If you’re desperate to get away from China’s congested cities
Or just need a chance to breathe clean air...
Maybe you should visit Tai-shan
the Mountain of the Gods.
It’s one of the five most sacred peaks in China.
A deeply spiritual place.
And very, very crowded.
China’s impressive economic growth has created a middle class with disposable income.
Many of China’s 1.3 billion citizens are starting to explore their own country.
Tai is now the most visited mountain in China.
To accommodate them all,
the government has built a bus system to carry people to the top.
But many still choose to climb the ancient stairway
all 6600 steps.
It’s 4-7 grueling hours
straight up.
Even after all that effort, they’re still cheerful.
And friendly.
Some know exactly what they’re doing.
Others may not have thought it completely through.
Or chosen pretty...
over practical.
Teamwork does seem to help.
Parents seem to have superhuman patience.
It’s the older folks who impress me most.
Along the way, you can stop to read the sacred Chinese inscriptions
carved into the mountainside.
Over 100 of them in all.
Unless you’re too wiped out to care.
But not everyone is here just for the selfies.
The monastery at the top is 800 years old.
Many come to pray
and give offerings.
Though even here the modern world has managed to creep in.
Reception is excellent.
And if you’re bored
there’s half a dozen giant TV screens.
The traditional soothsayer just can’t compete.
Leaving a lock behind will bring you luck
if you can find space.
Or you can tie a red ribbon on a pole or tree.
The Gods may grant your wish.
Especially if you leave a tip.
Though you might want to save your hard-earned cash.
When the fog rolls in it gets VERY cold.
And don't forget,
you’re going to be ravenous after all that exercise.
Tomatoes, corn, cucumbers.
Not your standard Western fare.
No wonder the Chinese are so healthy.
Don’t forget to try the famous Tai pancakes.
It may seem strange to climb a mountain to buy a plastic toy
But China’s one-child policy makes it hard to say no.
And then it’s time to start back down.
Which isn’t necessarily any easier.
The old trail is sadly off limits
though the modern signage is just as poetic as those ancient inscriptions.
And suddenly, I understood why Tai Shan is so sacred.
He climbs the mountain every week.
He’s 91.