Five Mountains

Overall of the Five Mountains 五岳

Five Mountains in China, they refer to five of the most renowned mountains in Chinese history. The eastern is Mount Tai 泰山 in Shandong. The western is Mount Hua 华山 in Shanxi. The central is Mount Song 嵩山 in Henan. The southern is Mount Heng 衡山 in Hunan. And the northern is Mount Heng 恒山 in Shanxi.

Five Mountains refers to the five directional mountains, which located in the east, west, south, north and the middle of the country. According to Chinese legend, the Five Mountains originated from the limbs and head of the grand Pangu盘古, the creator of the world. So Chinese calls only the five mountains as Yue, the sacred place. The Five Sacred Mountains is five Yue, calls Wuyue五岳, they have been the key places of worship and cultural development for thousands of years.

Mount Tai (Eastern) 东岳泰山

Mount Tai is known as the eastern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. Mount Tai is the most climbed mountain in China. And it is often regarded the foremost of the five, from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), emperors came to the supreme peak to hold grand ceremonies and worship the gods of heaven and earth.

Location

Mount Tai locates in western Shandong, in the north of the city of Tai'an and to the south of the provincial capital Jinan. It extends from 150 to 1,545 meters above sea level and covers an area of 426 square kilometres at its base. The Jade Emperor Peak is 1,532.7 meters above sea level and located at 36° 16′N and 117° 6′E

Natural significance

Mount Tai is known as four wonders. There are sunset, and the sea of clouds and yellow gold with evening and the sunset afterglow. The magical scenery with the seasons and climate have a great relationship.

Mount Tai is a tilted fault-block mountain with height increasing from the north to the south. Mount Tai lies in the zone of the Eastern deciduous forest. Mount Tai about 80% of its area is covered with vegetation. There are also many old trees in here. The flora is known to comprise almost 1,000 species.

Look

There are four routes to up; every way has the unique scenery to see.

 1 Among them, the east approach is the most popular. According to the historical records. It is considered to be the imperial route which emperors toured to the mountain and their worshipped ceremonies in this way. The East Route starts from Mount Tai Arch (people usually visit Dai Temple at the foot of Mount Tai first before getting to the Mount Tai Arch). There are entirely 7,200 stone steps on the routes with Red Gate Palace. It usually takes two and a half hours (sprinting hikers) to six hours to get to the summit.

2 The West Road to Mount Tai: This road is the most efficient mountaineering route. This route is made up of two parts. First, you can take a tour from Tianwai village to halfway of the mountain called Mid-heaven Gate. You can take the cable car. It takes about 30 minutes. During this way, you can enjoy the view of the historical relics and beautiful landscapes through the window. Then from the Mid-heaven Gate to the summit, you can choose climbing on foot (2 hours) or take the cable car (15 minutes).

3 The road to Tianzhu Peak: This route is the most natural and pristine route to climb. You can see breathtaking scenes in here. Because of its shape like a candle, so people named it Tianzhu Peak, with a pine tree standing on top like a flame. Along the way, the service facilities are not sound. So you need to prepare enough food and water.

4 Peach Blossom Ravine Route: This route is the most romantic way to climb the mountain. When spring is coming, the peach trees are in full bloom on the road. The scenery is as beautiful as a landscape painting. By taking the No.104 national highway; we can access to the Peach Blossom Ravine. However, this way is far from the city. This route just for driving to enjoy this tour.

History

The mountain was an essential object of the cult worship of mountains even before 219 BCE, when the Qin Emperor, Huang Di, paid tribute to the mountain in the Fengshan sacrifices to inform the gods of his success in unifying all of China. On the hill, there are 12 historically recorded imperial ceremonies in homage to Heaven and Earth, about 1,800 stone tablets and inscriptions, and 22 temples, which together make Mount Taishan the most critical monument in China, a world-renowned treasure house of history and culture.

Transport

Flight: There is no airport in Tai'an. The nearest large airport is Yaoqiang Airport at Jinan. There is no direct bus from Tai’an to Yaoqiang Airport; visitors should change trains or buses in Jinan. We need a 60-minute bus journey from Jinan Yaoqiang Airport to the railway station of Jinan.

Food

Tai'an Millet Pancake, Tofu Feast

Mount Hua (Western) 西岳华山

Mount Hua is one of the five sacred mountains in China. Mount Hua situated in Huayin City. It is famous for a natural vista of steep and narrow paths, precipitous crags and a high mountain range. Its five peaks are the representative attractions, and each has its distinctive charms.

Location

Mount Hua is a mountain located near the city of Huayin in Shanxi province, about 120 kilometres (75 mi) east of Xi'an. It is the western mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. The mountain has five central peaks, of which the highest is the South Peak at 2,154.9 meters.

