Mount Huashan, known as "the most precipitous mountain under heaven," is a breathtaking marvel of nature and one of China's Five Great Mountains. Located in Shaanxi Province, this sacred Taoist site offers visitors an exhilarating blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and heart-pounding adventure. With its five distinct peaks, dizzying cliff-side paths, and stunning vistas, Mount Huashan promises an unforgettable journey for those brave enough to explore its heights.

Why have to visit Mount Huashan？

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty
  Mount Huashan is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring five distinct peaks that each offer unique vistas. The East Peak, known as the "Sunrise Peak", provides one of the most spectacular sunrise views in China, while the South Peak, the highest at 2,154.9 meters, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. The dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and seasonal changes create a picturesque setting that captivates photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

• Thrilling Adventure
  Recognized as No.1 perilous mountain in China and one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, Huashan attracts adventure seekers with its challenging hiking trails and cliffside paths. The infamous Plank Walk—a narrow wooden path bolted to sheer cliffs—offers an adrenaline-pumping experience for those daring enough to traverse it. The mountain's steep and narrow trails provide a sense of accomplishment and excitement, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

• Cultural and Historical Significance
  As one of the Five Great Mountains of China, Huashan holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. It has been a sacred site for Taoism for centuries, with numerous temples and shrines scattered throughout its slopes. Historical records indicate that many emperors visited Huashan to pay homage to its deities, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Visitors can explore ancient temples and learn about the legends that have shaped this iconic site.

• Year-Round Appeal
  Each season brings its own charm to Mount Huashan. Spring offers vibrant blooms, summer showcases lush greenery, autumn transforms the landscape into a canvas of gold and red leaves, and winter blankets the peaks in serene snow. This seasonal diversity makes Huashan an attractive destination year-round, allowing visitors to experience its beauty in various forms while enjoying activities like hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views. In this 5A tourist attraction, whether you are seeking adventure on its challenging trails or tranquility in its ancient temples, Huashan will offer a profound experience that resonates long after your visit.

As one Chinese writer put it, "One must climb Mount Huashan at least once in one's life." This is not only a journey, but also a spiritual baptism. In the process of climbing, people learn to respect nature and discover their own potential. Huashan, like a mirror, can reflect the tenacity and greatness of human nature.

Five Peaks in Mount Huashan

1. East Peak (Sunrise Peak)
   At 2,096.2 meters high, the East Peak is famous for its stunning sunrise views. Also known as the Facing Sun Peak, it features a platform where visitors can witness the spectacular dawn breaking over the horizon. The peak consists of four summits, with Zhaoyang Feng being the highest. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The East Peak is also home to the challenging "Heavenly Stairs," a nearly vertical climb that tests the mettle of even experienced hikers.
2. South Peak (Landing Wild Geese Peak)
   Standing at 2,154.9 meters, the South Peak is the highest of Mount Huashan's five peaks and the highest among China's Five Great Mountains. It's named after a legend that wild geese would rest here during their migrations. The South Peak offers the most challenging and thrilling experiences, including the infamous Plank Walk - a narrow wooden pathway along the cliff face that's considered one of the world's most dangerous hiking trails. From the summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
3. West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak)
   The West Peak, at 2,082.6 meters, is known for its distinctive lotus-shaped rock formation at its summit. It's often considered the most aesthetically pleasing of the five peaks, with its elegant silhouette resembling a lotus blossom. The peak is home to several Taoist temples, including the Cuiyun Palace, adding to its cultural significance. Visitors to the West Peak can enjoy stunning sunset views and explore the rich mythology associated with the area.
4. North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
   At 1,614 meters, the North Peak is the lowest of the five main peaks but serves as the primary access point for most visitors. It's nicknamed "Cloud Terrace Peak" due to its flat summit that often seems to float above the clouds. The North Peak is home to several important sites, including the Zhenwu Hall and the Changchun Stone Chamber. It's also the terminus for one of the mountain's cable car lines, making it a popular starting point for exploring the other peaks.
5. Central Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)
   The Central Peak, also known as the Middle Peak or Jade Maiden Peak, sits at the heart of Mount Huashan, connecting the East, South, and West peaks. While it's sometimes overlooked in favor of the other peaks, it offers its own unique charm and cultural significance. The peak is named after a legend involving a jade maiden and houses several Taoist sites. It provides a central vantage point for viewing the other peaks and serves as an important junction for hikers traversing the mountain.

Highlighting Attractions on Mount Huashan

• The Plank Walk
  Perhaps the most famous attraction on Mount Huashan is the Plank Walk. This heart-stopping walkway consists of wooden planks bolted to the side of a sheer cliff face, with only a harness for safety. The path is less than a foot wide and stretches for about 100 meters along the South Peak's cliff.Dating back over 700 years, the Plank Walk was originally constructed by a Taoist monk seeking a quiet place for meditation. Today, it's a popular attraction for thrill-seekers and those looking to test their courage. The views from the Plank Walk are unparalleled, offering a unique perspective of the mountain and the surrounding landscape.Safety measures have been improved in recent years, with visitors required to wear safety harnesses. However, the experience remains intensely thrilling and is not for the faint of heart.

