The holiest of holys

Tai'Shan is the holiest of the 5 holy mountains in China and stands at 1,545m high (Snowdon is 1,085m).

 

The entire route to the top is paved with stones and we climbed all 6666 steps.  Along the way there are multiple temples and shrines, and at the top there is a whole street (Heaven Street) of shops and restaurants.  It is fairly surreal, but the steep climb is worth it and the views of other peaks and temples over the clouds are stunning.

 

To supply the shops on the route and at the top Sherpers carry the good across their shoulders (I don't know why they don't use the cable car), making up to 6 trips up and down a day.  We offered one a helping hand, but just lifting it was enough for us.

 

We have been staying in the town of Tai'An which lies at the bottom of the mountain.  It's not much of a town, but does have daily markets where you can by anything from dogs (dead or alive - not for pets), fish, eels, snake skins all sorts of fruit and many mysterious objects and powders.  Being a small town there are very few tourists and we have been enjoying eating out with no English menu, speakers or even pictures - mostly successful, and a good way of trying new things, even if you're not sure what they are.