Huashan Mountain (华山), also known as “Xiyue (西岳),” is one of China’s famous Five Great Mountains. Described in Shui Jing Zhu as resembling a flower from a distance, Huashan has an elevation of 2,154.9 meters, connecting the Qinling Mountains to the south and overlooking the Huang Wei River to the north. It is renowned as “the most perilous mountain under heaven.”
Huashan consists of five peaks: East, West, South, North, and Central. The East Peak is an excellent spot for watching the sunrise, while the West Peak, shaped like a lotus flower on both sides, is considered the most picturesque. The South Peak, known as “Falling Goose,” is the highest peak of Huashan. The three peaks of “Falling Goose,” “Morning Sun,” and “Lotus” stand majestically together, earning the title “Three Peaks Beyond Heaven.” Accompanying them are the Cloud Terrace and Jade Maiden peaks, with thirty-six smaller peaks arranged in front, creating an imposing and mystical atmosphere.
Huashan boasts over 210 famous scenic spots, including the sky-high Chang Kong Zhan Dao (Sky Walk), the three-sided precipice of Yaozi Fan Shen, and the impressive Qian Chi Zhuang, Bai Chi Xia, and Lao Jun Li Gou carved into the cliffs. There are also thousands of rock carvings, among which “Huayue Xianzhang” is considered the top sight of the Guanzhong Eight Scenic Views.
As one of the birthplaces of Chinese culture, Huashan is also a sacred site of Taoism, recognized as the “Fourth Cave Heaven.” Temples, pavilions, and stone sculptures can be found throughout the area. The mountain has been frequented by countless renowned figures, leaving behind numerous stories and historical sites. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, more than a thousand poems, inscriptions, and travelogues by famous poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu have celebrated Huashan, with thousands of rock carvings adorning its cliffs.
Travel Information about Huashan Mountain
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Peak season (March 1 to the end of November) is 160 CNY;
- Off-peak season (December 1 to the end of February) is 100 CNY.
- The ticket is valid for two days and includes access to Xiyue Temple, Xianyu Valley Scenic Area, and Yuquan Courtyard (Yuquan Temple).
Opening Hours:
The West Mountain Gate is open all day, while the East Mountain Gate operates from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM during peak season and from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during off-peak season.
Best Time to Visit
The peak tourist season for Huashan Mountain runs from April to October. The mountain showcases a magical transformation throughout the seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning views of “Cloudy Huashan,” “Rainy Huashan,” “Foggy Huashan,” and “Snowy Huashan.” The 15th day of the third lunar month is a pilgrimage day, featuring grand temple fairs and celebrations.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Located within Huayin City, Weinan.
Transportation:
- Take a tourist shuttle bus from the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station to Huashan; the ticket price is 22 CNY per person. The last bus returns from Huashan at 5:00 PM.
- You can also take a bus from across the railway station to Huashan. Make sure to choose a bus that has Huayin or Huashan as its final destination. If you arrive by train, you can take a taxi or minibus to the Huashan Scenic Area.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★☆
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★★★★☆
Useful Tips
- Before climbing, it’s best to consume high-calorie foods to effectively boost your energy.
- When climbing the Chang Kong Zhan Dao (Sky Walk) and Yaozi Fan Shen, be sure to pay attention to safety.
- Huashan is often windy, and the humidity can be high in summer. It’s advisable to bring some warm clothing before the hike and carry a lightweight plastic raincoat.
- Wear soft-soled sports shoes while climbing Huashan, as the trails have many steps. Gloves, socks, and trekking poles can be included based on personal preference.
- The East Peak is the common spot to watch the sunrise; however, it can be windy and cold there. It’s best to wear a down jacket, and military coats are available for rent at the summit.
Highlights of Huashan Mountain
East Peak (Chaoyang Peak)
The East Peak, with an elevation of 2,096.2 meters, derives its name from its eastern location. At the summit, there is a platform known as Chaoyang Tai (Sunrise Platform), which offers a high vantage point and breathtaking views, making it a famous spot for watching the sunrise. The peak is often referred to as Chaoyang Peak for this reason. When the sun rises, it illuminates the surrounding sharply defined peaks, creating a stunningly beautiful landscape.
