Mount Hua
Huashan Mountain, located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, is one of China’s Five Great Mountains and the westernmost peak of the Qinling Range. Renowned as the "Most Perilous Mountain Under Heaven," it rises 2,154 meters above sea level, featuring vertical cliffs, narrow plank paths, and iconic peaks. A sacred site in Taoism, Huashan has been a pilgrimage destination since the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE), with historical ties to emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Han Wu Di. Its dramatic landscapes, including the "Changkong Plank Road" and "Yaozi Fanshen" trails, attract adventurers and hikers globally. Designated a national 5A-level scenic area in 2011, Huashan combines natural grandeur with cultural mythology.
Historical Overview
Huashan’s spiritual significance dates to the Zhou Dynasty, when it was linked to the worship of the mountain deity, Yu the Great. During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), it became a Taoist retreat, with temples like the Town God Temple (Zhenyue Gong) built under Emperor Wu Di’s patronage. In the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), poets like Li Bai celebrated its beauty in verses. The mountain gained modern fame through the 1982 film The Hero, filmed at its cliffs. Recent archaeological finds include a 2,000-year-old coin mint and Ming Dynasty inscriptions.
Structural Layout
The mountain is divided into five peaks:
- East Peak (Dongfeng): Best for sunrise views, with the "Sun Watching Platform."
- West Peak (Xifeng): Features the Lotus Flower Cave and the "Axe-Split Rock" legend.
- South Peak (Nanfeng): The highest peak, home to the "Jade Maiden Shrine."
- North Peak (Beifeng): The main entrance, with cable cars and the "Cloud Platform."
- Central Peak (Zhongfeng): Connects the four other peaks, offering panoramic vistas.
Key structures include the Huashan Temple, Jade spring Courtyard, and the Seven Stars Pavilion.
Major Attractions
- Changkong Plank Road: A 340-meter plank path along a vertical cliff, requiring safety harnesses.
- Yaozi Fanshen (Sparrow’s Leap): A steep staircase with iron chains, named after a mythical bird’s daring flight.
- West Peak Lotus Cave: A natural limestone formation resembling a lotus blossom.
- South Peak Jade Maiden Shrine: A Taoist temple dedicated to the goddess of Mount Huashan.
- North Peak Cable Car: A 7,000-meter aerial ride offering aerial views of the mountains.
- East Peak Sunrise: A popular vantage point for dawn photography.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
North Peak Entrance → North Peak Cable Car → Cloud Platform → Brave Man’s Plank Road → Seven Stars Pavilion → East Peak Sunrise Platform
Highlights: Scenic cable ride and sunrise views. - Adventure Route (4–5 hours):
North Peak → Changkong Plank Road → Yaozi Fanshen → West Peak Lotus Cave → South Peak Jade Maiden Shrine → Central Peak
Highlights: Thrilling trails and peak exploration. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
North Peak Cable Car → East Peak → Central Peak → South Peak → West Peak → North Peak (return via cable car)
Highlights: All five peaks and major attractions.
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: ¥160 (peak season, March–November); ¥100 (off-season). Cable car fees: ¥80 (single trip), ¥150 (round trip).
- Combo Tickets: ¥300 includes admission and round-trip cable car.
- Online Booking: Available via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: Huashan2025).
- By High-Speed Rail: Xi’an North Station to Huashan North Station (30 minutes), then free shuttle bus to the mountain.
- By Bus: Xi’an City Sports Field Station to Huashan Scenic Area (2 hours, ¥38).
- By Taxi: ¥200–¥250 from Xi’an city center.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, clear views).
- Avoid: Rainy seasons (July–August) and Chinese New Year (crowded).
- Essentials: Wear non-slip hiking shoes, gloves for chains, and a headlamp for early sunrise hikes.
- Prohibited: Free climbing, littering, and disturbing wildlife.
- Local Dish: Try “Huashan Buckwheat Noodles” with spicy sauce at mountain-top eateries.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
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June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
