Don't easily give up on climbing Mount Tai on a rainy day — you'll often witness breathtaking sea of clouds at this time. And if you're lucky enough to catch a sunrise above the sea of clouds, that's even better.

The South Heaven Gate is located at the top of the Eighteen Bends, nestled in a low valley between Flying Dragon Rock and Soaring Phoenix Ridge, flanked by twin peaks as if a celestial gate has opened. It consists of two levels: the lower level is an arched gateway, while the upper level features a pavilion that adds to its majestic and imposing appearance.

Dazzling Heavenly Street – A Mountain Peak Lit Up

Just west of the South Heaven Gate is the Mount Tai Cable Car Station. Upon entering the gate, climb up two levels of platforms to the right to reach Heavenly Street. Historical records indicate that Heavenly Street has been bustling since the Qing Dynasty. This less-than-one-kilometer-long street is packed with hotels, restaurants, and shops. On clear nights, it’s said that the lights of Heavenly Street can be seen from the mountain foot, resembling a celestial market hanging in the sky. To the north past the stone memorial archway of Heavenly Street lies the former site of Emperor Qianlong’s temporary palace.

It’s still some distance from Heavenly Street to the Jade Emperor Hall and the Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai, but compared to the steep and winding mountain paths, this part is much easier. The Jade Emperor Temple sits atop Jade Emperor Summit, the highest peak of Mount Tai, once serving as the site where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven during their Mount Tai worship ceremonies. In front of the main hall of the Jade Emperor Temple lies the “Summit Stone,” marking the highest point of Mount Tai. The Jade Emperor Summit is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise on Mount Tai.

In front of Jade Emperor Summit and below Flat Summit Peak lies Grand View Peak, which is also quite spectacular. The most famous feature here is the engraved Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong’s “Inscription on Mount Tai.”

The “Inscription on Mount Tai,” also known as the Tang Cliff Inscription, contains a total of 1,008 characters including the preface, main text, and title — it is a commemorative stele documenting Emperor Xuanzong’s eastern pilgrimage to Mount Tai. To the west lies Cloud Peak, inscribed with the two characters “云峰” (Cloud Peak) by Emperor Kangxi, beneath which is Emperor Qianlong’s poem “Staying Overnight at the Summit of Mount Tai.” Both Grand View Peak and Cloud Peak are covered in layers upon layers of inscriptions, many of which can still be identified today, such as over 80 large characters including “Heavenly Light Across Vastness,” “Breathing the Universe,” “Standing Amidst the High Firmament,” and “Emerald Cliffs and Crimson Walls,” all shining alongside the “Inscription on Mount Tai.”

The Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai – Like a Heavenly Palace

The Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai was first built in the first year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, originally named “Zhaizhen Shrine.” It was renamed “Zhaizhen Taoist Temple” in the Jin Dynasty, called “Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai and Blessing” in the Ming Dynasty, and finally became known as the “Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai” during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty.

The architecture of the Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai is grand, solemn, and majestic. The temple is divided into an inner and outer courtyard by its mountain gate. The inner courtyard’s main hall enshrines a bronze statue of the Goddess of Mount Tai (Bixia Yuanjun), with a copper roof, while the east and west side halls are dedicated to the Goddess of Childbirth and the Goddess of Vision, respectively, with iron roofs. From a distance, with clouds swirling around and golden rooftops gleaming, it resembles a heavenly palace — a masterpiece of high-altitude architecture.

The full name of the Goddess of Mount Tai is “Celestial Fairy Maiden of Mount Tai, Bixia Yuanjun.” Commonly referred to as the Goddess of Mount Tai or the Old Mother of Mount Tai, she is an important goddess in Taoism and enjoys a vast following across northern China. As a result, numerous worshippers flock to the Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai when climbing Mount Tai.

Mount Tai experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. Summers are cool, with July — the hottest month — averaging only 17°C. Even during the peak of summer, the shade of green pines and cypresses keeps the mountain pleasantly cool, though you’ll want to bring a jacket for the summit.

Mount Tai tends to have more rain in the summer, but if you’re lucky enough to experience a clear sky after the rain, you can witness the magnificent scene of red clouds atop the peak and the sea of clouds shimmering below. Spring and autumn are milder, with average temperatures around 10°C, though spring is often windier.

With crisp air and clear skies, autumn is the golden season for climbing and watching the sunrise. Winters are cold, but the snow scenery at the summit offers a uniquely beautiful experience.

Sunset at the Summit – Sea of Clouds on Rainy Days

The best time to visit Mount Tai is from April to November, and autumn is ideal for watching the sunrise. In fact, the sunset at the summit is even more splendid than the sunrise, while winter offers especially stunning views when it snows. Don’t easily give up on climbing on a rainy day — you'll often witness breathtaking sea of clouds at this time. And if you're lucky enough to catch a sunrise above the sea of clouds, that's even better.

Travel Information

South Heaven Gate

Ticket: 5 RMB for the Temple of the Goddess of Mount Tai