Changkong Plank Trail

• Heavenly Stairs
  The Heavenly Stairs is a steep staircase carved into the mountainside, providing a challenging ascent to the North Peak. This nearly vertical climb offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment for those who brave its steep incline.The stairs are cut directly into the rock face and are equipped with chains for climbers to hold onto, adding to the adventurous experience. The total length is about 300 meters, and climbers need to use both hands and feet to navigate this section.While challenging, the Heavenly Stairs offer some of the most spectacular views on the mountain, making the effort well worth it for many visitors.

Heavenly Stairs

• Golden Lock Pass
  Located between the peaks, the Golden Lock Pass is a popular spot where visitors attach padlocks to chains as symbols of eternal love or friendship. The area is adorned with thousands of colorful locks, creating a visually striking and culturally significant attraction.The tradition is believed to bring good luck and ensure that couples or friends will stay together. Many visitors engrave their names or wishes on the locks before attaching them to the chains.The Golden Lock Pass also offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a popular spot for photographs.

Golden Lock Pass

• Chess Pavilion
  Perched precariously on a rocky outcrop, the Chess Pavilion offers breathtaking views and a unique photo opportunity. Legend has it that immortals once played chess here, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the site.The pavilion seems to defy gravity, clinging to the mountainside and offering visitors a moment of tranquility amidst the challenging terrain. It's a popular spot for visitors to rest and take in the panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

• Black Dragon Ridge
  This narrow ridge connecting the North and South Peaks offers a thrilling hike with panoramic views. The path is often no wider than a meter, with steep drops on either side, providing an exhilarating experience for adventurous hikers.The ridge gets its name from its winding shape, which resembles a dragon's back. Walking along the Black Dragon Ridge offers some of the most spectacular views on the mountain, with vistas stretching out in all directions.

Black Dragon Ridge

• Huashan Tea House
  Nestled high in the mountains, this small tea house is famous for its precarious location and the challenging journey required to reach it. It offers weary climbers a place to rest and enjoy a cup of tea with unparalleled views. The tea house is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who live and work on the mountain. Its location, perched on a narrow ledge with steep drops on all sides, makes it one of the most uniquely situated tea houses in the world.

• Sunrise Viewing Points
  While the East Peak is the most famous spot for watching the sunrise, several other locations on Mount Huashan offer spectacular dawn views. These include parts of the South Peak and certain spots along the mountain trails.Watching the sun rise over the sea of clouds that often surrounds the mountain is a truly magical experience. Many hikers time their ascent to reach these viewing points just before dawn, making for an unforgettable start to the day.

Sunrise in Mount Huashan

• Cable Car Rides
  For those who prefer a less strenuous way to enjoy the mountain views, Mount Huashan offers two cable car routes:
  North Peak Cable Car: This line takes visitors from the base to the North Peak in about 7 minutes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  West Peak Cable Car: This route connects the base to the West Peak area, providing access to some of the mountain's most scenic spots.

  While taking the cable car means missing out on some of the hiking experiences, it allows visitors with limited time or physical capabilities to enjoy the mountain's beauty.

Visiting Information

Address: Huashan Scenic Area, Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province, China

Ticket Price

• Peak season (March to November): 160 CNY per person
• Off-season (December to February): 100 CNY per person

Opening Times

• North Peak
  7 AM - 7PM
• West Peak
  7 AM - 7PM

Cable Car Price

• North Peak 
  Peak season (March to November): 140 CNY per person, one way
  Off-season (December to February): 120 CNY per person, one way
• West Peak
  Peak season (March to November): 80 CNY per person, one way
  Off-season (December to February): 45 CNY per person, one way

Classic Route

• Mount Huashan's base
• Yuquan Yuan (Jade Spring Temple)
• Thousand-Foot Precipice
• Hundred-Foot Crevice
• Taoist Temple of the Immortals
• Golden Lock Pass
• Five Cloud Peak
• Optional detours to various peaks (East, West, South, North, and Central)

Transportation to Mount Huashan

From Xi'an:

• High-speed train to Huashan North Station (45 minutes), then take a free shuttle bus to the mountain entrance.
• Regular train to Huashan Station (2 hours), followed by a short taxi ride.
• Direct tourist bus from Xi'an Railway Station (2-3 hours).

Travel Tips

1. Start early: Begin your ascent before dawn to catch the sunrise and avoid crowds.
2. Choose your route wisely: The traditional hiking path is challenging but rewarding. For a quicker ascent, consider taking the cable car up and hiking down.
3. Pack light but smart: Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and layers for changing temperatures.
4. Stay overnight: Consider spending a night on the mountain to fully experience its beauty and avoid rushing.
5. Be prepared for crowds: Huashan is popular, especially during holidays and weekends. Visit on weekdays if possible.
6. Safety first: While safety measures have improved, some paths remain dangerous. Follow all guidelines and warnings.
7. Bring cash: Some mountain-top amenities may not accept cards.
8. Check the weather: Conditions can change rapidly. Plan accordingly and be prepared to adjust your itinerary.
9. Respect the environment: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the mountain's beauty.