Located in the center of Shandong Province, Taian City lies at the south foot of Taishan Mountain and adjoins Jinan to the north, Qufu to the south, the Yellow River to the west and Zibo to the east. Tai'an is named after Taishan Mountain, wishing for a prosperous country and people at peace. Taishan Mountain is also the first scenic spot worth visiting. It has even become a synonym for Tai’ an.
Tai'an is famous for Taishan Mountain. In ancient times, Chinese people worshipped Taishan Mountain as there is a saying that if Taishan Mountain is stable, so is the entire China. So 13 Chinese emperors once offered sacrifices to Heaven and Earth on their own while 24 emperors sent officials to Taishan to sacrifice 72 times. Until now, more than 20 ancient buildings have been well preserved in Taishan Mountain which is also a sacred land for both Buddhism and Taoism. Of course, Tai’ an has other beautiful scenic spots such as Peach Blossom Ravine, Feicheng Peach Orchards World Scenic Area and Culaishan National Forest Park.
Facts of Tai'an
Chinese Name: 泰安 (tài ān)

Population: 5,635,000
Area: 7,761 square kilometers (2,996 square miles)
Location: in the central area of Shandong Province, east China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Taishan and Daiyue); 2 county-level Cities (Xintai and Feicheng); 2 counties (Ningyang and Dongping)
Area Code: 0538
Zip Code: 271000

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History of Tai'an
The area of Tai'an has a long history, with Taishan Mountain highly-regarded in  ancient times. The mountain was considered to be the first of the countries five sacred mountains, and was a place where emperors prayed for the fortunes of the nation. Taishan Mountain was also a focal point for religion in the area, providing a base for the likes of Buddhism and Taoism.

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What to see in Tai'an?
Tai'an is a noted tourist city. Although Taishan Mountain is the most celebrated of its attractions, other scenic spots, such as the Peach Blossom Ravine and Dai Temple, are also well worth a visit.

Taishan Mountain	Dai Temple	Culaishan National Forest Park

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When to visit Tai'an?
There are four distinctive seasons in Tai'an, and Taishan Mountain shows its varying beauty in the different seasons. Thus, no matter when you climb it, you will be happy with what you see. Even if you go to Taishan Mountain in summer (May to Jul.), please don't worry about high temperatures, as you can enjoy the cool weather under the big trees on the mountain. Additionally, after heavy rain in summer, the whole sky becomes suffused with a red glow. At that moment, standing on Taishan Mountain, you would be charmed with the dreamy color. And in fall (Aug. to Oct.), the sky is clear and the air is crisp. So, this period is ideal for you to climb Taishan Mountain. In winter (Nov. to Jan.), though the climate is very cold, you can enjoy more opportunities to appreciate the sunrise. By comparison with the three seasons that have been mentioned, the early spring (February to March) is windier. In conclusion, you should go there during April to November.

Even in summer, the weather is much cooler at the high altitudes of Taishan Mountain. It is advisable to take some warm clothing for your climb.

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How to reach Tai'an?
Located in the center of Shandong Province, Tai'an plays a very important role in connecting the northern China with the south: The No.104 National Highway and a number of other expressways connect the city with the capital of Shandong Province, Jinan to the north and the Confucius' hometown Qufu to the south. The famous Jinghu Railway (Beijing-Shanghai) crosses this city as well. This area has become well known due to tourism brought in by Taishan Mountain and the convenient traffic, which makes visiting the mountain easy. Typically visitors first travel to Jinan, then take a long-distance bus or train to the city. Downtown traffic in the city is also easy to navigate - bus routes and taxis will help you get around this city.

By Air: Usually visitors arrive through the Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport and then take the airport shuttle to this city. Each day, six buses shuttle between the Jinan Airport and the Taishan Shuttle Terminal (200 meters west of the City Stadium). The departure time from Jinan Airport is at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:30, 18:30 and 20:30. The charge is CNY60 per person and the tickets can be bought near No.11 and No.12 parking lot in front of door no 5 and 6 of the Arrival Hall on the first floor. Similarly, if you leave Tai'an for Jinan Airport, you can take the shuttles from the Taishan Shuttle Terminal. The departure time is 5:00, 8:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 and you can buy the ticket at CNY60 after getting on the shuttles.

By Train:  Tai'an City has two railway stations: Tai’an Railway Station mainly operating bullet trains is a little further from city center and Taishan Mountain. Taishan Railway Station specializing in normal trains is closer to city center and the mountain site.  Both of the stations have been connected with the Taishan Mountain by city buses, offering great convenience for tourists.

By Bus: There are two main coach stations in this city. One is Tai'an Coach Bus Station (Old), located at the joint of the Taishan Street, Longtan Road and Lingshan Street, Taishan District. With a big volume of passenger traffic, it provides more coaches. So, it would be a better choice for you. The other is the New Coach Bus Station, situated in the west section of the Dongyue Street, and the Bus No.1, 4, 5, 11, 16, 31, 32 can take you go there. If you're traveling to this city from Jinan, you can take a coach at the Jinan Coach Terminal (No.131 Jinuo Road, Jinan).

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Travel Tips
Local Food: With regard to local specialty foods, the people of Shandong are known throughout China as eaters of scallion wrapped in pancake. It is said that this type of food reflects the uncomplicated and honest nature of the local people. Of course, for those that do not eat scallion, there are numerous other types of filling available.
Recommended Tour: 4 days Shandong tour from Jinan to the hometown of Confucius and Taishan Mountain

 

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