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Situated in Huayin City, 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) east from Xi'an City of Shaanxi Province, Mt. Huashan is known as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven'. It is one of the five sacred mountains in China. The other four mountains are Mt. Taishan in Shandong, Mt. Hengshan in Hunan, Mt. Hengshan in Shanxi, and Mt. Songshan in Henan.
In ancient times, Mt. Huashan was called Mt. Taihuashan. From a distance the five peaks seem to form the shape of a 'flower' (hua in Chinese), hence the name 'Huashan'. It is famous for its natural vistas of steep and narrow paths, precipitous crags, and a high mountain range. It is home to several influential Taoist temples where emperors of past dynasties made pilgrimages, making Mt. Huashan the holy land of Taoism.
Yuquan Yuan (Jade Spring Temple)
Usually tourists climb up the mountain assisted by the iron chains along the way and start their tour from Yuquan Yuan (Jade Spring Temple), one of the main Taoist temples in China located at the foot of Mt. Huashan. It has the architectural style of the classical gardens in south China. There is a pond in the center and several pavilions around it. Walking through the Wuyou Pavilion, the Long Corridor of Seventy-two Windows comes into view, and afterwards Qingke Ping where a big rock called 'Huixin Rock' can be seen. It is said that 'Huixin Rock' is a reminder for those who wish to stop their tour at this point. Beside the rock are the precipitous 370 rock steps called 'Qianchi Zhuang' considered to be the primary breath-taking path of Mt. Huashan. When climbing, only a gleam of sky above can be seen, making climbers feel as if they were at the bottom of a well.
North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
Across the 'Qianchi Zhuang' are two similar precipitous paths-respectively called 'Baichi Xia' and 'Laojun Li' above which climbers reach Mt. Huashan's North Peak. There are precipitous cliffs on all sides of North Peak, making it look like a flat terrace in the clouds, hence the name Cloud Terrace Peak. It is 1,614 meters (about 5,295 feet) high. Three sides are cliffs and one side is to the 'Ca'er (the ear rubbing the cliff) Cliff' which is the fourth precipitous path where tourists can climb up only by pressing an ear close to the cliff. In the waist of North Peak trees are luxuriantly green, creating a good rest spot.
Jinsuo Guan (Gold Lock Pass)
When climbing over the 'Blue Dragon Range', regarded as the must-pass way to the other four peaks from North Peak, travelers arrive at Gold Lock Pass. Mt. Huashan visitors know that it is customary to buy a golden lock, and then lock it in the iron chains on both sides of the Gold Lock Pass for families and friends to pray for their safety and health. It is a marvelous spectacle to see thousands of golden locks in the iron chains. Within the mountain gate of Gold Lock Pass, a huge golden lock of about 4 meters (about 4.37 yards) long and 1 .5 meters (about 1.64 yards) high stands in a big rock. It is made of pure copper and forged by 9,999 locks left by visitors. It is a popular photo site. This huge lock can only be opened by throwing coins - one coin represent the status of an ordinary person; three coins, a blessed person and nine coins a most blessed one. Gold Lock Pass is the throat to Middle Peak, East Peak, South Peak and West Peak.
Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)
Middle Peak clings to East peak and is in the center of East, South and West Peaks. There is a Taoist temple in the peak named 'Jade Maiden Temple'. Legend has it that the daughter of Qin Mugong (569 B.C.-621 B.C.) loved a man who was good at playing Chinese tung-hsiao (vertical flute) and she gave up the royal life to become a hermit who cultivated her spirituality here, hence the name Jade Maiden Peak. Today Jade Maiden Temple and Jade Maiden Basin for Shampooing can be found on the peak.
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.
East Peak (Facing Sun Peak)
Tour guides may promote climbing the mountain at night to see the sunrise. Climbing to the top of East Peak requires 4 to 6 hours. East Peak has an altitude of 2,090 meters (about 6,857 feet) forming a platform for visitors to view the sunrise. An astronomical telescope is provided here. The reference time for sunrise and sunset is 5:00a.m.-6:00a.m. in spring, 4:30a.m.-5:20a.m. in summer, 5:00a.m.-5:20a.m. in autumn, 5:30a.m.-6:00a.m. in winter.
One well-known scenic spot called the 'Immortal's Palm Peak of Mt. Huashan' which is ranked as one of the 'Eight Scenic Wonders of the Guanzhong Area (the plain area in the middle of Shaanxi Province)' is located on East Peak. It refers to the natural rock veins of the cliff which look like a giant palm-print. Legend has it that on March 3rd of the Lunar Calendar a torrential flood erupted, destroying the villages within the Mt. Huashan area. This disaster was caused by the Queen Mother of the West, who held her 'Flat Peach Carnival' celebration that year. She carelessly spilled a little jade wine down from paradise, causing a serious flood below. This news was quickly reported by Deity Shaohao to the Jade Emperor in Celestial Paradise. He gave a prompt order to Deity Juling to go down to tame the flood. When Deity Juling, full of vigor and vitality, descended from the clouds, he arrived at the precipitous cliff of East Peak. At the moment that he laid his left hand on one side and his right leg on the other, he ripped the mountain into two halves and immediately a flood rushed out. This tale adds luster to East Peak.
