Climbing Mount Tai: 6,000 steps up China's sacred mountain

TAISHAN, China (AP) - Taishan, or Mount Tai, is China's most sacred mountain. For centuries, emperors climbed it to pay homage to heaven and earth. Philosopher Confucius is said to have stood at the towering top, looked down and pronounced the world a small place indeed.

While it isn't one of China's tallest mountains, the way up is still a challenge consisting of more than 6,000 stone steps, with the option of taking a cable car halfway. Walking the whole way can take anywhere from three to seven hours. It's a popular climb, with thousands of people often on the mountain at once.

Mount Tai is also the most venerated of China's five sacred mountains, and the easternmost. Visitors who want to see the sunrise can stay overnight at lodging on the top.