Climate
Shandong Province where Mt. Taishan locates is frequently affected by marine monsoons, especially during the summer time. The climate is characterized by rain during the summer and autumn and a dry winter. The annual average temperature is between 11 and 14 degrees C while the annual precipitation is mostly affected by the monsoon rain. Between 500mm and 1000mm of rain can fall each year.
Get in
Taxis from the Tai'an train station are available to the foot of the trails up Tai Shan. A brisk walk experiencing some of the culture and atmosphere of the city is a wonderful option for those wanting to warm up for the hike up the mountain itself.
The hike to the top of Tai Shan is an experience of beautiful sites with flora and fauna as well as a rich history of the mountain. Hiking by foot, though physical in nature, is very achievable and is regularly accomplished by people of all ages. There are multiple paths up the mountain with the main path being bricked the entire length making it relatively safe. An added benefit of the hike to the top is the lore that anyone climbing Tai Shan will live 100 years.
Alternatively, buses are available to the mid-way point with a tram available the remainder of the distance to the top.
If you are interested in seeing the sunrise (a very popular activity) you will need to hike up the stairs at night or stay overnight on top.
Fees
Admission was 125 RMB in busy season(Mar. to Oct.), 100RMB in off season(Nov. to Feb.)
Student fares are available, but a student ID is required.
Get around
Winding stone and brick sidewalks link the different village areas on top of the mountain.
Tai Shan is very popular to Chinese visitors. This means it is often covered with tourists and the vendors that follow them. There are many nice paths up the mountain but the main climb is sometimes crowded with everything from beggars, to chickens, to monkey on chains that you can pose for pictures with.
See
watching Sunrise from top of Tai Shan also overlooks Tai'an and the surrounding areas
Mountaintop monasteries
Carvings of prayers and phrases on the rock faces along the paths up the mountain
Ancient altars, gates and archways along the hike up the mountain
Eat
A restaurant and various vendors are located as you climb up the mountain.
Multiple restaurants are available on top of the mountain.
A variation of the famous Shandong "Jian Bing（thin pancake）" is readily available from various stands on the mountain; it is made with egg, spread with a thick soy sauce and wrapped around a stalk of green onion.
Drink
Beverages are available along the hike from vendors
A teahouse serves drinks mid-hike up the mountain
Do
Hiking up the mountain can be tiring (about 4-6 hours of stairs) but there are plenty of places to stop along the way, buy water and drinks (prices get higher as you go up the mountain).
A highlight is watching the morning sunrise from the top of the mountain.
Buy
Shops and vendors line the first steps at the base of the mountain as well as on top of the mountain with the usual assortment of trinkets found at tourist destinations.
A common purchase is a red headband giving a blessing of long life and prosperity to those climbing Tai Shan.
Lodging
Hotels and hostels exist on top of Tai Shan, giving you the ability to sleep overnight to watch the famed sunrise the next morning. Sales people will meet you to rent available rooms or reservations can be made in advance. Hot water is usually only available at certain times for showers; check with the hotel on hours of availability before renting to coordinate availability with your schedule.
Additionally, there are plenty of hotels at the base of the mountain in Tai'an.
Prices both on Tai Shan and in Tai'an often are negotiable.
Stay safe
The mountain is very safe, with many tourists. Just be careful of steep ledges and if you are hiking, of dehydration and the cold at the top of the mountain (vendors rent or sell Chinese military coats if you need one).
