Mount Huashan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains, is famous for its towering cliffs, thrilling hikes, and rich spiritual history. Located in Shaanxi Province, not far from Xi’an, this mountain offers a mix of natural beauty, ancient culture, and adventure.
Mount Huashan Hiking Trails Guide
Mount Huashan offers several trails that lead to its five main peaks. Some are steep and challenging, while others are more moderate. Below is a guide to the main hiking routes.
Mount Huashan Route Summary
Mount Huashan has five main peaks connected by steep trails. The typical hiking route starts from the Yuquan Courtyard (Jade Spring Temple) and follows this sequence:
1.Trailhead – Yuquan Temple
2.North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
→ First main peak reached via the “Soldier’s Path” or the cable car
3.Cliffside Path to Canglong Ridge
→ A long steep section often called “Black Dragon Ridge”
4.East Peak (Facing Sun Peak)
→ Ideal for watching the sunrise
5.South Peak (Landing Wild Goose Peak)
→ The highest and most challenging peak
6.West Peak (Lotus Peak)
→ Known for smooth granite cliffs
7.Central Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)
→ A minor peak with good views and folklore ties
8.Return via same route or descend by West or North Peak cable cars
Mount Huashan Route Plan
| Segment | Description | Estimated Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start – Yuquan Temple | Begin your hike or take cable car to North Peak | 1–1.5 hours (hike) | Gentle incline, historic temple |
| North Peak | First peak, panoramic views | — | Cable car station, resting area |
| Canglong Ridge | Very steep ascent to central area | 1 hour | Famous for difficulty and views |
| East Peak | Sunrise viewing spot | 1 hour | Early start recommended |
| South Peak | Tallest point, thrilling drops | 1–1.5 hours | Extreme exposure, Plank Walk nearby |
| West Peak | Gentle descent from South | 1 hour | Lotus-shaped rock formations |
| Central Peak | Optional detour | 30 min | Mythical story of Jade Maiden |
| Descent | Return via West or North Peak | 1–2 hours | Choose based on energy level |
The Five Main Peaks of Mount Huashan
Each of the five peaks offers a different experience. Some are peaceful with great views, while others test your courage. Let’s look at them individually:
East Peak (Facing Sunrise Peak)
Highlight: Best sunrise views on the mountain
Notable Site: Chaoyang Platform (a great sunrise viewing spot)
Route Tip: Start early or stay overnight at the East Peak lodge
South Peak (Landing Wild Geese Peak)
Highlight: Tallest peak, thrilling paths
Famous Spot: The Plank Walk in the Sky – a narrow wooden path on the cliffside
Caution: Not suitable for those afraid of heights
1 Day Xi’an Mount Huashan Day Tour with Cable Car : Full-Day Private Tour
West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak)
Highlight: Elegant granite formations
Notable Site: Giant stone arch and Taoist temples
Atmosphere: Quieter than other peaks, ideal for reflection
North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
Highlight: Easiest to reach via cable car
Usefulness: Acts as the starting point for most hikes
Feature: Wide platforms for rest and photography
Central Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)
Highlight: Connects East, South, and West Peaks
Legend: Named after a fairy who flew here to meet her lover
Access: Only reachable from other peaks
Route Options for Visitors
Depending on your fitness level and time, you can choose from different ways to explore Huashan:
| Route | Method | Duration | Main Highlights | For Whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Hike | Hike from North to East/South | Full day or overnight | All five peaks, Plank Walk, sunrise view | Fit and adventurous hikers |
Less suitable | Cable car up & down | Half day | North Peak, scenic views | Beginners, families |
| Mixed Route | Cable up, hike across, cable down | 6–8 hours | East to South Peak via Central Peak | Balanced option |
How to get to Mount Huashan
Mount Huashan is located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, about 120 km east of Xi’an.