Natural significance

With the Yellow River to the north and Qinling Mountain Range at the back to the south, Mount Hua (2,160 meters above the sea level), It is well known for its precipitousness and picturesque beauty, acclaimed as "the first steep mountain in the world."

Look

Five peaks: Its five mountains are the representative attractions, and each has its distinctive charms

East Peak: It is the best place to enjoy the sunrise. The East peak with a rising-sun platform favourable for viewing the morning sun Its also called Facing Sun Park. Climbing to the top of East Peak takes 4 to 6 hours. One well-known scenic spot, the Immortal's Palm Peak, ranked as one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of the Xian, is located on the East Peak. It refers to the natural rock veins of the cliff, which look like a giant palm-print.

South Peak: South Peak has the highest altitude. It has the highest peak of both Mount Hua and the other four top mountains in China. It called respectfully “the summit of Mount Hua.” It consists of three summits with an elevation of 2,154 meters. The wild goose always stops here for a rest, so people always call it “Landing Wild Goose Peak.”

West Peak: There is a large lotus flower shaped rock which stands at the top. The elevation is 2,082 meters.There are many scenic spots like Cuiyun Palace, Lotus Flower Cave; Rock Split with an Axe.   

North Peak: North peak is famous for its breathtaking cliffs named Cloud Terrace Peak making it look like a flat terrace in the clouds, hence the name Cloud Terrace Peak. The elevation is 1614 meters. North peak has only one road leading to the south with cliffs on three sides.

Middle Peak： Middle Peak clings to East Peak and is in the center of East, South and West Peaks. There is a Taoist temple on the peak named Jade Maiden Temple. Legend has it that the daughter of Qin Mugong (569 - 621 BC) loved a man who was good at playing Chinese tung-hsiao (vertical flute) and she gave up the royal life to become a hermit who cultivated her spirituality here, hence the name Jade Maiden Peak. Today Jade Maiden Temple and Jade Maiden Basin for Shampooing can be found at the peak. Other scenic spots in Middle Peak include Rootless Tree and Sacrificing Tree, which have beautiful stories and add to the spiritual atmosphere of Middle Peak.

History

In the past, Mount Hua was regarded as a mountain of divinity and the Temple of Mount Hua, which lies seven kilometres north of it, served as a place for the emperors of different dynasties to hold sacrificial ceremonies for the God of Mount Hua. In 1988, this temple as a national monument. Since then, it has become a favourable tourist attraction.

Transportation

Flight: first take the plane arrive at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. Then take the bus to Xi’an train station. And take trains from Xi’an station to Mount Hua station. It will take 1.5-2 hours. Then change the bus or cable car to Mount Hua.

Hiking route: Two walking routes are leading to the North Peak. The most popular is the traditional route in Huashan Yu (Huashan Gorge) starting from Yuquanyuan Temple (west gate). The second way is the Huangpu Yu (Huangpu Gorge) beginning from Huashan East Gate.

Food

one crispy noodle

Mutton with bread in the soup

Tip:

1.   Be careful with the thieves if you want to sleep overnight in one of the camps.

2.   Avoid the not professional tour guide.

3.   Best visiting month: April to October

Mount Song (Central) 中岳嵩山

Mount Tai of "The Five Sacred Mountains of China" has already been listed on the World Heritage in 1987. Mount Song has jurisdiction over three scenic spots (Shaolin beautiful area, Songyang lovely area, and Zhongyue lovely area) with a total area of 149.4 square km.

Location

Mount Song is made up of several mountains that rise to 1500 meters in the Dengfeng district of Henan province. It has 72 peaks and stretches 60 kilometres, composed of Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain.

Natural significance

Songshan Mountain located in the southern part of the North China ancient land. Within it, successive and complete Archean (3. 5 billion years ago). In recently, naturalist exposed the Proterozoic，Paleozoic，Mesozoic and Cenozoic stratigraphic sections with clear stratigraphic sequence, and typical structural features，and are called“Five Eras Gathering” by the geological circles. In fact，here is a complete“‘rock" book recording the evolution history of the Earth.

Look

Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kungfu

Shaolin Temple located in Dengfeng County. It is the birthplace of Buddhism’s Chan Zen in China as well as the cradle of China’s Shaolin Wushu (martial arts). In 1983, World Natural Heritage designated it as one of the critical national temples in the areas of the Han nationality. Because it located in Shaolin in the mountain jungle, “Shaolin Temple” is named.

Shaolin Temple covers an area of more than 3000 square meters, so its scale is excellent. On its axis stand the Gate of the Temple, Heavenly King Hall, Main Hall, Sutra Hall, Abbot’s Room, Thousand Buddhas Hall. And some famous buildings stand on both sides of here.

