China - Shandong Province

First of all, here's some photos of Taishan, in Shandong province.  Taishan is reputedly foremost amongst China's "Five Sacred Mountains."  And yes, it appears a certain plant is rather common on that mountain.  It is not cheap by Chinese standards to get transportation to and from the mountain.  But the mountain is teeming with tourists.    In a time and place where it looks like the American economy is hurdling to oblivion, it is evident that China's not doing too shabbily, despite what some might be saying.