By High-Speed Train
By Bus
| Departure Point | To | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi’an Bus Station | Huashan Scenic Area | ~2 hours | Buses depart regularly in the morning |
| Luoyang / Zhengzhou | Huashan Scenic Area | 2–4 hours | Fewer options than trains; less frequent |
Sign Up for Organized Tour Group
Join organized tour from Xi’an to Mount Huashan for a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Travel Time: Around 2 hours via G30 expressway
Includes: Round-trip transport, parking access, and guidance to the East or West cable car stations
Best suited for families or travelers looking for a flexible, stress-free visit
Best Time to Visit Mount Huashan
The weather at Huashan changes with the seasons. Timing your trip can make a big difference in safety and comfort.
| Season | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cool, mild | Flowers bloom, less crowded | Occasional rain |
| Summer | Warm, humid | Long daylight, great views | Crowds, strong sun |
| Autumn | Crisp, clear | Colorful leaves, stable weather | Can be windy on the peaks |
| Winter | Cold, snowy | Peaceful, beautiful snow scenes | Some trails may close |
Recommended Time: April to June or September to October for best hiking conditions
Travel Tips for a Safe Climb
Huashan is both beautiful and physically demanding. Here are some practical tips:
1.Arrive Early: Avoid crowds and give yourself time to complete the hike before dark.
2.Choose Proper Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing, gloves, and sunscreen are essential.
3.Stay Hydrated: Bring enough water and snacks, especially if hiking multiple peaks.
4.Use the Cable Cars Smartly: Save energy and time. Choose cable cars based on your route.
5.Prepare for Steep Trails: Many stairs and chains for support. Rest often and pace yourself.
6.Avoid Holidays: Skip national holidays like May Day and Golden Week to avoid congestion.
Recommended Packing Checklist
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Daypack | For carrying water, food, jacket, and camera |
| Trekking shoes | For grip and support on steep paths |
| Warm layers | Sudden temperature drops at high altitudes |
| Flashlight/headlamp | If starting before sunrise or finishing late |
| Gloves | For gripping chains during climbs |
| Portable charger | Keep phone and camera powered |
Sample Itinerary (1-Day Mixed Route)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Depart Xi’an for Huashan |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at North Gate, take cable car |
| 9:30 AM | Explore North Peak |
| 10:30 AM | Hike to East Peak (enjoy the views) |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch break at the top |
| 1:00 PM | Hike to South Peak and do Plank Walk |
| 3:00 PM | Visit West Peak, then take cable down |
| 5:00 PM | Return to Xi’an |
Mount Huashan is a journey into both nature and history. With careful planning, you can enjoy breathtaking views, unforgettable hikes, and spiritual moments. Whether you want to challenge yourself on the Plank Walk or simply admire sunrise from the East Peak, Huashan has something for every traveler.
Prepare well, take your time, and experience one of China’s greatest natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Huashan
What are the main peaks of Mount Huashan?
Mount Huashan features five main peaks: North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak), Middle Peak (Jade Lady Peak), East Peak (Chao Yang Peak), South Peak (the highest peak), and West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak). Each peak offers unique views and experiences, with East Peak being famous for sunrise and South Peak for the Plank Walk.
Are cable cars available at Huashan?
Yes, Mount Huashan has two main cable car lines: one to the North Peak and another to the West Peak. These cable cars provide convenient access to the upper sections of the mountain, allowing visitors to save energy and time, or to enjoy panoramic views without extensive hiking.
What should I pack for a hike on Huashan?
For a hike on Huashan, pack sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, layered clothing for changing temperatures, a headlamp (especially for night climbs), gloves, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks. A small first-aid kit is also recommended.
Is the Huashan Plank Walk dangerous?
The Huashan Plank Walk (Changkong Zhandao) is considered one of the world’s most thrilling and potentially dangerous hikes due to its narrow planks and sheer drops. However, visitors are provided with safety harnesses and instructed to use them to clip into safety lines along the route, making it a controlled adventurous experience.