Shaolin Kungfu refers to the traditional cultural system that has formed in the particular Buddhist cultural environment in Shaolin Temple of Mount Song over a long history. It is based on a belief in the supernatural power of Buddhism and adequately reflects the wisdom of Chan Buddhism. The martial arts practiced by monks in the Shaolin Temple are its primary form of expression. Shaolin Kungfu encompasses complete technical and theoretical systems, with martial arts and techniques as its primary form of expression, and Buddhism belief and Chan wisdom as the cultural connotation.

Most of the movies are about kung fu. Since the 1950s, the first Hong Kong Shaolin film-“How Shaolin Monastery Was Reduced to Ashes” was made. In 1982 the ground-breaking movie transformed Chinese kung fu champion Li Lianjie into movie superstar Jet Li and led to the eventual re-opening of the real Shaolin Temple.

The Pagoda Forest: The Shaolin Pagoda Forest is the oldest and largest one in China. It in Shaolin stands at the foot of Shaolin Mountain. On average, the pagodas are less than 15meters high. The layer and the shape of a pagoda depend on many factors, such as one’s Buddhist status, attainment, and prestige.

Cypresses like General: In the Songyang academy there are two high cypresses, which are the oldest in China. As the legend goes, in the year 110 B.C., when the emperor Wudi of the Han dynasty visited the central mountain. He was much surprised to see such big cypresses here, so he conferred them the title of "the Great General" "the Second General" "Third General" "The Third General" died many years ago. Now, only the other two generals still stand there vibrantly.

History

The mountain is one of the sacred Taoist mountains of China and contains essential Taoist temples such as the Zhongyue Temple. Mount Song also features a significant Buddhist presence. It is home to the Shaolin Temple, traditionally considered the birthplace of Zen Buddhism.

Transportation

Flight: First take a trip to Zhengzhou or Luoyang. Then take the bus to railway stations in Zhengzhou or Luoyang, the bus stations in the two cities are just near the railway station. Then take a long-distance coach to Dengfeng. The ticket costs 28yuan. When you arrive at Dengfeng, you can find two bus stations, Dengfeng West Bus Station and Dengfeng Bus Stations. Take the bus you can go to Shaolin Temple, Zhongyue Temple and another place in Dengfeng from there.

Hiking route: If you just have one day, you can choose this route:

First, visit Shaolin Temple. Then visit Pagoda Forest in the temple. After that, take a cable car from behind Shaolin Temple to Sanhuang Village. Visit Sanhuang Village, after that, go back the same way you came.

If you have two days, you can choose this route (Day 1 the same with above). The next morning first visits Songyang Academy. Then go to Dafawang Temple and Songyuesi Pagoda after you go back to visit Zhongyue Temple.

Food

1 Guokui 

2 Soybean Milk Noodle

Tips

If you want to see Shaolin Kungfu Performance every day, you should see the performance time. The time is 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 16:00 and 17:00.

Mount Heng (Southern) 南岳衡山

Mount Heng (Chinese: 衡山; pinyin: Héng Shān), named the Southern Mountain of the Five Great Mountains, is located in Hengyang County, the middle part of Hunan Province. It has 72 peaks and extends 150 kilometers, with 800 miles in circumference. The Huiyan Peak is the south end of the peaks, Yuelu Mountain in Changsha City is the north end, and the Zhurong Peak is the highest, with 1,290 meters above sea level. 

Besides marvelous temples, the mountain also boasts 9 ponds, 9 wells, 9 pools, 10 caves, 15 rocks, 25 streams, and 38 springs, in harmony with green forests and fragrant flowers and grass. Grand, graceful, sequestered and culturally abundant, Hengshan leads the five sacred mountains by its gracefulness.

Location

Mount Heng, is in south-central China's Hunan Province. Mount Heng is a mountain range 150 kilometers long and lies at 27°18′6″N 112°41′5″E Coordinates: 27°18′6″N 112°41′5″E.

Look

Nanyue Temple: Which covers an area of 100,000 square meters and which is the most significant group of ancient buildings in Hunan province. The temple has nine courtyards, and the main hall is 22 meters high, supported by 72 stone pillars, which symbolize the 72 peaks of the mountain. The temple, glazed in red and yellow, is linked with many other buildings and represents a grand palace complex. Among the temples in the hill.

Water-Screen Cave: The Water-Screen Cave, lying under the Zigai Peak, is an irresistible attraction. The most famous in the Water-Screen Cave is the foundation. Walking along the brook and past the stone bridge, you can see stones with different poses and different carvings. The falling basis falls into a stone pool.

