Mount Hua Travel Guide: Top Peaks, Hiking Trails & Insider Tips

Mount Hua, also known as Huashan, is a very special place in Chinese culture and is full of fantastic nature, multiple temples, and some of the most exciting and steepest hiking trails in the country. If you love exploring the great outdoors and don't mind a physical challenge, we recommend that you visit this fantastic destination, and we can put together an itinerary that will allow you to see it safely and have the best experience.

Climbing up the Mount Hua

Essential Information for Visiting Mount Hua

Panoramic view of Huashan
Mount Hua is 2,154.9 meters tall, and you can access it from either the West or North Gate. The Hiking Access door is open 24 hours a day, so you can start your hiking adventure anytime. The cable car operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Ticket Information: 160 RMB between March and November and 100 RMB from December to February - tickets are valid for 48 hours
• Altitude: 2,154.9 meters

You can buy entrance, shuttle bus, and cable car tickets at the Huashan Visitor Center, located at the base of the mountain. We can help you purchase your tickets and plan the best hiking and sightseeing routes. We can also arrange transportation for you. You can also get to Mount Hua from Xi'an by train. Several high-speed trains run between the two destinations and leave from the Xi'an North Railway Station. The journey takes 30 to 40 minutes.

The Five Famous Peaks of Mount Hua

Mount Hua is rich in greenery

Huashan has five famous peaks, and the adventurous can explore all of them. You'll also enjoy panoramic views of Mount Hua and the surrounding scenery, including the Qinling Mountain Range and the Yellow River.

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Top Experiences in Huashan

There are plenty of wonderful things to do on and around Huashan, including some of the best hiking in the country. We can help you choose the best experiences for your Huashan adventure and ensure you have the best possible time.

Taoist Temples

Huashan is an important area for Taoist culture and religion, with over twenty Taoist temples on the mountain. The Xiyue Temple stands at the foot of the mountain and is composed of several different gates and an impressive structure. The Yuquan Temple is a destination for pilgrims and a good place to meditate. Zhenye Palace, Dongdao Temple, and Dulong Temple are all renowned for their fantastic architecture and are excellent places to relax and collect your thoughts while on the mountain.

Chang Kong Zhan Dao: Plank Walk in the Sky

Visit the South Peak and test your nerves at the Plank Walk in the Sky. This path passes through the Nantian Gate archway and follows a section of cliff where you will lower yourself down a series of metal rods fashioned into a ladder.

This particular point is called “chicken-caged steps,” and climbers are attached to a safety harness before descending. Next, hikers will reach the plank walk, where you'll need to press yourself against the side of the cliff and slowly move across the wooden planks. This route is certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you love adrenaline-pumping adventures and want a challenge, check it out.

Qian Chi Zhuang: Thousand-Foot Precipice

The steep stairs on the Mount Hua

The Qian Chi Zhuang is one of the most challenging routes in Mount Hua, and you'll need both your hands and feet to maneuver it successfully. This particular route was made during the Han Dynasty and features 370 steps and a cave that you'll have to climb through at the end. It will certainly get your blood pumping, and you'll have the chance to explore some of China's most interesting and challenging terrain.

Cang Long Ling: Green Dragon Ridge

If you don't get dizzy looking down, you can walk along Green Dragon Ridge. This part of the mountain gets its name from the trail, which steeply drops on either side and looks like the back of a dragon.

Yao Zi Fan Shen: Sparrow Hawk Turn

Experienced climbers will love Sparrow Hawk Turn, which requires some steep climbing and pulling yourself up on chains. But the views are absolutely worth it, especially from the nearby Chess Pavilion.

Travel Routes

Map of hiking route on Mount Hua

We can help you plan your ideal travel route, customizing it for your needs. There are a few different options depending on what you're looking for. These options can all be completed within one day, and you'll be able to return to Xi'an.

• Easy Option: You'll take the West Peak Cableway up, spend some time enjoying the views from this beautiful peak, and then take it back down. This option does not require much hiking.
• Classic experience: You'll take the West Peak Cableway up, hike around the peaks, and then take the North Peak Cableway back down.
• Challenging Hike: You'll start by hiking from Yuquan Temple to North Peak, then explore other peaks on foot before taking the North or West Peak Cableway back down.

Travel Tips

Some attractions and hikes, such as the Sparrow Hawk Turn, require an additional ticket. For your safety, some areas of Mount Hua have age and health restrictions. We can help you plan your trip to the mountain ahead of time so there are no surprises when you arrive. You can also choose between the West Peak Cableway and North Peak Cableway to ascend the mountain. If you're afraid of heights, take the North Peak Cableway, which is substantially shorter.

Temperatures at higher altitudes can be much colder than at sea level, so bring plenty of layers and warm socks and boots for your trek. We can help you plan what to pack so you don't leave anything behind.

Explore one of China's Most Famous Mountains.

Huashan is one of the most impressive places in China, with plenty of culture, great views, and challenging treks. At China Odyssey Tours, we can help you plan your trip and suggest the best trails and activities. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started on your personalized vacation itinerary today.