Mount Tai: The First Mountain of China

Author: Sun Chengzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Famous Mountains in China. Among the many famous mountains, Mount Tai in Shandong Province, Mount Heng in Hunan Province, Mount Hua in Shaanxi Province, Mount Heng in Shanxi Province, and Mount Song in Henan Province are located in the central parts of the eastern, southern, western, and northern regions of the country. They have been regarded as guardian deities of their respective regions since ancient times and are collectively known as the Five Great Mountains. Among the Five Great Mountains, Mount Tai, the Dongyue (East Peak), is rooted in the east and casts its shadow over the sea, exhibiting a majestic and heaven-reaching presence. It is rich in resources and has a profound cultural heritage, revered as the foremost of the Five Great Mountains and the guardian mountain of the nation. From ancient times to the late 18th century, it was the preferred site for emperors to conduct sacrifices, perform imperial sacrifices (fengchan), and embark on tours. This book covers the formation of Mount Tai, the historical records of emperors' sacrifices and imperial sacrifices to Mount Tai, its culture, religion, folk customs, and the traces left by ancient thinkers, politicians, poets, and scholars on the mountain. It is the most comprehensive work available on Mount Tai. The book is accompanied by over 220 illustrations, complementing the text and vividly showcasing the magical and elegant peaks, springs, and waters of Mount Tai, as well as the changing scenes of day and night, and the towering temples and monasteries of Buddhist and Taoist origin.