The East Peak consists of one main peak and three subordinate peaks. The highest point is where the Sunrise Platform is located, with Yunu Peak to the west, Shilou Peak to the east, and Botai Peak to the south. Each peak presents its unique charm.
The East Peak summit is covered with massive juniper and pine trees, creating a serene and shaded environment. Notable features on the peak include Sanmao Cave, which houses a statue of Chen Tuan, and Ganjing Pool located outside the cave. Near the Qingxu Cave, there is a solitary peak topped with a pavilion called Tieguiting (Iron Roof Pavilion) and an iron chessboard. Legend has it that Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, once played chess here with Chen Tuan and lost, leading to the pavilion’s name meaning “Gambling Chess Pavilion.”
On the cliffside of the East Shilou Peak, there is a natural stone formation resembling a giant handprint, known as “Mount Hua Immortal Palm,” which is recognized as one of the eight scenic spots of Guanzhong. To the north of the Sunrise Platform stands Yang Gong Tower, which faces the Yang Gong Tower on the West Peak at a distance. This tower was built by General Yang Hucheng, and it features the inscription “Wanxiang Senluo” (万象森罗) penned by the general himself.
South Peak (Luoyan Peak)
The South Peak, also known as Luoyan Peak, stands at an elevation of 2,154.9 meters, making it the highest peak of Huashan and the tallest among the Five Great Mountains of China. In ancient times, it was revered as the “Yuan Shou” (Original Head) of Huashan. The South Peak is composed of one main peak with two summits: the eastern summit is called Songgui Peak, and the western summit is known as Luoyan Peak. Some sources suggest that the South Peak comprises three summits, including Xiaozifeng (Filial Son Peak) to the west of Luoyan Peak.
The highest point on the peak is considered the absolute summit of Huashan, and climbers take great pride in reaching this pinnacle. The summit is adorned with numerous inscriptions carved into the rocks, showcasing the rich history of the area. On the highest rock, the characters “Zhenyuan” (真源) can be found. To the north of Laojun Cave is the Taishang Spring, which flows eastward into a stream now known as “Yangtian Pool.” This spring remains emerald green year-round, and beneath the eastern cliff, there is a stone archway known as “南天门” (Southern Heaven Gate).
Songgui Peak, slightly lower than Luoyan Peak, has a larger area and is covered with towering pine and juniper trees that provide ample shade. At the summit, there is a shrine called Baidi Temple, also known as Jintian Palace, which is the main temple dedicated to the deity Jintian Shaohao of Huashan. Behind Jintian Palace, in the pine forest, there is a cement pavilion called Yang Gong Pavilion. This pavilion was built by the renowned patriotic general Yang Hucheng during his visit to Huashan in 1931, and it features carvings of Yang Hucheng’s travel notes about Huashan.
West Peak (Lotus Peak)
The West Peak stands at an elevation of 2,082 meters and derives its name from its location to the west. It is also known as Lotus Peak due to the shape of the large boulders at its summit, which resemble lotus petals. This peak consists of a single massive rock formation, naturally formed, with a sheer cliff dropping nearly a thousand meters to the northwest. The southeastern slope is steep and lush with pine and cypress trees, complemented by clear springs that flow like musical strings.
A path runs along the Dark Green Dragon Ridge to the south of the peak, connecting it to the East Peak. This trail, known, stretches over 300 meters, with sheer cliffs on one side and a sloped path on the other, making it one of the treacherous routes on Huashan.
The West Peak is rich in scenic views and is steeped in many beautiful myths and legends, the most famous being the story of “Chen Xiang Splitting the Mountain to Rescue His Mother.” The cliff faces are adorned with various inscriptions in different styles of calligraphy, showcasing the artistry and history of the area.
The northernmost peak is known as Xishi Lou Peak, where the Yang Gong Tower was built by General Yang Hucheng. The tower features inscriptions penned by the general himself. Below the tower, there is an inscription reading “枕破鸿蒙,” a work by the renowned calligrapher Wang Duo. The Lotus Cave, covered in stones resembling lotus petals, features a tree at the top that, before its branches were trimmed by the meteorological station, resembled a lotus seed pod, adding to the unique beauty of the West Peak.
