Mount Hua Travel Guide: Conquer One of China’s Most Dangerous Hikes

Rising dramatically from the plains of Shaanxi Province near Xi’an, Mount Hua (华山) is one of China’s Five Great Mountains and a pilgrimage site rich in both spiritual significance and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Famous for its sheer cliffs, narrow paths, and the notorious Plank Walk, Mount Hua is a destination that blends Taoist tradition, natural grandeur, and thrilling trekking.
 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, spiritual seeker, or adventure lover, a journey up Mount Hua is unforgettable.

📌 Quick Facts

Location: Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, ~120 km east of Xi’an

Height: 2,154 meters (7,070 feet)

Other Names: Hua Shan (华山), “The Number One Precipitous Mountain Under Heaven”

Famous For: Cliff-side plank walks, Taoist temples, dramatic peaks

Access: Train or bus from Xi’an; cable cars and hiking routes available

🧭 How to Get to Mount Hua

🚄 From Xi’an

High-Speed Train: Take a train from Xi’an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station (~30–40 minutes). From there, take a local bus or taxi to the mountain’s visitor center.

🚌 By Bus

Long-distance buses are available from Xi’an East Bus Station to Mount Hua Scenic Area (~2 hours).

🧭 At the Mountain

After arriving at the visitor center, you can choose:

Cable car (to West or North Peak)

Hiking from the foot (more strenuous but rewarding)

🎒 Entrance & Tickets

Entrance Fee: ~RMB ¥160–180 depending on season

Cable Cars:

North Peak Cable Car: ~RMB ¥80–100 (one way)

West Peak Cable Car: ~RMB ¥140–160 (one way)

Bus to Cable Car Base: ~RMB ¥40 round-trip

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (some trails open 24 hours for overnight hikes)

💡 Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during weekends or national holidays.

🗺️ The Five Peaks of Mount Hua

Mount Hua consists of five distinct peaks, each offering unique views and challenges:

🧭 1. North Peak (北峰 - Cloud Terrace Peak)

Elevation: 1,614 m

Access: Easiest by cable car

Known For: Great views, access point for the Plank Walk and other peaks

Good For: First-time hikers or limited-time visitors

🧭 2. East Peak (东峰 - Facing Sun Peak)

Elevation: 2,096 m

Highlight: Stunning sunrise

Known For: Morning photo ops and dramatic vertical cliffs

🧭 3. South Peak (南峰 - Wild Goose Peak)

Elevation: 2,154 m (tallest peak)

Famous For: Highest point on Mount Hua

Scenic Spot: Breathtaking views of surrounding valleys

🧭 4. West Peak (西峰 - Lotus Flower Peak)

Elevation: 2,082 m

Known For: Sheer rock faces and romantic legend of the “Chess Pavilion”

Access: Via the West Peak Cable Car

🧭 5. Central Peak (中峰 - Jade Maiden Peak)

Elevation: 2,041 m

Named After: A legend of a jade maiden riding a white horse

Less Crowded: Ideal for peaceful reflection

🧗 The Legendary Plank Walk

⚠️ Not for the Faint of Heart!

The Plank Walk in the Sky (长空栈道) is one of the most daring hiking experiences in the world. Clinging to the edge of a 2,000-meter cliff, it’s a 30-centimeter-wide wooden walkway with only a harness and chains to hold onto.

Location: South Peak route

Safety: You’ll be fitted with a harness and clip onto safety lines

Cost: Harness rental ~RMB ¥30

Experience: Thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime, absolutely Instagram-worthy

🏞️ Hiking Routes

🥾 1. Traditional Route (From Foot of the Mountain)

Start Point: Yuquan Temple (玉泉院)

Length: ~6–8 hours to summit

Difficulty: High

Highlights:

“Thousand-Foot Zhuang” – steep, narrow staircase

“Hundred-Foot Crevice” – vertical ladder-like climb

Good For: Hardcore hikers who want to earn every step

🚡 2. Cable Car + Hike Combo

Take the North Peak Cable Car up

Hike to East, South, and West Peaks

Return via West Peak Cable Car or backtrack

🏔️ This route allows you to explore all major peaks in one day with moderate effort.

🌃 3. Overnight Hike (for Sunrise)

Start hike in the evening (~9–10 PM)

Reach East Peak before sunrise (~5–6 AM)

Bring headlamps, water, warm layers

🕌 Spiritual & Cultural Significance

Mount Hua is one of the Five Great Taoist Mountains of China, associated with religious pilgrimage for over 2,000 years. The mountain is home to Taoist temples, monasteries, shrines, and immortal legends.

Must-See Cultural Spots:

Yuquan Temple (Jade Spring Temple) – starting point of the hike

Shrine of the Immortal – Taoist site honoring the mountain spirit

Chess Pavilion – legendary site of a celestial chess match between immortals

Daoist inscriptions carved into cliffs and stone slabs

🛏️ Where to Stay

🏨 In Huayin Town (Base Area)

Huashan International Hotel – comfortable and convenient

7 Days Inn Huashan Scenic Spot – budget option

Local Guesthouses – affordable and close to visitor center

🏞️ On the Mountain

Mountain-top guesthouses available near peaks

Basic rooms or bunk beds

Book early during peak season

Ideal for sunrise watchers

🧃 Food & Essentials

Snack Stalls: Limited on the mountain; expensive and basic

Bring:

Water (3–4 liters recommended)

Snacks (nuts, fruit, protein bars)

Portable charger and flashlight

📸 Photography Tips

Sunrise from East Peak: Best spot for early light

Plank Walk: Dramatic cliff shots

Foggy Days: Adds mystique to temple and trail photos

Panoramas: Capture from South or West Peak

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

🎒 Always check weather and trail conditions before visiting.

🧠 Pro Travel Tips

Wear sturdy hiking shoes

Avoid weekends or holidays if possible

Download offline maps

Bring cash—some vendors don’t accept digital payments

Use WeChat or Alipay for tickets and cable cars if available

📜 Did You Know?

The phrase “A path to heaven is only one route wide” (自古华山一条路) refers to Hua Shan’s steep, single-file paths.

It was once believed that only immortals could reach the summit!

In ancient times, people used iron chains and ropes to ascend—those relics still hang along the trails today.

🧭 Sample Itinerary (1 Day)

8:00 AM – Arrive at Visitor Center

8:30 AM – Take North Peak Cable Car

9:00 AM – Explore North Peak

10:00 AM–2:00 PM – Hike through East, South, Central Peaks

2:30 PM – Plank Walk (optional)

3:30 PM – Reach West Peak

4:30 PM – Take West Peak Cable Car down

6:00 PM – Return to Xi’an

🎯 Final Thoughts

Mount Hua is more than just a scenic mountain—it’s a journey into spiritual heritage, raw nature, and thrilling heights. Whether you seek the challenge of its infamous trails or the serenity of its ancient temples, Mount Hua rewards those who venture onto its sacred slopes.

If you're looking to blend cultural depth with unforgettable views, this is one Chinese destination you don’t want to miss.