Getting There
The nearest major airport to Tai Shan is at Ji'nan, 66km (40 miles) south. From the Tai'an railway station (tel. 0538/218-1040) located just west of the center of town, trains run to Beijing (7 hr.; 1 D train daily, 4 1/2 hr.), Ji'nan (1 hr.), Shanghai (11 hr.; 2 D train daily, 6 1/2 hr.), and Qingdao (6 hr.). Frequent buses to Ji'nan (every 30 min. 6am-5:30pm; 1 hr. 10 min.; ¥17-¥18) and Qufu (every 30 min. 6am-6:30pm; 1 hr. 10 min.; ¥20) depart from the square in front of the railway station. From the Tai'an long-distance bus station (tel. 0538/833-2656) in the western part of town on Dongyue Dajie Xishou, buses run to Beijing (11:20am and 2:50pm; ¥120; 5 hr.), Shanghai (5:30am; ¥251; 12 hr.), and Ji'nan (every 30 min. 6:40am-5:30pm; ¥25; 1 hr.).
Getting Around
Taxis are plentiful in town and charge ¥5 for 2km (1 1/4 miles), then ¥1.50 per kilometer. From 10pm to 5am, the price rises to ¥5.80 for 2km (1 1/4 miles), then ¥1.70 per kilometer. Bus no. 3 (¥1) runs from the railway station to Dazhong Qiao and also into town and up Hongmen Lu to the main entrance of Tai Shan.
Tours & Guides
CITS, at Hu Shan Lu 158 (tel. 0538/826-2456), can arrange private guided tours of Tai Shan for around ¥700, including transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch. They can also arrange accommodations and book tickets.
Visitor Information
The Tai'an Tourism Information Centre, located just outside the railway station to the right as you exit (tel. 0538/688-7358; www.sdta.cn), can answer questions and direct travelers to hotels, sights, and travel agencies.
Fast Facts
Banks, Foreign Exchange & ATMs -- The Bank of China is located at Dongyue Dajie 48. Foreign exchange is available Monday through Friday from 8am to noon and 1:30 to 5pm. There is an ATM here.
Internet Access -- There are Internet cafes along Hongmen Lu north of Daizong Dajie. Most are open 24 hours and charge ¥2 to ¥3 per hour.
Post Office -- The main post office (8am-5pm) is at Dongyue Dajie 3.
Visa Extensions -- The Gonganju (PSB) is in the eastern part of town at Dongyue Dajie Dongshou (tel. 0538/827-5264; Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am and 1:30-4:30pm). Allow 5 business days. Take a taxi or catch bus no. 3 or 4.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.