Hongmen, also known as the First Heavenly Gate, is located north of the Dai Zong Fang at the foot of Mount Tai, marking the starting point for climbing the central route. It is named after the red rocks on the southern cliff that resemble a gate. The Hongmen is actually a complex of temple-style buildings, also referred to as Hongmen Palace, which forms a semi-enclosed concave space. Together with the three white stone archways and steles in front of the palace, they create an ancient architectural complex with varying heights, vivid colors, and a shape resembling a ladder to the heavens. Looking north from the Feiyun Pavilion, there are tree-lined paths and a continuous stone staircase, which have been known since ancient times for the scene of ‘Hongmen Dawn’.
To the west of the road in front of Hongmen is the Guan Yu Temple, originally dedicated to Guan Yu, a famous general of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shanxi salt merchants often gathered here for worship and offerings, hence it is also known as the Shanxi Guild Hall. To the east of the palace, across the stream, is the site of the White Mule Tomb. Behind the palace stands a huge rock engraved with ‘Little Mount Tai’. It is said to be the incarnation of Bixia Yuanjun, and there used to be a small temple dedicated to her. In ancient times, many pilgrims would burn incense and pray here. The temple was destroyed after the founding of the People’s Republic of China and was rebuilt in 1985.
Slightly north and to the west of the road, there are 26 steles known as ‘Heshan Hui Ji’, which record the grand scene of the pilgrimage to Mount Tai, and are now referred to as the Small Stele Forest. The area is open all year round from 05:00 to 00:00.
Taishan Scenic Area – Hongmen
Hongmen, also known as the First Heavenly Gate, is located north of the Dai Zong Fang at the foot of[...]
