Taishan Tianjie Summit Restaurants (泰山天街餐厅)

Taishan Tianjie Summit Restaurants are the basic eateries in the Tianjie area near the summit of Mount Tai, in Tai'an, Shandong. Mount Tai is one of China's five sacred mountains and a World Heritage site, and thousands of visitors climb its stone steps or ride the cable car to the top each day. The restaurants at the summit exist to feed those climbers and are functional rather than gastronomic, so expectations should be set accordingly. The menu is limited and built around foods that are easy to prepare at altitude and to carry up the mountain. Typical items include instant noodles, hot tofu soup and stewed dishes served with rice or steamed bread. Because all supplies must be transported up the mountain, prices are noticeably inflated compared with those in Tai'an city, and the descriptions of the restaurants as inflated in price and limited in choice are common among visitors. The setting is a series of mountain-top canteens, with simple tables, basic service and a crowded, noisy atmosphere at midday, especially on holidays and clear weekends. Dress is whatever climbers are wearing, and warm layers are useful since the summit is cooler and often windy. A typical spend is CNY 40-100 per person, which is high for the food offered. Drinks are hot water, tea and soft drinks, with bottled water at raised prices. Reservations are not used. The restaurants generally close in the early evening, and visitors planning to see the sunrise or stay overnight should check what is open. A hot meal at the top can be welcome after the climb, but many climbers carry their own snacks and water to reduce costs and avoid queues. The restaurants suit those who need a warm meal and a rest before descending.