6 Dangerous Passes on Mt. Huashan
Well-known for precipitous terrain, the Huashan Mountain with five main peaks has long been a hot destination for thrill-seekers. Without exaggeration, the real charm of Mt. Huashan lies in 6 dangerous passes on it. During a Huashan tour, the most wonderful and excited part would be crossing over these trekking routes.
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration to pass: about 30 minutes.
Location: on the climbing trail from mountain foot to North Peak.
Highlights: steep, narrow, and vertigo-inducing path.
After you start your Huashan hike from the Jade Spring Temple at the mountain foot, the first dangerous hiking trail to be braved is the Thousand-Foot Precipice with more than 370 stone steps and thick iron chains on both sides. The pass is so narrow that once two people meet face to face on the stairs, they have to turn slightly to pass through.
Besides, the Thousand-Foot Precipice is steep with an inclination angle of nearly 70°. To climb it steadily, one has to cling to the iron chain. To make the climb a little easier, some persons even use their hands and feet together. Once you stop the climb for a moment and turn around, you can just see a narrow strip of sky between cliffs. Moreover, the huge difference in height right before your eyes is likely to make you dizzy.
At the end of the precipice, there is a small cave that can hold only one person. Going through the cave means that you have successfully passed the precipice. It’s worth noting that once the upper edge of the cave is covered, the only way for hikers to the mountain peaks will be blocked, and the precipice thus becomes the Choke Point of Huashan Mountain.
See also: Classical Routes for Mount Huashan Hike
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration to pass: about 10 minutes.
Location: on the climbing trail to North Peak, and near the Thousand-Foot Precipice.
Highlights: two wedged rocks between crevice walls; inclination angle of nearly 90°.
The Hundred-Foot Crevice is adjacent to the Thousand-Foot Precipice, but with an even steeper gradient of nearly 90°. At the starting point of this trekking route, you can find two paths join at the upper ends. It’s suggested to climb the left one, on which you can closely view the millennium-old steeper trail no longer in use.
Two great rocks at the above end of the crevice make the crevice even more dangerous, and they are lodged between the cliffs. Before you pass beneath them, you may be afraid that they will fall. But after you go through it safe and sound, your frightened heart will relax. Hence, they get their names of “Terrifying Rock” and “Calming Rock”.
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration to pass: about 1.5 hours.
Location: Eastern Side of South Peak
Highlights: one of the top 10 most dangerous cliffside walks worldwide.
When it comes to the passes on the Mount Huashan, the three-section Plank Walk could be the most dangerous and thrilling one. On the first section, you walk on the path chiseled out from the cliff; on the second section, you go down step by step on the almost vertical ladder made of iron rods and chains; and on the third and also the most heart-stopping section, you are on the guardrail-free cliff-side plank walk, and have to face toward the cliff, grasp the iron chain tightly, and move with small steps.
When traversing the third section, the precipitous ridges are around you and the bottomless abyss is just under your feet. Moreover, after reaching the platform at the end of this section, you have to return the same way, and the thrilling feeling gets even stronger.
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration to pass: about 30 minutes.
Location: on the climbing trail from North Peak to Middle Peak
Highlights: as sharp as a knife edge; long narrow pass with a large vertical height; abysses on both sides.
The dangerous ridge gets its name because it looks like a flying dragon from the distance. The pass along it is more than 100 meters (110 yards) long but only about 1 meter (1 yard) wide. The vertical drop is considerable; looking up during the climb, you may feel that the people ahead are about to step into the sky. Although stepping on the sheer ridge is quite terrifying, the sharp difference between stone stairs and the abysses on each side will amaze you even more. All in all, stepping on the ridge seems to be walking on the edge of a knife.
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration to pass: about 10 minutes.
Location: on the climbing trail from North Peak to Middle Peak, and near the Black Dragon Ridge.
Highlights: the only way from North Peak to the other four peaks; unobstructed cliff-side view; scene of thousands of locks.