Related Details:
- Canglong Ridge (Dark Green Dragon Ridge) was originally treacherous, despite some modifications. Over time, the ridge was flattened and railings were added for safety. Further excavations widened the path to accommodate more visitors. To alleviate congestion during peak tourist seasons, the Huashan Management Bureau constructed an additional route on the eastern side of Canglong Ridge, allowing for safe passage in both directions.
- If climbing at night, one can see countless lights arranged in a straight line on Canglong Ridge, slanting towards the sky as they slowly ascend. These lights are from tourists using flashlights or headlamps, creating the illusion of a celestial ascent.
- The West Peak is the site of the legendary story from “The Lotus Lantern,” where Chen Xiang split the mountain to rescue the San Sheng Mu (his mother). Nearby, at Cuiyun Palace, there is a large boulder that is split down the middle with a perfectly straight cut, known as “Axe Split Rock.” Next to it stands a large axe. Climbing onto Axe Split Rock reveals the outline of a figure in the crevice below, resembling a woman lying on her side. This is said to be the imprint left by the San Sheng Mu, adding a touch of enchantment to the scenery.
North Peak (Cloud Platform Peak)
North Peak is one of the main peaks of Huashan Mountain, named for its position in the north. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it stands tall and alone, resembling a platform in the clouds, which is why it is also known as Cloud Platform Peak. While its elevation is not as high as some of the other peaks, the terrain is extremely steep and dangerous, with sheer cliffs on three sides and only one ridge leading south, making it a critical passage for climbing the other four peaks. The story of “Outsmarting Huashan” takes place here. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai once wrote in his poem “Song to the Cloud Platform of the West Peak” that “The three peaks stand as if to collapse; the green cliffs and red valleys rise high. The White Emperor’s golden essence flows forth; the stones form lotus flowers while the clouds create a platform.”
North Peak is located to the north of White Cloud Peak and is close to the Measuring Palm Mountain to the east. It connects the east, west, and south peaks above, and leads down to the treacherous Gouzhuang Gorge below. The summit is composed of several large stones pieced together naturally. At the highest point, there is a platform where a pavilion called Yiyun Pavilion once stood, now in ruins, providing a great view of the three peaks of Huashan to the south. The waist of the peak is lush with trees, filled with vitality, making it an ideal resting place during the climb to the top of Huashan. The Changchun Stone Chamber is where the Taoist priest Du Bei Qian lived during the Tang Zhen Guan era. The Zhenwu Hall was built to honor the northern deity Zhenwu, the God who protects the Nine Regions. Jiao Gong Stone Chamber, Xianyou Gong, and Shen Tu Cliff are all named after legends of Jiao Dao Guang.
Related Details:
- Outsmarting Huashan: In 1949, just before the liberation of Huayin, Han Zipei, the commissioner of the Eighth Administrative Supervision District of the Nationalist Party in Shaanxi Province and the commander of the Sixth Brigade of the Shaanxi Security Force, led over a hundred remnants of his troops to flee to Huashan, hoping to use the natural defenses of the mountain to make a last-ditch stand. With the assistance of the local people in Huayin, the People’s Liberation Army broke the myth that “there has always been only one road to Huashan.” They climbed from Huangfuyu to North Peak and launched a surprise attack on the remnants, creating the miraculous feats of soldiers leaping across the chasm and heroes outsmarting Huashan.
- Swordplay on Huashan: Visitors who love Jin Yong’s novels must not miss North Peak of Huashan, where the “Swordplay on Huashan” scene from the novel is located. On the Swordplay Platform stands a stone tablet inscribed with the four large characters “Huashan Lun Jian” (Swordplay on Huashan), written by Jin Yong himself. Nearby, another stone features the opening line from one of Jin Yong’s novels: “Flying snow connects heaven, shooting the white deer; laughing, the heroic tales lean on the green mandarin ducks.”