Mt. Huashan Pictures
Huashan Hiking Tour
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Travelers' Voices on Mt. Huashan
1.
Nov. 1,2009 20:40 Reply
Mr.Wee said:
Whoa! Is it better to go with a tour group or solo. Thinking of going in December. Will it be too cold to hike there then?
Nov. 2,2009 20:33
Mr.Goodman replied:
You can do it by your own. But, it will be reallly really cold. look before you leap
2.
Oct. 5,2009 21:25 Reply
Ms.Jen(Malaysia) said:
Hi, I'm planning to go for a day trip Huashan from Xian on 19 October 2009. Anyone wants to join me? and would be grateful if you could let me know what should i be watching for.
Due to the time constraint, I'll be taking the cable car both ways and hike to south and west peak (heard they are the best?).
Oct. 6,2009 20:48
Mr.Wang replied:
Yes, the south peak is the highest and west peak is the best place to see the sunrise. It will save a lot of time to take cable way. Enjoy the trip there.
Oct. 8,2009 07:34
Ms.Jen(Malaysia) replied:
Thank you, Mr Wang. But after i reach North peak by taking cable car, how long do i need to walk from north peak - south peak - west peak - north peak for cable car to go down? I notice there is a route link with these three peaks, is that correct? I'm worry I cannot catch the last bus to xian.
Oct. 10,2009 01:05
Ms.Jennifer replied:
Just want to say that east peak rather than west peak is the best place to see the sunrise. I can't tell how long exactly it would take to travel these peaks, but you can cover these peaks before the last bus to xian. Don't worry :)
3.
Jul. 12,2009 01:07 Reply
Mr.Daniel(China) said:
A tourist train linking Beijing with Mt Huashan near Xian will be in service as of July 15. Actually, it was originally the T231/232 passenger trains running between Beijing and Xi’an. From July 15, 2009 to July 14, 2010, the T231/232 trains will be named as “Mt. Huashan Tourist Trains”. Starting from July15, the propaganda on Mt Huanshan will be the exclusive promotion ads on the trains.
Oct. 8,2009 11:11
Mr.Anant(Thailand) replied:
I want to go to Mt. Huashan on 25th Oct.
Is this direct train from Beijing-Mt.Huashan operating? And how much does it cost?
Oct. 9,2009 23:12
Ms.Melissa(CN) replied:
Hi, i have found this train that runs from Beijing West Railway Station to Huashan, that is 1363. The train starts from Beijing West Railway Station at 21:48 and arrives at Huashan at 11:10. The whole trip takes around 13.5 hours. The hard seat ticket costs CNY123; hard sleeper ticket costs CNY240; soft sleeper ticket costs CNY 373.
4.
Aug. 26,2009 07:08 Reply
Mr.Marek(Poland) said:
Hello Everybody,
Does anybody plans to climb Mt Hua coming weekend, 29.08 who'd like to join me &
my colleague (2 guys from Poland)?
We are about to come to Xian approx. at 8 AM and then would take immediately bus to Mt. Huashan to make one day hiking there.
When the last cable car goes from North Peak down?
What are the possibilities to come back from there to Xian in the later afternoon/evening to be in Xian for accomodation?
Thanks for any information.
BR/
Marek
Aug. 26,2009 20:48
Mr.Goodman(cn) replied:
people climbe Huashan Mountain during daytime and night time. I bet the cable car is running 24 hours. One day hiking is feasible.
Sep. 3,2009 03:22
Mr.bob(cn) replied:
Of course the cable car do not run 24 hours, I guess it should stop running at about 18:00.
You can take a train to go back to Xian at night.
5.
Jul. 29,2009 09:59 Reply
Ms.emma(CHINA) said:
I am a chinese student in xian,and I majored in English,I just want to make friends and improve my english at the same time ,so if anyone want vist huashan this summer,I will be glad to be your guide for free.
Jul. 31,2009 04:55
Ms.Khim(malaysia) replied:
Hi, Emma,
i'm planning a trip to XiAn in the near future maybe next year. I wish to hike Mt Hua (华山) it'll be gd if u can join us. But in the mean time could you help to find out what's the distance between XiAn city center and Mt Hua? what's the best way to go there? bus?
Aug. 1,2009 02:32
Ms.li replied:
I was just in Huashan a few days ago, you can take a bus from the Xian train station for 5o yuan round trip, the ride is about 2 hours. once you get there, you can take a 10 yuan taxi ride to another bus station, from there they'll take you to the cable car station for 10 each way. You have to pay 120 yuan to enter the mountain and 150 round trip for the cable car ride if you dont want to hike all the way.
If you want to hike the whole thing, its better to take the ealiest bus that leaves the train station at 6 am.
Aug. 1,2009 21:05
Ms.Sylv(Canada) replied:
I am in Xian now, and I would be interested in visiting Huashan with you.
Aug. 2,2009 23:05
Ms.Khim(Malaysia) replied:
Thank you so much Ms Li for your info. Do u have any idea any Youth Hostel or place for us to put up on Mt Hua? Is there any weblink or their email contact that i can get contact with?
