The second stop of our Renminbi banknote scenery tour is the scenic spot shown on the back side of the five-yuan banknote. It is a painting drawn by Li Shuping, a famous Chinese landscape painter who put the magnificent views of the mountain together by using montage techniques in 1999.

Located in central Shandong Province, Mount Tai lies across the cities of Tai'an, Jinan and Zibo. It was once called Daizong, meaning the principal mountain of China, and was renamed Mount Tai during the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC).

Mount Tai has been given several titles, such as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, a Global Geopark and the best of the five Sacred Mountains of China.

Featuring steep cliffs, deep canyons and a gorge, incredible peaks and rocks covered with rich vegetation and hiding flowing springs, Mount Tai boasts sublime and varied natural scenery. For thousands of years, many emperors would pay a visit and pray for the country's prosperity while there, hoping that the bounty of resources in the area would somehow spread to the rest of the nation. There are still poems and stone inscriptions left behind by some of those very emperors.

Today, people spend hours climbing the steps up to the peaks to admire the breathtaking views for themselves. They also often stop by at the temples to pray - just as the emperors of old did - for health and good fortune for themselves and their families. 

Tai'an pancake, a traditional Chinese street food, is known as a local specialty in Tai'an, Shandong Province. It was served for Chinese emperors in the past but now it has become a homely meal that everyone can easily enjoy. It is also regarded as a typical dish that Chinese people in many cities have for breakfast. 

As an old saying goes, "Mount Tai is renowned for three delicacies: Chinese cabbage, tofu (bean curd) and its water." The Taishan Tofu Banquet is another delicacy that represents the flavor of Mount Tai. It involves various tasty dishes prepared with tofu. In September 2018, it was officially listed as one of the dishes representing Chinese cuisine.

The roads are convenient and the traffic is never too bad, meaning you can get to the scenic spot easily. First, take a train to Taishan Railway Station and then transfer to bus 3 to reach Red Palace Gate or Tianwai Village. What's more, the city is also very easy to navigate and has a convenient public transport sector.

The best time to visit Mount Tai is between April and November, but remember that the weather is much cooler on high altitudes, even in hot summers. It is suggested that you always prepare some warm clothing before you begin your adventure.