Central Peak (Yunü Peak)
Central Peak has an elevation of 2,037.8 meters and is located at the center of the Eastern, Western, and Southern Peaks. It is a small peak that lies to the west of East Peak and was historically considered part of it; today, it is recognized as one of the main peaks of Huashan. The peak is lush with greenery and offers a tranquil environment, filled with various unknown exotic flowers and plants. As visitors wander through, they are enveloped in delightful fragrances.
On the cliffs of Central Peak stands a solitary pine tree, known as the “She Shen Tree,” which appears rootless, with branches reaching out into the air and a smooth, scaly trunk. At the summit, there is a Taoist temple named the “Yunü Temple,” believed to be a place where the daughter of Duke Mu of Qin, named Nóng Yù, practiced self-cultivation during the Spring and Autumn period. Thus, the peak is also referred to as Yunü Peak. The temple originally housed a stone statue of the Yunü, along with a dragon bed and phoenix crown, all of which were later destroyed by natural disasters and human actions.
Most attractions on Central Peak are related to the story of Xiao Shi and Nóng Yù, including the Mingxing (Bright Star) Cliff, Yunü Cave, Yunü Stone Horse, and Yunü Washing Basin. Additionally, there are sights like the Stone Turtle, Rootless Tree, and She Shen Tree. The folklore surrounding these features adds an element of charm and mystery, enriching the cultural significance of Zhongfeng and enhancing its beauty.
Photography Spots and Tips
Huashan Mountain boasts stunning scenery, with many locations perfect for capturing breathtaking photographs. Here’s a brief introduction to some of the best spots:
North Peak Summit: A fantastic vantage point for panoramic views of Huashan, including the enchanting “Cloudy Huashan,” the “Taihua Sea of Clouds,” and “Snowy Dance of Huashan.” It’s ideal for photography in the morning or during diffused light conditions.
Woniu Stone (Cattle Lying Stone): Great for capturing the full panorama of the North Peak and its cloud cover.
Jiu Ku Tai (Suffering Relief Platform): Offers views of the Canglong Ridge, particularly suitable for photos taken in diffused light, amidst clouds and fog, or during sunset.
East Peak Summit & Yin Feng Pavilion: Perfect for sunrise photography, featuring pine branches in the foreground for an excellent composition.
Yaozi Fan Shen (Hawk Flipping Over): After enjoying the thrill, if the weather is clear following rain, you can capture images of the Chess Pavilion surrounded by clouds and the beautiful scenery of the lower pavilion.
Outside the South Gate: Here, you can face the treacherous cliffs of Huashan while turning back to capture panoramic views of the East Peak and the Sky Walk.
Filial Son Peak: Ideal for photographing the West Peak with its golden cliffs, along with the sea of clouds and surrounding pine forests.
Alchemist’s Furnace: A great location for capturing the sunset over Huashan and the sea of clouds at San Gong (Feng) Mountain.
Visitor Guide for Huashan Mountain
Transportation to Huashan Scenic Area
If you arrive at Huashan Station by train, you can take a bus to the scenic area for 3 RMB. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which costs about 15-20 RMB.
If you arrive at Huashan North Station (the high-speed train station), there are tourist shuttle buses available in front of the station that can take you to the Huashan Visitor Center or the Yuquan Courtyard (the starting point for hiking). The fare for the shuttle bus is 10 RMB per person.
From the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station, you can take the tourist shuttle bus “Tour Line 1” for approximately 25 RMB. This bus departs at 8:00 AM, passes by the West Yue Temple, and ends at the Yuquan Courtyard hiking entrance. It returns from Yuquan Courtyard at 5:00 PM, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Note that this service is not available during the off-peak season (January to March). Additionally, there are many buses from Xi’an Railway Station that directly reach Huashan, with fares around 30 RMB per person.
From the East Bus Station in Xi’an, there are multiple long-distance buses to Huayin City daily, operating between 7:00 AM and 7:15 PM, with departures approximately every 15 minutes. These buses will stop at Huashan, and you need to inform the driver that you want to get off at “Huashan,” which is the Yuquan Courtyard hiking entrance.
Accommodation
The price of accommodation varies significantly between the mountain top and the foot of Huashan. Prices below the North Peak are generally lower.
