Mount Huashan

Introducing Mount Huashan
Mount Huashan is located 120 kilometers east of Xi'an. It has long been regarded as the most precipitous mountain in China, edged with sheer granite rock face, rugged cliffs and deep valleys. Its pathway is also one of the most treacherous, winding its way two thousand feet high to a narrow ledge on the rock face. In spite of or perhaps because of this inhospitable landscape, Mount Huashan is rich in flora and fauna. Taoist knows this as the mountain of wealth, and according to tradition, wealth is measured by the diversity of species living on the land. Consequently Mount Huashan has been worshiped as a site of natural abundance for many centuries, possibly for millennium. The beauty and rich terrain of Huashan is enhanced by its profound historical and cultural significance. It is one of the five Taoist sacred mountains of China. It is a place steeped in legend, where the very rocks are engraved with tales and poems from its long history; where gods are said to have performed magic, where emperors have worshiped and sacrificed; and where forefathers of Taoism have set down their religious legacies. Mount Huashan is both naturally and culturally a vital national inheritance to China and the world.

Mount Huashan Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Huashan 华山
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 6 to 8 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Nature
• Opening Hours: The mountain: 24 hours; Cable: 07:00-19:00 from Mar. to Nov./ 08:00-18:00 from Dec. to Feb.
• Entrance Fee: ¥160/person from Mar. to Nov./ ¥100/person from Dec. to Feb.
• Address: Huashan County, Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province

What to expect at Mount Huashan
There are five main peaks at Mount Huashan Scenic area, which are the North Peak, West Peak, South Peak, East Peak, and Middle Peak.

 

North Peak
The North Peak is also known as Cloud Terrace Peak for it looks like a flat terrace in the clouds. Of 1,614 meters high, it is one of the main peaks of Mount Huashan. To get to the other four peaks, you must pass the North Peak first. Almost halfway up the North Peak trees are luxuriantly green, creating a good rest spot. There a quite a lot of attractions to see on the North Peak, such as the Zhenwu Palace, Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Yunv Window, Yiyun Pavilion, Place of Laojun Hanging the Plough, and etc.

West Peak
The West Peak is 2,086.6 meters with very high cliffs standing erect. It is also called the Lotus Peak, for there is a giant stone which looks like a lotus leaf. It is the most beautiful peak at the Mount. After you climb up on the peak, you could see from a distance of the surrounding mountains rising up and down, clouds and sunglow fluttering lightly, like being in a land of immortals. It is said to be the place where the famous legend The Louts Lantern happens. In the story, the main character Chen Xiang engaged a decisive battle against his evil uncle, blasting the cliff and finally rescued his mother, the Heavenly Goddess Sanshengmu.

South Peak
With an altitude of 2,160 meters, the South Peak is regarded as the highest peak among all the five main peaks at Mount Huashan, and also the highest peak among the Five Sacred Mountains of China. It is said that the wild geese returning from the south would often land at this peak, giving the area the another name the Landing Wild Geese Peak. At the summit of the South Peak, visitors could enjoy the unbelievable feeling of stepping on the clouds, surrounded with the landscapes of the rolling mountains, winding Yellow River and Wei River, plains and valleys. Two famous attractions, the Black Dragon Pool and the Greeting Pines are also at the top of the South Peak.

East Peak
It is the best place to enjoy the sunrise from the East Peak, so the Peak is also called Sunrise Peak. It has an altitude of 2,090 meters, forming a platform for visitors to view the sunrise in fine weather. The Immortal's Palm Peak, ranked as one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of the Xian, is located on the East Peak. It refers to the natural rock veins of the cliff, which look like a giant palm-print.

Middle Peak
The middle Peak is situated at the middle of the East Peak, South Peak and West Peak. There is a Taoist temple called Jade Maiden Temple on the peak. Legend has it that the daughter of Qin Mugong during the Spring and Autumn Period, who got in love with a man and gave up the royal life to become a hermit who cultivated her spirituality here. Other scenic spots in Middle Peak include Rootless Tree and Sacrificing Tree, which have beautiful stories and add to the supernatural atmosphere of Middle Peak.

Recommended Route for Hiking with Round Trip Cable Car

8~9 hours Classic Hiking
Tourist Center – North Peak Cable Car – East Peak – South Peak – West Peak – West Peak Cable Car – Tourist Center

6~7 hours Leisure Hiking
Tourist Center – West Peak Cable Car – West Peak – South Peak – East Peak – West Peak – West Peak Cable Car – Tourist Center

How to get to Mount Huashan

By Train
• Take a train to from Xian North Railway Station to Huashan North Railway Station (30 mins). Then, take the Bus Huayin 1 or 2 at square in front of Huashan North Railway Station to the Huashang Tourist Center.

By Bus
• Take Bus Huayin K302/K402 or Tourist Bus 1 from Xian Chengdong Passengers Bus Station to the Mountain.
• Take Metro Line 1 to Fangzhicheng Station. Walk to Fangzhicheng Bus Station. Take a Huashan Tourist bus to the Mountain directly (3 hours).

Additional travel advice on Mount Huashan
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Prepare other climbing equipment if necessary, such as gloves, trekking poles, head torch, etc.  
• Prepare some food, drinkable water, in case no much vendors selling them on the Mountain.