MONT TAISHAN

Taishan is one of China's five sacred mountains. He has been cultured since the eleventh century BC (apparently), and many important figures have ascended (Confucius or Mao Zedong to name but them). It is famous in the history of China because it is its summit (it is believed) that the first Emperor - Qin Shi Huang Di - would have proclaimed China's unity. Moreover, its peak, culminating at 1545 meters, is now called the Emperor of Jade's Emperor. Today, this Eastern Mount is associated with dawn, birth and renewal, and is the most revered of the country's five sacred mountains.

His ascension is a unique, almost mystical experience. In any case, this is also what thousands of pilgrims are thinking about every year. The rise is certainly striking: it runs over 7.5 kilometers and has no less than 6,000 steps (or maybe 7,000 at a time, we have to stop counting), but the beautiful landscape has inspired many calligraphers for nearly 3,000 years.

Advice: fog is a player, sometimes covers the summit, especially in spring and summer. Also, try not to go there on holidays because the site is really stormed by Chinese tourists… With this crowd you can't even see the steps! Also know that after the steps, to reach the summit, a cable car is available, which is convenient to climb faster (or less tired!).