The Five Great Mountains of China

（中国五岳）

China is home to numerous magnificent mountains, and among them, the "Five Great Mountains" (五岳，Wǔ Yuè) hold a special place in Chinese culture and history. They are not only famous for their natural beauty but also carry rich cultural and religious significance, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. Let’s get to know them one by one:

1. Mount Tai (泰山，Tài Shān)Location: Shandong ProvinceFame: Known as the "Eastern Great Mountain" (东岳，Dōng Yuè), it is the most revered among the Five Great Mountains. For thousands of years, emperors of various dynasties came here to hold sacrificial ceremonies, praying for national prosperity and people’s well-being.Feature: With a height of 1,532 meters, it is famous for its stunning sunrise and sea of clouds.

泰山位于山东省，被誉为 “东岳”，是五岳中最受尊崇的山。数千年来，各朝代的皇帝都会来这里举行祭祀仪式，祈求国家繁荣、人民安康。泰山海拔 1532 米，以壮丽的日出和云海闻名。

2. Mount Heng (South) (衡山，Héng Shān)Location: Hunan ProvinceFame: Called the "Southern Great Mountain" (南岳，Nán Yuè), it is known for its lush forests and mild climate. It is also a sacred site for Taoism.Feature: The mountain is covered with ancient temples and unique stone formations.

衡山位于湖南省，被称为 “南岳”，以茂密的森林和温和的气候著称，也是道教圣地。山上遍布古寺和独特的岩石地貌。

3. Mount Hua (华山，Huà Shān)Location: Shaanxi ProvinceFame: Known as the "Western Great Mountain" (西岳，Xī Yuè), it is famous for its steep cliffs and dangerous trails. It is one of the most challenging mountains to climb in China.Feature: The "Plank Road in the Sky" (长空栈道) is a world-famous dangerous path on the mountain.

华山位于陕西省，被称为 “西岳”，以陡峭的悬崖和险峻的山路闻名，是中国最具挑战性的登山胜地之一。山上的 “长空栈道” 是世界著名的险道。

4. Mount Heng (North) (恒山，Héng Shān)Location: Shanxi ProvinceFame: Called the "Northern Great Mountain" (北岳，Běi Yuè), it is known for its ancient architectural complexes, especially the 悬空寺 (Xuánkōng Sì, Hanging Temple), which is built on a cliff.Feature: The Hanging Temple is a rare combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

恒山位于山西省，被称为 “北岳”，以古老的建筑群闻名，尤其是建在悬崖上的悬空寺。悬空寺是罕见的佛、道、儒三教合一的建筑。

5. Mount Song (嵩山，Sōng Shān)Location: Henan ProvinceFame: Known as the "Central Great Mountain" (中岳，Zhōng Yuè), it is famous for the Shaolin Temple (少林寺，Shàolín Sì), the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu.Feature: The mountain combines natural scenery with cultural heritage, attracting martial arts enthusiasts from around the world.

嵩山位于河南省，被称为 “中岳”，因少林寺而闻名 —— 少林寺是中国功夫的发源地。嵩山集自然景观与文化遗产于一体，吸引着来自世界各地的武术爱好者。

Key Vocabulary 重点词汇Five Great Mountains 五岳 (Wǔ Yuè)sacrificial ceremony 祭祀仪式 (jìsì yíshì)sunrise 日出 (rìchū)sea of clouds 云海 (yúnhǎi)Taoism 道教 (Dàojiào)steep cliff 陡峭的悬崖 (dǒuqiào de xuányá)Hanging Temple 悬空寺 (Xuánkōng Sì)Shaolin Temple 少林寺 (Shàolín Sì)Kung Fu 功夫 (gōngfu)cultural heritage 文化遗产 (wénhuà yíchǎn)