Azure Cloud Temple

27th September

Today we climbed Tai'shan, arguably China's most sacred mountain. At a mere 6000 steps and about 1500 metres, it was a snip compared to our recent 3 peaks nonesense. Yet I can comfortably say that racing up this hill is not advised.

The ascent is picturesque, with bridges, temples and fine views scattered along the way. Just before reaching the summit, you are faced with a bad boy stairway to heaven affair where the steps seem to disappeer into the sky. The top is dotted with fine temples and is truly fantastic.


Later, back down in town (Tai'an), the true China is revealed. Although a small city by their standards, its 600,000 inhabitants and industry have done a fine job of covering the city in smog. This evening we had Tai'shan chicken and I when faced with it, I had to refer to that age old saying 'I ain't eating no chicken heads or feet sucker!'.