Jade Emperor Peak (Taishan Summit)
玉皇顶
The highest point of Mount Tai, at 1,545 metres. The 'Ultimate Summit Stone' inside the Jade Emperor Temple and the inscription 'Supreme Among the Five Sacred Mountains' are must-photo spots at the top. This was where emperors held the fengshan ceremonies.
Jade Emperor Peak is the highest point of Mount Tai's main summit, at 1,545 metres above sea level. The Jade Emperor Temple on top was first built in the Ming dynasty. Inside, the 'Ultimate Summit Stone' records Mount Tai's elevation and is the first stop for summit photos. On the cliff east of the temple, the four large characters 'Supreme Among the Five Sacred Mountains' (inscribed during the Guangxu reign of the Qing dynasty) are Mount Tai's most famous landmark. The design on the back of the 5-yuan banknote was taken from here, and photo queues often take 10–20 minutes. Nearby are the 'Record of Mount Tai' cliff inscription at Daguan Peak, carved by Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty when he performed the fengshan ceremony; the Wordless Stele (traditionally said to have been erected by Emperor Wu of the Han); the Qingdi Palace; and the Confucius Temple. Walking from the South Heaven Gate along Tianjie (Celestial Street) to here takes about 20–30 minutes. The summit is a relatively flat plateau, with Riguan Peak, Yueguan Peak, Zhanlu Terrace and Gongbei Rock spread around it. During the day you can look down over Tai'an city and the surrounding mountains. On days with a sea of clouds, the sense of 'surely I shall climb to the very summit' is at its strongest. Suggested itinerary: after reaching the top, first visit the Jade Emperor Temple to see the Ultimate Summit Stone and 'Supreme Among the Five Sacred Mountains', then walk to Daguan Peak to see the Tang cliff inscription. If the weather is clear, go to Zhanlu Terrace to see the layered ranges of 'the south of Mount Tai', and for sunset, watch from Yueguan Peak on the west side. Admission is included in the Mount Tai entrance ticket (about 115 yuan in peak season). Getting there: it's a 25-minute walk from the upper station of the South Heaven Gate cable car, and a 30-minute walk from the upper station of the Taohuayuan cable car. Note that the summit is windy and about 10°C colder than the foot of the mountain, so bring a jacket even in summer. Prices on the summit are high: instant noodles cost about 15–20 yuan, and accommodation starts at several hundred yuan. Do not linger at cliff edges during thunderstorms.
Opening hours
Open all day (gates open 24 hours; night climbs require a ticket)
Nearby sights
- Bixia Temple
- Riguan Peak (Sunrise Peak)
- Tianjie (Heavenly Street)
- Eighteen Bends & South Heaven Gate
- Houshiwu Scenic Area
- Yunbu Bridge & Five Senior Official Pine
- Mount Tai Fengshan Ceremony Show
- Tianzhu Peak Scenic Area