At the end of the Black Dragon Ridge, stands a stone arch gate called Golden Lock Pass. Serving as the only way from the North Peak of Huashan Moutain to the other four main peaks, it has a great height and a steep vertical drop. To its south, you will see the sky-ladder-like Black Dragon Ridge. To its east and west, without any obstructions by trees, you can see the towering crags directly. Another highlight on this pass is the impressive scene of thousands of locks on the iron railings, and tourists lock them there to wish for a joyful and happy life.
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Duration to pass: about 30 minutes.
Location: on the sheer cliff of East Peak.
Highlights: swinging iron chains; terrifying sway; almost vertical trail.
The reason why this path is called “Hawk Turning Over” is that on its section with a vertical drop of about 30 meters (100 feet), people have to turn around, face the cliff, and shift left and right so that they can go through the pass successfully, just like a turning-over hawk.
As the only way connecting East Peak and the Chess Pavilion on the isolated peak near it, the pass is famous for its position on an inward-inclining cliff wall, and steps of varying widths. During your down climbing, you need to face the cliff wall, hold onto the iron chain, and grope for a foothold. Thus, the pass poses a great challenge to your patience and arm strength.
What you see on the Chess Pavilion along the trial makes all the thrills worthwhile. With no obstructions in the front or on either side, the pavilion provides you a majestic view of knife-edge-sharp ridges and bottomless abysses.
1. To go through these dangerous passes, a pair of anti-slippery climbing shoes is of great use. Besides, to enjoy a relatively comfortable climb, you’re advised to wear anti-slip gloves.
2. Due attention must be paid when walking on or climbing through the passes. Please remember not to photograph while trekking.
3. Mount Huashan Plank Walk and “Hawking Turing Over” are two popular activities in the Mt. Huashan attraction. To experience them, one has to get to the main peak area as early as possible to book the ticket online, and thus climbing Mt. Huashan at night or taking a Huashan Mountain Cable Car to ascend the mount is suggested.
You may like:
Xiyue Temple of Mount Huashan
Huashan Weather
Mount Huashan Travel Tips
How to Travel from Xi’an to Huashan
Thousand-Foot Precipice
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duration to pass: about 30 minutes. Location: on the climbing trail from mountain foot to North Peak. Highlights: steep, narrow, and vertigo-inducing path.After you start your Huashan hike from the Jade Spring Temple at the mountain foot, the first dangerous hiking trail to be braved is the Thousand-Foot Precipice with more than 370 stone steps and thick iron chains on both sides. The pass is so narrow that once two people meet face to face on the stairs, they have to turn slightly to pass through.
Besides, the Thousand-Foot Precipice is steep with an inclination angle of nearly 70°. To climb it steadily, one has to cling to the iron chain. To make the climb a little easier, some persons even use their hands and feet together. Once you stop the climb for a moment and turn around, you can just see a narrow strip of sky between cliffs. Moreover, the huge difference in height right before your eyes is likely to make you dizzy.
At the end of the precipice, there is a small cave that can hold only one person. Going through the cave means that you have successfully passed the precipice. It’s worth noting that once the upper edge of the cave is covered, the only way for hikers to the mountain peaks will be blocked, and the precipice thus becomes the Choke Point of Huashan Mountain.
See also: Classical Routes for Mount Huashan HikeHundred-Foot Crevice
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duration to pass: about 10 minutes. Location: on the climbing trail to North Peak, and near the Thousand-Foot Precipice. Highlights: two wedged rocks between crevice walls; inclination angle of nearly 90°.The Hundred-Foot Crevice is adjacent to the Thousand-Foot Precipice, but with an even steeper gradient of nearly 90°. At the starting point of this trekking route, you can find two paths join at the upper ends. It’s suggested to climb the left one, on which you can closely view the millennium-old steeper trail no longer in use.
Two great rocks at the above end of the crevice make the crevice even more dangerous, and they are lodged between the cliffs. Before you pass beneath them, you may be afraid that they will fall. But after you go through it safe and sound, your frightened heart will relax. Hence, they get their names of “Terrifying Rock” and “Calming Rock”.
