Aolai Peak

Aolai Peak

Aolai Peak is located about 2 kilometers northwest of Wuji Temple along the western route of Mount Tai, leading to Tianshengzhai, the site of the Red Eyebrows Army camp during the late Western Han Dynasty. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it boasts a perilous terrain. On the northern cliff there is a stone cave, inscribed with the name “Jade Emperor Cave,” where you can see the sky through three openings, hence also called “Three-Viewing-Sky Cave.” In front of the cave, the foundations of houses, flag-raising stones, post holes, and mortars remain intact. To the southwest lies a horse-running field, and to the northwest lies a martial arts training ground. Further north in the mountain hollow are three caves, one of which is inscribed “Xianyang Cave.” In the early Yuan Dynasty, the monk Tongkuangxingquan built a thatched hut here, and during the Republican era, it served as a place for female Taoists to practice.

To the northwest of the camp stands a peak resembling a majestic lion, named Lion Peak, commonly known as Camel Peak or Crested Chicken Peak. To the west lies another towering, steep peak with uniquely red cliffs, named Fanzi Cliff. During the Ming Dynasty, Yang Bo inscribed the words “Immortal’s Palm” here. The peak is extremely steep and can only be climbed to the summit via ropes from the southwest corner.

The Red Eyebrows Army once set up a watchtower at the summit. In the Ming Dynasty, the successful candidate in the imperial examinations Wang Wuyu built a house atop the cliff, and later erected a thatched hut below it, naming it the Western Mountain Villa. There is a local legend that says, “Open Fanzi Cliff, and treasures of gold and silver will come home.” In 1990, steps were carved along the cliff and a ladder, known as the Cloud Ladder, was constructed to facilitate climbing.

To the west of the cliff lies Aolai Peak, also known as Lotus Peak. Though not as high as the main peak of Mount Tai, it is sharp and steep, standing proudly without bowing to Mount Tai, hence the local saying: “Aolai is high, Aolai is high, close up it rivals Tai, from afar it sits midway on the mountain.” To the southeast, beneath the sheer cliff, lies Moon Cave, which contains Moon Spring. The spring water flows down from the cave ceiling, forming icicles in winter that persist into spring, resembling an ice grotto in a dragon palace.

Wuji Temple is an ancient temple on Mount Tai with a history of a thousand years. It is famous for its abundant spring water, which is sweet, clear, and can be consumed directly or used to brew tea after boiling.

The temple consists of a mountain gate, the main hall, east and west side halls, and meditation rooms. The couplet at the mountain gate reads: “Five hundred hidden under the Tiantai Rock, three thousand concealed atop the Sumeru Peak.” The main hall within the courtyard is built of stone, with three rooms and an inscription above the door reading “Mysterious Wonder of the Void.” The couplets read: “Jade towers and splendid blossoms, the immortal gardens of high mountains; green jade and emerald waters overlook the Kunlun.” The plaque above the eastern window reads “Celestial Ancestor of Mount Tai,” with the couplet: “Enveloping yin and nurturing yang, the origin of the two principles; opening heaven and earth, the foundation of all teachings.” The western window is inscribed “The True Form of Heaven and Earth,” with the couplet: “Bestowing sweet rain, the compassionate clouds cast shade; broadly opening the path to enlightenment, the precious moon shines brighter.” In front of the main hall are three side rooms each on the east and west, while the western courtyard serves as the meditation area, with three rooms on the west and three on the south.