Aug. 23,2009 12:54
Ms.Cindy(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Emma,
I'm planning to visit Xian and Mt Huashan around 19th ~ 22nd Sept. Most likely will join a tour package from Malaysia.
I would love to have someone like you to introduce places of interest which tourists usually miss while they were in Xian (eg., local delicacies, handicrafts, performances).
Will you be available then?
Aug. 24,2009 05:05
Mr.emma(China) replied:
hi,cindy,
I'm not sure whether I'am available at that time,but
i can help you by give you infos that you need.and give you some advice about visiting xi'an.so if you have any question .just email me at wjf4426493@163.com
I,d be glad to help you
Aug. 25,2009 01:23
Ms.Frances(SGP) replied:
Hi Mr Emma,
my family will like to visit huashan this coming late nov 2009. We will like to stay one night at the mt. Just want to check with U, how many hotel are there at the mt ? Do U know how much will it cost per night ? I did check through the internet but cann't find any inform ! ThankQ .
Aug. 25,2009 08:19
Mr.emma(China) replied:
hi,Ms.Frances(SGP):
if you want any infos,i will give you infos by email,
so leave your email address,
and if you have any question.just email me at wjf4426493@163.com
6.
Aug. 2,2009 07:50 Reply
Mr.emma(china) said:
HI, Ms.Sylv(Canada)
I'am emma,and I would be glad visiting huashan with you,My email address is wjf4426493@163.com.OR JUST give me a message or call me at 15094091407.
7.
Aug. 1,2009 06:26 Reply
Mr.emma(China) said:
Hi,Ms.khim
I'am glad to join you and to show you around during your stay in China.if you have any question ,just email me ,My email address is wjf4426493@163.cpm . Hope I Can be your good chinese friend.
8.
Jun. 6,2009 14:18 Reply
Ms.Lee(Malaysia) said:
hello, i am going to travel with my dad around NOv 3.
I would like to know if it is too dangerous for my dad to walk up to the peaks?
My dad is 70 years old, quite fit. Just thought if all the adventurous trail can be avoided but still able to reach one of the peak?
thanks.
Jun. 7,2009 04:14
Mr.John replied:
It is really a challenge for you too climb the moutanin in November. It will be cold and I think it is dangerous for your dad to climb. Park of the route has cableway servered. I suggest you change another time and had better not let your father do that.
Jun. 8,2009 09:33
Ms.Lee(Malaysia) replied:
thanks Mr.John for reply. how about if he goes but just get a cable car to stop at north peak and stay a night there?
and i and other frens climb the other peak and back to meet him?
He went to Huang San last Nov,2006 so he keeps insisting can go with cable this time.
Jun. 9,2009 02:48
Mr.John replied:
Hi, Lee. Ok, if your father really want to go. You know Huashan is the most steep mountain and most scaring to climb among the five famous mountains. There is only one cable route in Huashan to the North Peak. The best place to see the sunrise is East Peak. The cable car only take a few minutes. I think it will be fine. Enjoy~
Jun. 22,2009 20:33
Mr.JDUNSTER(Canada) replied:
The hotel is at :
No. 229, Hanguang South Road, Xian
Is there anywher I can get a map of Xian on the internet?
Jun. 22,2009 20:41
Mr.JDUNSTER(Canada) replied:
You mentioned that I can get a map of Hua Shan trails on the internet. Could you direct me to the web site?
Thanks
Jul. 22,2009 06:25
Ms.KIRA_ZHAO(China) replied:
i think he can get the north peak ,it will be safer by take rope way
9.
Jun. 21,2009 22:50 Reply
Mr.JDUNSTER(Canada) said:
I plan to be there July 9 - 13. I would like to hike up from the base (N peak) and see the five peaks.
Is it possible to get a map of the trails before I arrive?
My plan is to arrive in the afternoon, walk up the stairs for a few hours, bivouac overnight and then carry on the next day, catching the gondola down on the way back. Is that possible?
Which bus is the best to catch? I am staying at the Hotel Providence in Xian.
What sort of weather temperatures should I expect at this time of year?
Thanks for any help you can offer.
jd :)
Jun. 22,2009 05:05
Mr.Qi replied:
Hi sir,
For the map, you can get one when you buy ticket there. I am a fraid not available befre arriving. Or, you can download from internet.
Your plan is fine and resonable. Actually, most people would like to do like that. I do not know the hotel. I am in Xian and not heard of this hotel before. Could you tell the adress?! There are special tourist bus available beside the Railway Station, on the east square.
As to the weather, well it is 36C now. July is usually hotter.
10.
Jun. 7,2009 05:18 Reply
Mr.Vanhoyland(Belgium ) said:
Hey guys, leaving tonight on the sleepingtrain from Beijing to Xi'an in an effort to go and climb the five peaks on mys own. I'm also planning to stay overnight on the East Peak and watch the sunrise. Thanks alot for the information on your site, it was really helpful in planning this journey because there is alot of faulty information on the web. I'm surely returning to this site to report on how it was, post some pictures and try to add more valuable information.
Cheers,
Maarten aka Spons