The Chang Kong Plank Walk (Long Sky Plank Walk, 长空栈道), located on the eastern side of the South Peak of Huashan Mountain, approximately 100 meters long, is one of the most thrilling and awe-inspiring experiences for adventure seekers. Suspended high above the ground, this narrow plank walk offers unparalleled views of the steep cliffs and deep gorges below. The journey along the plank walk is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are brave enough, it promises an unforgettable adventure. This guide will provide all the essential information you need to experience the Huashan Chang Kong Plank Walk, including how to book tickets, what to expect, and tips for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Opening Hours: 07:30 – 18:00 (Note that the walk may close during extreme weather conditions, and in light rain, it depends on the discretion of the staff. When I visited, we had to wait for the rain to subside before they allowed us to go.)
- Ticket Price: Free, but a safety harness rental fee of ¥30 is required, paid in cash on-site.
How to Make a Reservation
To experience the Chang Kong Plank Walk, reservations are now required. It is no longer possible to buy tickets on-site, so don’t show up expecting to purchase entry tickets directly.
- Reservation Process:
- Go to the WeChat official account of “Huashan Tourism & Hotel Management Co., Ltd (华山旅游酒店管理有限公司).”
- Select “Online Rental (在线租赁)” and choose your date to reserve.
- There are only five slots available each day, and each slot can accommodate 30 people.
- Reservations open at 6:30 AM every day, and it’s advisable to book as soon as the slots become available to ensure you secure a spot.
- Eligibility: Participants must be between 15 and 55 years old and at least 150 cm tall.
- Group Requirement: A minimum of two people is required to book, but you can find others on-site to form a group.
Experience Process
Once you’ve made your reservation, here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Sign the Waiver: Upon arrival, you will be asked to sign a safety waiver.
- Ticket and Number Plate: Collect your rental ticket and number plate for identification.
- Safety Harness: You will be fitted with a safety harness for the duration of the walk.
- Start the Journey: The walk starts from the designated entry point, and you will be directed toward the “Siguo Cliff” (思过崖), where everyone must wait for all group members to arrive.
- Return: After completing the walk, you will return by the same route and remove your harness at the exit.
Each group is allowed to enter in batches of 30 people. You will be required to follow a strict order, with no overtaking. The entire experience takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Although the staff will urge you to move faster, you can proceed at a comfortable pace, as long as you stay within the group.
Route Breakdown
The Chang Kong Plank Walk is divided into three main sections:
- Upper Section: This section starts from the South Heaven Gate Stone Arch (南天门石坊) to the west of the Chaoyuan Cave (朝元洞). It is about 20 meters long and 0.6 meters wide. It’s not particularly challenging, but it offers a good opportunity to get familiar with using the safety harness and moving along the narrow path.
- Middle Section: The path turns west and descends sharply. This section features iron and wooden supports across the cliff face, resembling a suspended walkway. Known as the “Chicken Down the Shelf” (鸡下架), visitors must hold onto the ropes and carefully descend. Be especially cautious on rainy days, as the path can become slippery.
- Lower Section: The path is carved into the cliff face, with stone holes and wooden planks fixed between stone piles. In this section, you must press your body against the wall, moving sideways on the wooden boards. The boards are nailed into the rock, and they may feel a bit shaky at times, though they are safe. In some sections, there’s barely enough space for one foot at a time, so you will need to alternate your steps carefully.