One Day Mt. Huashan Mini Group Tour

Let’s travel about 1.5 hours by our comfortable vehicle to Mt. Huashan. Facing the Yellow River to the north, Qinling Mountains to the south, and Xi’an city to the west, it is known both domestically and internationally as the ‘the most dangerous mountain’. On the way, get acquainted with what the mountain is like and how we’ll tour around with the guide’s elaborate explanation. Rest assured you’ll enjoy a pure tour without any stops to the tourist shops.

● Take the Cable Car up the Mountain
Upon arrival, the guide will help you whisk through the entrance. Then, let’s hop in an eco-bus to the lower station of the West Peak, where you will pay on-site to take the cable car up the mountain. With a W-shaped undulating trend, the cableway is both a scenic sightseeing line and an exciting but safe experience line. During the 20-minute ride, feel the thrill of speeding over the steep cliffs, which is like traveling in an air corridor.

● West Peak: Spectacular Cliffs & Mythical Landmarks
Off the carriage, your thrilling hike begins. Some of the trails you’ll pass through are as steep as 80 degrees, and you have to hold on chains on either side to climb up. Walk a little further, and you’ll reach the top of the West Peak. Formed by a whole natural monolith, it is hailed as the most beautiful and precipitous peak of Mt. Huashan. The first thing that comes into sight would be the Emerald Cloud Palace, a Taoist temple, in front of which there is a boulder shaped like a lotus, so the peak is also called Lotus Peak. Next to the temple you’ll see another wonder - the huge Axe-splitting Rock, which was said to be split by an ancient Chinese mythological figure Chenxiang when he saved his mother here. The peak’s west and north sides are especially upright like being cut by a knife, giving you a strong visual shock and psychological stimulation.● East Peak: Sunrise & Cliff Climbing Spots
Follow your guide to continue the hike to the East Peak, which has the reputation of Facing Sun Peak as it is the best place to enjoy the sunrise on Mt. Huashan. The abyss on the eastern side is even more daunting, while the gentle slope on the west side is covered with towering pines and junipers, making it a good place for you to enjoy the cool and rest. Shuttling through the forest, the sun is blocked by umbrella-like shades, and the soughing of the wind will make you feel a rare relaxation in such a parlous place. On a cliff, you’ll easily find the natural rock veins looking like a giant palm print, and this is the famous Immortal’s Palm Peak, listed as the No.1 of the Eight Scenic Wonders of Xi'an. It is right on this peak that the Hawk's Turn Road, for the most daring of souls, is located. Here, one needs to face the cliff and descend by alternately stepping on footholds with just tiptoes. While incredibly exciting, it's not recommended for those with a fear of heights or heart conditions. If you're up for the challenge, you can pay on-site to experience it.

● South Peak: Highest Peak with Most Dangerous Plank Walk
After that, your guide will accompany you on about an hour’s hike to the South Peak. Legend has it that wild geese returning to the north often stop here to rest, thus it is also called Landing Wild Geese Peak. As the highest peak of Mt. Huashan and even of the Five Sacred Mountains in China, climbing to its summit can certainly be a great honor. At the top, you’ll be welcomed by Black Dragon Pool. It is interesting to know that the water inside has never dried up during droughts or overflowed during floods. From this high vantage point, the surrounding undulating mountains are totally covered with green woods and the Yellow River flows far below like a strip of silk, giving you a real taste of the grandeur of Mt. Huashan. Besides, if you are indeed an adventure fanatic, you can also pay to experience the ultimate surge of adrenaline by moving through the Changkong Plank Trail hanging on the eastern sheer cliff, which is known as the most perilous section on Mt. Huashan.

● Take the Cable Car down the Mountain
Afterward, get back to the West Peak via a 300-meter-long (984-foot-long) ridge, which winds like a thin blade and is one of the most noted precarious sections to test your mettle. At last, let’s descend the mountain by cable car and take the eco-bus again to the exit to end today’s odyssey.

► Kind Note:
There are no restaurants on the mountain, which is also why we don’t include lunch in the tour. Have a substantial breakfast at your hotel in the morning and pack some quick energy booster food like chocolates, bread or hamburgers to fuel yourself during the hike. Drinks and instant noodles can be bought at rest stops on the mountain, but note that the prices are higher than usual as they are carried manually by local laborers from the foot of the mountain.

So far, your Xi’an to Mt. Huashan day tour has come to an end, and we’ll drive you back to your hotel in downtown Xi’an. On the way, shut your eyes for a while to restore energy. Hope you had a good time with us! If you'd like an additional day to explore Xi’an’s key heritage sites, consider our classic mini group day tour that includes the Terracotta Army Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and City Wall. Our travel consultants are always ready to tailor a personalized tour to your satisfaction.

► Nighttime Activities Recommendation (at your own expense):
After a laborious day on the mountain, you might want to replenish your energy with some local specialties like Chinese Hamburgers, Biang Biang Noodles, or Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Soup, then we recommend you to check out the Muslim Quarter, the most popular food paradise in Xi’an. Next, take a leisurely stroll to admire the nearby Bell and Drum Towers, Xi’an’s well-known landmarks, which are especially charming under the light at night. Pose for a picture in front of the ancient towers like many visitors do.