the ancient emperor's place of Zen, "historical records" said: "December a afternoon new day, on the pro Zen Gaoli, temple after the soil." In the Book of Han, there are many records of Emperor Wudi's "pro-Zen Gaoli". About to the Wei and Jin dynasties, there appeared "Artemisia" said. Haoli Mountain once built a large scale Haoli Mountain shrine, also known as the temple of Forest. (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Goddess Pool (王母池), Tai 'an city, Shandong Province, ring road east head. Goddess Pool is divided into two chambers. There is Wangmu Spring in the front yard. The spring water is clear and sweet. The backyard for the seven true hall, the temple of clay sculptures look different, lifelike. The east is the pavilion of the waterfall, and the west has the old Jun Hall, which once displayed the "Yuanyang Stela" of the Tang Dynasty (now moved to Tai 'an Dai Temple). (updated Feb 2016)
• 🌍 Dongping Lake Scenic Area (东平湖风景区), located in Laohu Town, Dongping County, Tai'an City, Shandong Province. In ancient times, Dongping Lake was known by various names such as "Liao Er Wa," "Da Ye Ze," "Ju Ye Ze," "Liang Shan Bo," and "An Shan Hu." It wasn't until the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty that it was officially named Dongping Lake. It is a preserved water area mentioned in the classic Chinese novel "Water Margin" (also known as "Outlaws of the Marsh"), covering a stretch of water over 800 li (around 400 kilometers). In 1985, it was declared a provincial-level scenic area by the Shandong Provincial People's Government. It is also an important attraction along the Shandong Province's Water Margin-themed tourism route. (updated Nov 2023)

• 🌍 Tai'an Fantawild Joy World, Located to the north of Mingtang Road in the eastern New District of Taishan District, ☏ 400-166-0006 (domestic). It is a fourth-generation large-scale high-tech science fiction theme park, consisting of 17 themed project areas including "Dinosaur Crisis," "Extreme Flight," "Mysterious Valley,""Liaozhai,""Mount Vesuvius,""Conch Bay,""Future Police,""Light of Life," and more. It offers over 300 themed, recreational, and scenic attractions and is designed to accommodate an annual visitor volume of 4 million people. Standard ticket: ¥240 Child ticket: ¥180 Senior ticket: ¥180. (updated Nov 2023)
• 🌍 Wanda Cinema, 4F, No. 306, Tai'an Avenue, Tai'an District. 9:00—2:00. There will be the latest movies of the moment in theaters, perfect for watching a movie at your leisure. (updated Nov 2023)

Supermarket called In-Zone and RT-mart are near the Taishan train station (not the high-speed rail station) where all kinds of Chinese daily foods are available, also KFC therein.

• 🌍 Wanda shopping center, Taishan Street, Taishan District. 9:00—22:00. A great place for a shopping experience as well as relaxation and entertainment. (updated Nov 2023)

• 🌍 Food Street, Located in Daiyue District, Tai'an City. the Food Street is an old street with a long history. There are many traditional snacks and restaurants here, including couple's lung slices, cut cakes, flat food, fungus fried rice cakes, etc. These delicacies are famous for their high quality, low price and pure taste. Many time-honored brands have been in operation for decades and are an important part of Tai'an's catering culture. Walking on this old street, it seems to travel through time and space, feeling a strong sense of history and the warmth of the world. (updated Dec 2023)
• 🌍 In Zone Mart (銀座商城). Go to the underground floor for local food market! (updated Feb 2016)
• Fanzhen Fire (Taishan Fire) (泰安火烧). This is a traditional snack with complete color, aroma and taste. It is produced in Fan Town, Daiyue District, Tai'an City, Shandong Province, and is known as the first food in Fan Town. (updated Dec 2023)
• Tai Shan Lard-fired Pancakes. a symbol of Tai Shan's famous cuisine, were included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List of Shandong Province in 2011. The production process for Tai Shan Lard-fired Pancakes is both unique and complex. The ingredients used include lard, flour, yeast, old dough, sesame, and various seasonings. The making of Tai Shan Lard-fired Pancakes involves steps like rendering lard, kneading the dough, allowing it to ferment, preparing the pancake, adding seasonings, and both inner and outer baking. Rendering the lard alone takes over an hour, and the entire process typically spans three to four hours. (updated Nov 2023)
• Local food can be found north to Taishan Station, called Kangfu Rd (Hospital Rd, 康复路).
• Taishan's Three Beauties (泰山三美). is a famous Tai'an-style cuisine. Tai'an, known for its high-quality cabbage, tofu, and Tai'an spring water, has long been celebrated as the "Three Beauties of Tai'an." Tai'an cabbage is known for its large size, firm texture, and absence of fibers. Tai'an tofu boasts a fine and pure texture, tender but not tough. Tai'an spring water is clear, sweet, and refreshing, with few impurities. During the Tang Dynasty in the year 736, both Li Bai and Du Fu, when they resided in Shandong, frequently visited Mount Tai and savored the flavors of the "Three Beauties of Tai'an" cuisine. The saying "Traveling the mountains without tasting the Three Beauties, you'll miss the full charm of Mount Tai" is a well-known local praise for the delicious Three Beauties dishes. (updated Nov 2023)
• Tai'an Pancakes. are one of the distinctive foods in Tai'an, with a history of over a thousand years of pancake preparation. The production process, while not overly complex, relies on specific ingredient proportions. When freshly baked, these pancakes are crispy, fragrant, and slightly tangy in flavor. What sets Tai'an pancakes apart from those in other parts of Shandong is the additional fermentation step in the processing, giving them a subtle sour taste. (updated Nov 2023)

• 🌍 AShui Big Cup of Tea, No. 138, Area B, Commercial Street, Wanda Plaza, Taishan Street. 9:00—21:30. A variety of milk tea and fruit tea drinks, a beverage brand unique to Shandong, can be tried. (updated Nov 2023)

• 🌍 Taian International Hostel. 
• 🌍 Ramada Plaza Taian Dongzun Hotel, At the bottom of Taishan Mountain, No. 16, East Ying Sheng Road. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel is a five-star hotel with a convenient location to climb Mount Tai. Bathtub refrigerator and other facilities are complete. Recommended for business trips or family trips. 450-898. (updated Nov 2023)
• 🌍 Taishan Baosheng Hotel, No. 367, Yingsheng Road, Taishan City. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. One of the most highly rated hotels, conveniently located close to the business district for eating and drinking. 448-668. (updated Nov 2023)

Emergency numbers: 110 - Police, 119 - Fire, 120 - First aid, 122 - Traffic accidents

• Linyi (临沂 Línyí) is a city in southeastern Shandong province, China, with a long history. It is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
• Mount Tai (泰山 Tài Shān) is a sacred mountain in Shandong, China, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Jinan (济南 Jǐnán) ， also known as Quancheng, Qizhou and Luoyi, is a prefecture-level city, provincial capital, sub-provincial city, mega-city and core city of Jinan metropolitan Area in Shandong Province. It is a central city in the southern wing of Bohai Sea area approved by The State Council.
• Qingdao (青岛; Qīngdǎo; also known as Tsingtao), is regarded by some Chinese as one of the most beautiful and cleanest cities in China.