Huashan Scenic Area
Spot Introduction
Huashan, known as the West of the Five Great Mountains in China, is famous for its steepness and is often referred to as “the most dangerous mountain in the world.” Formed 120 million years ago, Huashan is composed of granite and characterized by steep cliffs and precipitous peaks. The highest peak, South Peak, stands at an elevation of 2,154.9 meters. The mountain features five peaks - East, West, South, North, and Central - each offering breathtaking views and magnificent scenery, making it a famous Taoist mountain and a renowned tourist destination.
Apart from its steepness, Huashan is also rich in historical and cultural heritage. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, Huashan has been a sacred place for Taoism. There are over 20 existing Taoist temples, among which Yuquan Temple, Dongdao Temple, and Zhenyue Palace are the most renowned. Additionally, Huashan is a significant birthplace of martial arts culture, and the “Huashan Sword Discussion” from Jin Yong’s novels has further popularized this famous mountain.
The natural landscape of Huashan is unique, known for its strangeness, steepness, beauty, and tranquility. Major attractions include the perilous Changkong Plank Path, Qianchi Zhuang, Baichi Xia, and Canglong Ling. The Changkong Plank Path, praised as the “First Danger of Huashan,” is a narrow plank path carved into a cliff, allowing only one person to pass through at a time, offering a thrilling experience. Qianchi Zhuang, on the other hand, is the steepest climbing path on Huashan, with a gradient close to 90 degrees, requiring both hands and feet to climb.
The scenery of Huashan varies with each season: spring brings blooming mountain flowers, summer features rolling cloud seas, autumn paints the forests in layers of colors, and winter transforms the mountain into a silver-clad wonderland. The sunrise and cloud sea views are particularly breathtaking, attracting millions of visitors every year for sightseeing, adventure, and pilgrimage.
As a national 5A-level tourist attraction, Huashan boasts not only unique natural landscapes but also preserves abundant cultural relics. There are over 200 existing cliff inscriptions, 20 ancient buildings, and 10 ancient ruins on the mountain.
景点介绍
The cultural heritage and natural landscapes complement each other, forming the unique cultural landscape system of Mount Hua.
Mount Hua is also an important scientific research base. Its unique geological structure and rich biodiversity provide valuable samples for research in geology, ecology, and other disciplines. In 2011, Mount Hua was listed in the UNESCO World Geopark Network, further enhancing its international influence.
必游景点
East Peak (Sun Peak)
- Watch the sunrise
- Sword Discussion Platform of Mount Hua
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
South Peak (Falling Geese Peak)
- The highest peak
- Sky-Supporting Pillar
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
West Peak (Lotus Peak)
- Long Sky Walkway
- Thousand-Foot Building
- Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
- North Peak Temple
- Cloud Ladder
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
参观建议
Best Touring Route
- One-day tour: North Peak → East Peak → South Peak → West Peak
- Two-day tour: Stay overnight on the mountaintop to watch sunrise and sunset
Visiting Schedule
- Climb the mountain early in the morning to watch the sunrise
- Visit various peaks during the day
- Watch the sunset glow in the evening
Practical Tips
- Bring climbing gear
- Prepare sufficient water
- Act according to your capability
交通指南
- High-speed rail: Huashan North Station
- Public transportation: Tour Line 1, Tour Line 2
- Self-drive: Lianhuo Expressway or Xilin Expressway
- Tour bus: Direct buses are available from major stations in Xi’an
周边美食推荐
- Huayin Rolled Dough
- Lamb Soup with Bread
- Ridge-Bottom Roast Chicken
- Huashan Noodles
特别提醒
- Stay safe
- Bring proper equipment
- Keep warm and cold-proof
- Act within your limits
- Prepare dry food
- Avoid rainy or snowy days
- Suitable for hiking
- Book tickets ahead of time.