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| Dangerous Passes on Huashan Mountain |
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duration to pass: about 1.5 hours. Location: Eastern Side of South Peak Highlights: one of the top 10 most dangerous cliffside walks worldwide.When it comes to the passes on the Mount Huashan, the three-section Plank Walk could be the most dangerous and thrilling one. On the first section, you walk on the path chiseled out from the cliff; on the second section, you go down step by step on the almost vertical ladder made of iron rods and chains; and on the third and also the most heart-stopping section, you are on the guardrail-free cliff-side plank walk, and have to face toward the cliff, grasp the iron chain tightly, and move with small steps.
When traversing the third section, the precipitous ridges are around you and the bottomless abyss is just under your feet. Moreover, after reaching the platform at the end of this section, you have to return the same way, and the thrilling feeling gets even stronger.
Black Dragon Ridge
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| Black Dragon Ridge |
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duration to pass: about 30 minutes. Location: on the climbing trail from North Peak to Middle Peak Highlights: as sharp as a knife edge; long narrow pass with a large vertical height; abysses on both sides.The dangerous ridge gets its name because it looks like a flying dragon from the distance. The pass along it is more than 100 meters (110 yards) long but only about 1 meter (1 yard) wide. The vertical drop is considerable; looking up during the climb, you may feel that the people ahead are about to step into the sky. Although stepping on the sheer ridge is quite terrifying, the sharp difference between stone stairs and the abysses on each side will amaze you even more. All in all, stepping on the ridge seems to be walking on the edge of a knife.
Golden Lock Pass
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| Take a Photo at the Entrance of Golden Lock Pass |
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duration to pass: about 10 minutes. Location: on the climbing trail from North Peak to Middle Peak, and near the Black Dragon Ridge. Highlights: the only way from North Peak to the other four peaks; unobstructed cliff-side view; scene of thousands of locks.At the end of the Black Dragon Ridge, stands a stone arch gate called Golden Lock Pass. Serving as the only way from the North Peak of Huashan Moutain to the other four main peaks, it has a great height and a steep vertical drop. To its south, you will see the sky-ladder-like Black Dragon Ridge. To its east and west, without any obstructions by trees, you can see the towering crags directly. Another highlight on this pass is the impressive scene of thousands of locks on the iron railings, and tourists lock them there to wish for a joyful and happy life.
“Hawk Turning Over”
Danger level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duration to pass: about 30 minutes. Location: on the sheer cliff of East Peak. Highlights: swinging iron chains; terrifying sway; almost vertical trail.The reason why this path is called “Hawk Turning Over” is that on its section with a vertical drop of about 30 meters (100 feet), people have to turn around, face the cliff, and shift left and right so that they can go through the pass successfully, just like a turning-over hawk.
As the only way connecting East Peak and the Chess Pavilion on the isolated peak near it, the pass is famous for its position on an inward-inclining cliff wall, and steps of varying widths. During your down climbing, you need to face the cliff wall, hold onto the iron chain, and grope for a foothold. Thus, the pass poses a great challenge to your patience and arm strength.
What you see on the Chess Pavilion along the trial makes all the thrills worthwhile. With no obstructions in the front or on either side, the pavilion provides you a majestic view of knife-edge-sharp ridges and bottomless abysses.
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Tips for Braving Dangerous Passes on Huashan Mountain
2. Due attention must be paid when walking on or climbing through the passes. Please remember not to photograph while trekking.
3. Mount Huashan Plank Walk and “Hawking Turing Over” are two popular activities in the Mt. Huashan attraction. To experience them, one has to get to the main peak area as early as possible to book the ticket online, and thus climbing Mt. Huashan at night or taking a Huashan Mountain Cable Car to ascend the mount is suggested.
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Huashan Weather
Mount Huashan Travel Tips
How to Travel from Xi’an to Huashan
- Last updated on Apr. 30, 2026 by Alex Jin -