Taishan stone stands on China's highest pass

(chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2016-06-28

Taishan stone stands on China's highest pass

Taishan stone was unveiled on the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international crossing in the world, on June 21. [Photo from nantouweb.com] 

Taishan stone was unveiled on the Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international crossing in the world, on June 21.

The stone, 2.9 meters in width, 1.2 meters in thickness and 3.8 meters in height, was presented by the magazine Tourism World to pay tribute to the frontier force on the pass.

Taishan Mountain was regarded as head of the "Five Sacred Mountains" under heaven. For over 3,000 years, Chinese emperors have made pilgrimages to Taishan Mountain to pray to the gods. Twelve emperors, beginning with Qin Shihuang, the first emperor to unify China in 221 BC, have paid homage in a ritual called "Fengshan Sacrifices" at the mountain.

Taishan stone stands on China's highest pass

The Taishan stone is 2.9 meters in width, 1.2 meters in thickness and 3.8 meters in height. [Photo from nantouweb.com]

Therefore, Taishan stones are symbols of peace, stability and prosperity.

Khunjerab Pass on the China-Pakistan border is a strategic point on the Karakoram Highway, which links northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region with Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region.

The pass played an important role in the ancient Silk Road. Under the One Belt, One Road Initiative, Khunjerab Pass plays a more prominent role now in exporting Xinjiang products to Europe, Africa, and West Asia.

Taishan stone stands on China's highest pass

The stone is presented by the magazine Tourism World to pay tribute to the frontier force on the pass. [Photo from nantouweb.com]