Tai mountain's brutal climb leaves tourists struggling for rescue

Tai Mountain in China's Shandong province is a real sweat-breaker. To conquer it, hikers must climb over 7,200 steps. Unfortunately, few people are prepared for such an exertion. Tourists often experience leg muscle injuries and are sometimes carried down by rescue services.

Reaching the summit of Tai Mountain takes at least four hours. The hike and climb up the stairs, with more than 7,200 steps, is a challenge that can overwhelm inexperienced tourists.

You can find plenty of recordings online that show what happens to tourists unprepared for such a challenge.

In one of the videos posted on Instagram, tourists are seen descending from the mountain, struggling to move with walking sticks. Their legs are shaking like jelly, and it's not an exaggerated comparison. Some legs are trembling and involuntarily jerking, making it impossible to walk independently.

The footage also shows one person losing balance and falling down the stairs, a group of rescuers carrying a tourist who could not walk down on a stretcher, and some tourists trying to calm their legs and continue descending the stairs.

Tai Mountain is one of the holiest Taoist mountains in China and has been a center of emperor worship for thousands of years. Over 72 emperors have visited it to meditate or make offerings. The mountain is also known as the highest point in Shangdong.

Tai stands 5,069 feet above sea level. The mountain territory includes 22 temples, 97 ruins, 819 stone tablets, and 1,018 cliffside writings and inscriptions. Seven thousand-step stairs lead to the summit, and 11 gates, 14 arched passages, 14 kiosks, and 4 pavilions have also been built.