Although the Mountain carries considerable historical and religious weight, the inevitable influx of tourism has led to the "disney-fication" of the area and it is increasingly difficult to see the mountain for the historical grandeur it once represented. Stalls, shops, photo booths and tea houses are dotted about and there is even a bus station and cable car situated half way up. It is possible however to escape all this, and the traditional western descent route tends to be more quiet and scenic. What's more, despite (or as a result of) its fame, hundreds of Taoist pilgrims still make the journey up here on a regular basis, including many women, ascending to pay tribute to the Princess of the Rosy Clouds (Bixia Yuan Jun), who it is said can help women conceive. For those feeling really keen, the annual Mount Tai race takes place in September each year, and includes a competition for the best foreign participant!