Daizongfang

Historical Overview

1615 AD: Built during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Wanli, Daizongfang was originally a wooden structure before being reconstructed in stone.

1750: Renovated during the Qing Dynasty, with imperial inscriptions added to honor Emperor Qianlong’s pilgrimage.

1930s: Served as a strategic checkpoint during the War of Resistance Against Japan.

1987: Recognized as part of Mount Tai’s UNESCO World Heritage designation.

2010: Restored to preserve its Ming-era architectural details, including carved dragons and phoenixes.

Structural Layout

The archway spans 12 meters wide and 8 meters tall, divided into three zones:

West Zone (Cultural & Ceremonial)

Daizongfang Archway: A triple-eaved stone arch with intricate carvings of immortals, celestial beasts, and Confucian scholars.

Imperial Stele Pavilion: Houses a 17th-century stele commemorating Emperor Kangxi’s pilgrimage, inscribed with his calligraphy.

Ancient Pine Grove: A 200-year-old forest of twisted pines, where pilgrims traditionally rested before ascending.

Central Zone (Pilgrimage & Nature)

Red Gate Trail: A 3 km cobblestone path leading to the first temple complex, lined with stone lanterns and incense burners.

Spring of Immortality: A mineral spring believed to cure fatigue, with water collected by pilgrims for offerings.

Bixia Temple (Goddess of Mount Tai): A Taoist shrine dedicated to the mountain’s female deity, featuring bronze statues and incense rituals.

East Zone (Recreational & Scenic)

Dai Temple Viewing Platform: Offers panoramic views of Mount Tai’s southern slope and the ancient capital of Qufu.

Heritage Garden: Showcases traditional Shandong architecture, including a thatched-roof pavilion and stone-carved chess tables.

Skywalk Bridge: A glass-bottomed bridge (opened 2020) suspended 50 meters above a ravine, connecting to the Red Gate Trail.

Supporting Structures

Shuttle Bus: 15-minute ride from Taian City Center to Daizongfang (¥10 one-way).

Tea House: Serves Longjing tea and Taian steamed buns (local specialty).

Souvenir Stalls: Sells jade amulets, calligraphy scrolls, and miniature stone archways.

Major Attractions

Daizongfang Archway: Touch the carved dragons for good luck (a local tradition).

Imperial Stele: Decode the 17th-century hieroglyphs describing Mount Tai’s cosmic significance.

Red Gate Trail: Hike through 1,000-year-old stone steps to the Doumu Palace (Taoist temple).

Bixia Temple Bell: Strike the 2-ton bronze bell 108 times at dawn (Buddhist/Taoist ritual for dispelling negativity).

Skywalk Bridge: Experience the thrill of walking above the clouds (weather permitting).

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 hours)

Morning: Daizongfang Archway photo session → Imperial Stele Pavilion → Red Gate Trail (1 km hike).

Lunch at Heritage Café (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine).

Afternoon: Bixia Temple incense ritual → Spring of Immortality water tasting → Skywalk Bridge.

Highlights: Archway carvings, Taoist temples, and mountain vistas.

Full-Day Pilgrimage & Nature Tour (6–8 hours)

Morning: Red Gate Trail hike (3 km) → Doumu Palace meditation → Lunch at Mountain View Bistro (wild mushroom dishes).

Afternoon: Skywalk Bridge → Heritage Garden → Tea House tasting of Mount Tai Oolong.

Evening: Sunset at Dai Temple Viewing Platform → Return via shuttle bus.

Highlights: Hiking, temple rituals, and tea culture.

Two-Day Spiritual Retreat

Day 1:

Morning: Tai Chi at Daizongfang → Red Gate Trail hike → Lunch at Zen Kitchen (vegan-friendly).

Afternoon: Bixia Temple calligraphy workshop → Skywalk Bridge stargazing (telescopes provided).

Evening: Campfire at Pine Grove Campground.

Day 2:

Morning: Spring of Immortality yoga → Heritage Garden herb-picking → Lunch at Spring Café (mineral water-infused dishes).

Afternoon: Dai Temple kite-flying → Astronomy Platform sunset meditation.

Highlights: Wellness workshops, herbalism, and camping.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Ctrip or WeChat Mini Programs (up to 14 days in advance; combo tickets with Mount Tai cable car available).

On-Site: Tickets at Daizongfang entrance (queues peak 9 AM–12 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (April–October): Adults: ¥60, Students/Seniors: ¥30. Skywalk Bridge: ¥40.

Off-Season (November–March): 40% discount.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1 to Taian Station, then 10-minute taxi to Daizongfang.

By Bus: Route K37 to Daizongfang Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to Daizongfang entrance (¥80 from Taian Railway Station).

Departure: Exit via East Zone to Dai Temple or West Zone to Taian City Center.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 9 AM–12 PM (tour groups); visit 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM.

Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., Qingming Festival) are packed; weekdays are calmer.

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking.

• Essentials:

Wear sturdy hiking shoes (trails can be steep).

Bring a reusable water bottle (spring refill stations available).

Photography allowed (no drones near temples).

Prohibited Items: Outside food (except in picnic zones), loudspeakers, and smoking.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Dai Temple (15-minute walk) for imperial architecture or Qingyun Lake (20-minute drive) for boating.