What were the feng and shan ceremonies performed at Mount Tai?

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old and new buildings in Jinan — Shandong Old and new buildings in Jinan, Shandong province, China.

The feng and shan ceremonies were two of the most significant state rituals in the traditional Chinese empire, performed at Mount Tai in Shandong province to ensure a dynasty’s fortunes.1

Collectively known as fengshan, these rites represented the worship of heaven and earth:

Feng: This ceremony was conducted at the summit of Mount Tai and involved making offerings to heaven.1
Shan: This ceremony was held on a lower hill and involved making offerings to earth.1

These rare and spectacular rituals were performed by emperors during the Han and Tang dynasties to solidify their legitimacy and divine mandate.1