Mount Hua, or Mount Huashan, located in Huayin Prefecture, Shaanxi Province, is famous for its steep and perilous trails and stunning natural scenery, earning its title as the 'most precipitous mountain under heaven'. It boasts five main peaks—each offering unique views and features. These peaks include the Sunrise Peak(East Peak), Lotus Peak(West Peak), Jade Maiden Peak(Middle Peak), Landing Wild Goose Peak(South Peak), and Cloud Terrace Peak(North Peak), famous for their breathtaking vistas and Taoist temples. Known as one of China's sacred Taoist mountains, Mount Huashan is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure with historical significance dating back to ancient dynasties. Adventurous tourists can explore challenging paths like the Plank Walk, which is hailed as one of the most dangerous hikes globally. For less daring visitors, cable cars provide a safer way to witness the mountain's beauty.
The best time to visit Mount Hua is from April to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and cool, making the climb enjoyable. Avoid May Day holiday, Dragon Boat Festival, and especially the National Day Holiday(October 1st to 7th) due to large crowds. April, May, June, and September are highly recommended as they are less crowded compared to the peak tourist months of July and August. These months feature stable weather conditions, providing a safer and more comfortable hiking experience.
1. Conquer the Huashan Plank walk Experience the thrill of the Huashan Plankwalk, a narrow wooden walkway clinging to sheer cliffs. This heart-pounding activity offers breathtaking views and a true sense of accomplishment. 2. Explore the Five Peaks of Huashan Discover the unique character of Huashan's five main peaks: North, South, East, West, and Center. Each peak offers distinct views, ancient temples, and stunning sunrise vistas. Rise early and hike to Mount Hua's East Peak to witness the sunrise over the vast mountain ranges. 3. Visit the Yuquan Temple Located at the foot of Mount Hua, this ancient Taoist temple is a serene spot to learn about Taoist culture and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. 4. Experience Taoist Culture Mount Hua is a sacred Taoist mountain. Visit temples like the Yuquan Temple and the Chess Pavilion to observe Taoist practices and soak in the serene atmosphere. 5. Attend the Huashan Temple Fair Held annually, this fair features traditional performances, local crafts, and food stalls. It's a vibrant way to experience local culture and festivities. 6. Savor Huashan's Culinary Delights Indulge in the unique flavors of Huashan cuisine, including Mount Hua noodles and dishes featuring wild herbs and mushrooms gathered from the mountain slopes. 7. Find Treasures at the Local Markets Browse the bustling markets near Mount Hua to find unique souvenirs and local crafts like hand-painted fans, calligraphy scrolls, and traditional Chinese medicine products. 8. Spend a Night on the Mountain Enhance your Mount Hua experience by spending a night at a guesthouse on the mountain. Enjoy stargazing and witness both the sunrise and sunset. 9. Take a Cable Car Ride For those who prefer a less strenuous way to enjoy the mountain, the cable car ride offers stunning aerial views of Mount Hua's rugged landscape.
For long-distance tourists, you can choose to fly to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, and then transfer to the bus or high-speed rail to Huashan scenic spot. Take the high-speed rail from Xi'an North Railway Station to Huashan North Railway Station. After arriving at Huashan North Railway Station, you can take the free bus Huayin Road 1 or 2 directly to Huashan Visitor Center (Ecological Square), which takes about 30 minutes. Take the ordinary train from Xi'an Railway Station to Huashan Railway Station. After arriving at Huashan Railway Station, you can take the scenic special line to Huashan Scenic Area. From Xi'an Railway Station East Square take the tour bus tour 1 can direct to Mount Hua.
Mount Hua features two major cableways, the West Peak Taiping Cableway and the North Peak Sante Cableway, each offering unique views and serving different routes around the mountain. The West Peak Taiping Cableway provides a scenic journey to the West Peak and South Peak, whereas the North Peak Sante Cableway, which is more economical and starts from the tourist center, allows quick access to the North Peak and East Peak. These cableways not only enhance the tourist experience by saving time and effort but also provide panoramic views of Mount Hua, making it a must-visit for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Mount Hua has various accommodation areas primarily in Huayin City, which provides options ranging from basic to more comfortable stays. While the on-mountain accommodation tends to be less luxury for it is difficult to access, travelers typically enjoy their stay because of the proximity to hiking trails and scenic spots.