Yuwang Summit (玉皇顶), formerly known as Taiping Summit and also called Tianzhu Peak, is a majestic and towering peak of Mount Tai, with an elevation of 1,545 meters. Known as “the foremost peak under heaven,” it is the highest point of Mount Tai, the leader among China’s Five Great Mountains. The summit gets its name from the Jade Emperor Temple (Yuhuang Dian) situated at the top. This temple enshrines a statue of the Jade Emperor, formally known as “Haotian Jinque Wushang Zhizun Ziran Miaoyou Miluo Zhizhen Yuhuang Shangdi,” a deity commonly referred to in Chinese folk religion as “the Old Heaven” or simply the Jade Emperor.
The temple features plaques with inscriptions such as “柴望遗风” (Echoing the Legacy of Chi), “威摄十方” (Awe-Inspiring in All Directions), and “名扬神州” (Famed Across the Divine Land), indicating that ancient emperors used to offer sacrifices to heaven and the mountain gods here. In front of the temple stands the “极顶石 (Extreme Peak Stone),” marking the highest point of Mount Tai. To the northwest of the Extreme Peak Stone is the “古登封台 (Ancient Ascending Platform)” stele, indicating that this location was used by emperors of various dynasties for sacrificial ceremonies to heaven during their visits to Mount Tai.
According to legend, Emperor Wu of Han ascended the throne and implemented numerous policies to strengthen the nation and the military, subduing the Xiongnu and quelling internal unrest. This led to a period of national prosperity and stability. Emperor Wu was highly ambitious and took great pride in the unified Western Han Dynasty he had established. Over a span of 21 years, he conducted the grand Fengshan ceremonies on Mount Tai seven times to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth.
In March 110 BC, Emperor Wu visited Mount Tai for a Fengshan ceremony. Unlike previous emperors who erected steles to celebrate their achievements, Emperor Wu disdained this practice, considering it overly mundane. He believed that his accomplishments were so unparalleled that they could not be adequately expressed by a mere stone stele. Instead, he ordered the erection of a towering stone at the summit to signify his extraordinary achievements. This stone stele, standing several meters high, tapers from bottom to top and is a smooth, white color. Despite centuries of exposure to the elements, it has remained free of moss. It is said that on sunny days, the stone glows brightly, and the golden light is dazzling. The stele bears several lines of inscriptions in seal script extolling Emperor Wu’s virtues. Remarkably, these characters are visible from a distance but become indistinct up close, adding to the stele’s mystical allure.
Yuwang Summit is not only a place of historical significance but also a site of immense natural beauty and cultural heritage. The panoramic views from the peak, the ancient inscriptions, and the sacred atmosphere make it a destination of great spiritual and aesthetic value.
