Tai'an Culture

Tai’an is the eastern birthplace of Chinese civilization, the source area of Haidai civilization, and the bearing area of Confucian culture. As early as 500,000 years ago, people survived and propagated in Tai’an. Xintai Man there had entered the Homo sapiens stage 50,000 years ago. Dawenkou culture formed here more than 5000 years ago, which became an important milestone in the history of Chinese civilization. The site of major historical and cultural significance in the area is Mount Tai.

Religion

Mount Tai is famous Taoist resort. Taishan Taoism began 1800 years ago at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Ling created Wudoumi school of Taoism which regards that Lao-tzu as the founder of Taoism, and called him the Laotse with respect. Taoists thinks that Mount Tai is a place where deities live and it is an ideal place for Taoists to practice Taoism. Taoism believes that the God of Mount Tai and the Grandmother of Mount Tai are the most important gods of Mount Taishan. In Mount Tai, there are dozens of famous Taoists, such as Cui Wenzi, Zhang Lianshi, Qiu Chuji, Zhang Sanfeng, and so on.

Two hundred years later, Buddhism was also introduced into Mount Taishan. It is said that Buddhist monk Lang, a disciple of Buddhacinga, created the Longgong Temple in Kunrui Mountain which is located in the northwestern Mount Taishan. He teaches more than 100 disciples. Some of them also frequently go to Mount Taishan. Gradually, Buddhism develops with Taoism, and both are become popular in Tai’an. The temples and scenic spots of Buddhism and Taoism have also become one of the highlights of Mount Taishan.

Art

Taishan Shadow Play

Taishan shadow play is an ancient traditional folk art. Because of shadow play people and props are made from donkey skin, it is also known as donkey shadow play. What in shadow play is the profound culture of Mount Tai. With nearly 600-year history, Taishan shadow play is known as living fossil of the culture of Mount Tai and became one part of the national-level intangible cultural heritages.

Taoism Music

Taoism music is part of the Han nationality folk music. Taishan is an important place for Chinese Taoism music, and Taoism music here is classical. The ancient version of Taishan Taoist music score has been passed down by the abbot of the Dai Temple and the Bixia Temple and is collected by the Tai'an Museum. It has been listed in the national-level intangible cultural heritages.