On Yuyuan Road at the foot of the mountain, there are several private guesthouses that are relatively clean and reasonably priced. On the mountain, you can find accommodations such as Yuntai Mountain Villa and Wuyunfeng Hotel. There are also options for renting military-style coats and tents at varying prices based on altitude, ranging from 80 to 250 RMB.
Food Options
Huashan is known for its variety of local snacks, featuring both unique Shaanxi specialties and Huashan delicacies. Notable dishes include mianhua (flour-based snacks), mashi (sesame cakes), buckwheat cold noodles, guokui (flatbread), and niurou yangrou paomo (bread soaked in lamb or beef soup). Additionally, you can enjoy Huashan specialties such as liangpi (cold skin noodles), liangfen (cold jelly noodles), guotie (potstickers), dadou mian (big knife noodles), doufu nao (tofu pudding), xue mian (flour noodles), and Yellow River catfish, which are sure to leave you wanting more.
There are many restaurants and hotels on Yuyuan Road at the foot of the mountain, as well as throughout Huayin City, making dining very convenient.
It’s best to bring your own food when climbing Huashan, as the prices at mountain restaurants are high and the quality of the food may not be great. Additionally, drinking water is relatively scarce on the mountain, so don’t forget to pack extra bottles of mineral water.
Dadou Mian: This is a specialty noodle dish from Huashan. As the name suggests, the noodles are cut with a large knife. They are topped with pre-prepared fried sauce, tofu, and vermicelli, and seasoned with vinegar, salt, and chili oil before serving. The noodles have a yellow hue, the soup is a reddish-black color, and the dish is tangy and spicy, beneficial for combating stomach coldness.
Xue Mian: Known as one of China’s earliest forms of “instant noodles,” xue mian is made primarily from coarse grains. Once made into noodles, they can be consumed immediately or stored for several days, making them a great health food for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.
Shopping
At the foot of Huashan and along the mountain paths, many locals set up stalls selling various unique products that reflect the rich culture of Shaanxi, such as straw woven items and traditional paper cuttings. It’s advisable to avoid disputes over prices when making purchases.
Additionally, there are numerous small shops at the base of Huashan where you can find not only local specialties but also rental and sales of mountaineering gear, such as hiking poles and flashlights.
Recommended Routes
Hiking Routes
One-Day Tour: Typically, visitors enter Huashan at night and climb the “only path to Huashan” to reach the East Peak before dawn. After watching the sunrise, they can explore the Central Peak, South Peak, and West Peak before returning down the original route via Jinsuo Pass, enjoying the scenery that was missed during the night.
Two-Day Tour: On the first day, start by visiting Yuquan Courtyard in the morning before ascending the mountain. After reaching Jinsuo Pass via the North Peak, there are two options:
- From Jinsuo Pass, proceed to Zhenyue Palace or West Peak, arrange accommodation, and explore the attractions of West Peak while enjoying the sunset.
- Head south from Jinsuo Pass to explore the Central Peak, then stay overnight at Central Peak, Yingyang Cave, or East Peak.
On the second day, watch the sunrise from either the West Peak or South Peak, explore the South Peak, East Peak, and Central Peak, and then return to Jinsuo Pass before descending via the original path.
Tour Bus Routes
One-Day Tour: Take the tourist shuttle bus from the Visitor Center into the mountains, following the path of “Outsmarting Huashan” to reach the North Peak. Then, proceed through Canglong Ridge and Creaking Ear Cliff to Jinsuo Pass. Explore the South Peak in the afternoon, then visit the West Peak to watch the sunset before returning down the mountain.
Two-Day Tour: On the first day, take the tourist shuttle bus to Xiyue Temple in the morning to visit Haoling Palace, Fangsheng Pond, and other attractions, then return to the base in the afternoon. Afterward, go to Xianyu Valley to experience the charm of “the Venus at the foot of Huashan” before resting for the night. On the second day, take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Center into the mountains, following the “Outsmarting Huashan” path to the North Peak, then through Canglong Ridge and Creaking Ear Cliff to Jinsuo Pass. Explore the South Peak and finish with a sunset view from the West Peak before descending.