Zhurong peak: It is the highest peak in Mount Heng and is also the most famous spot on the mountain. It links with a beautiful legend in ancient China. And it is also the best place for a sunrise view. The cloud of the sea on it is also a miracle.

History

Civilization Special Area Mount Heng has a long and thick history. Most of the legendary emperors in ancient China had a connection with Mount Heng. For example, Emperor Yan, Emperor Huang, Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, and Emperor Yu were said to have visited the mountain, demonstrating the importance of Mount Heng in the history of China. Mount Heng gradually became a center of religious practice in south China when Taoism and Buddhism were introduced to Mount Hengshan successively. With the passage of the Song Dynasty, more than 20 academies were established in this area, forming a unique academy culture of schooling. The emerging Huxiang School can find its origin in this mountain. Even today, we can still identify the influence of these philosophical thinking in modern schools. It was the vice minister Guan Daxun of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1683) who had first approved the favorite place of Mount Heng for its combination of civilization and unique area.

Transportation

Plain: First take the plain to the Hunan province Changsha Huahua International Airport. Then take a direct bus from Changsha South Coach Station to Nanyue. The bus operates between 08:10 and 17:50 and the duration takes about two hours.

Food

Mount Heng's Vegetarian

Sleep

Homestays are available, and you can find some signs along the way, but there is not much info available online and no proper hotels.

Mount Heng (Northern) 北岳恒山

Mount Heng as one of the five Greatest Mountains in China. Possessing unique natural scenery, Mount Hua gains a high reputation and it as a natural and cultural heritage site. Research and protection of this it is both meaningful and valuable.

And is famed as “the famous mountain of strategic importance. The mountain consists of two peaks；The Tianfengling on the east and the Cuipingfeng on the west. The two peaks stand to face each other and form a precipitous natural barrier; there was a place contested by all strategists. The terrain of the mountain is characterized by "parallel lines of mountains.”

Location

Mount Heng located in Hun Yuan County of Shanxi province, 62 km from Datong City. From east to west, the mountain stretches around 150 km and traverses through Shanxi and Hebei provinces.

Look

Xuankong temple: In the spot, the Xuankong (suspended) Temple is the only existing temple in China combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It stands at the foot of Mount Heng. Built-in 491, it has survived more than 1400 years. The extant monastery was primarily rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Constructed on a section of a Cliff, the Temple is indeed a masterpiece of the ancient structure. Mount Hua as the state-level scenic spot by the State Council in 1982, and it is in the tentative list of the second group of National Natural and Cultural Heritage issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development in 2009.

Why build a monastery like this? Location is the first reason; build a monastery on the cliff could shield it from floods. Also, the mountain peak protects it from rain and snow; and the mountain around it also diminishes damage from long-time sunshine. The second reason is that the builders followed a principle in Taoism: no noises, including those from rooster crowing and dog baying; so from the upper ground, all sounds drop away.

Northern Temple: The earliest temple on Mount Heng was the Northern Temple (Beiyue Temple), built-in 435. It was destroyed several times throughout history and changed into a bedroom palace. It enshrines the Great Emperor of the Northern March mount.

Immortal Gathering Cliff: The cliff northwest of Dengzhong Temple is called Immortal Gathering Cliff. At its waist, there is a platform in a hollow; people built an Immortal Gathering Mansion that is also called Immortals Collection Mansion. There are lifelike immortals of eight caverns. The ancients made the Jade Emperor Pavilion and Imperial Tablets Pavilion beside the Immortal Hall. Two sides of the cliff are full of stone inscriptions eulogizing the beauty of Mount Heng by celebrities in history. Immortal Gathering Mansion is the highest building on Mount Heng Standing here, with the clouds floating under your feet and the wind in the pine trees resounding above your head, the mountain peaks occasionally appearing and disappearing in the shadows, one will be reluctant to leave.

History

In ancient times, its geographical position is significant; so many emperors and generals fought for here. So far, there are still many old battlefield sites. Many emperors like the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 207 BC), Emperor Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 9 AD), Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and Emperor Taizu of the Northern Song Dynasty (960- 1127) once visited Mount Heng and offered sacrifices. Mount Heng was coveted by all strategists since the Spring and Autumn Annals (770 BC - 476 BC) because of its steep shape and geography. As a result, a great many ruins like passes, castles, and beacon towers related to the ancient battlefields are preserved.

Transport

Train: First take the train to Shanxi province Datong city. And change the direct bus to the Hunyuan. Then you can take a taxi to the Wangyueting bus station (about 20 yuan ).

Food

1 Hunyuan Cold Vermicelli

2 Sliced noodles