Highlights of ancient architecture in Tai'an

With the Dawenkou Culture originating in the area 5,000 years ago, Tai'an in East China's Shandong province, occupies a significant place in the origin of Chinese civilization and has a long history and profound cultural deposits.

Therefore, there are many examples of ancient architecture in the area. 

1. Dai Temple

Located at the southern foot of Mount Tai, Dai Temple dates back to Emperor Wu's reign during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), and was expanded and renovated by rulers of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. It has been a place for emperors from all dynasties to hold worship ceremonies and offer sacrifices to the gods of Mount Tai since ancient times. It has also been a holy place for Taoism.

Covering 96,000 square meters, the temple has a palatial architectural style and more than 150 ancient structures and buildings. The main structure of the temple, the Tiankuang Hall, houses a giant Taoist mural that is 3.3 meters high and 62 meters long, and depicts the God of Mount Tai on an inspection tour. The mural details forests, palaces, bridges, beasts being ridden and 697 people. It was painted during the Song Dynasty.

At the site there are also more than 300 inscription tablets and pictorial pieces, including an inscription tablet made in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), making it the oldest such tablet in existence.

Dai Temple is referred to as one of the four ancient architectural complexes in China and a State-level major cultural relic preservation site.

Location: Dongyue Avenue, Taishan district, Tai'an, Shandong

Opening hours: 7:50 am-5:30 pm

Ticket price: 30 yuan ($4.35)

Dai Temple. [Photo/VCG]