Huashan Scenic Area is located in Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province, connecting the Qinling Mountains to the south and facing the Yellow River and Wei River to the north. As a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction and a National Key Scenic Spot, it is one of China's famous Five Great Mountains, renowned for its "majestic, precipitous, steep, and beautiful" landscapes, earning the reputation as "the most precipitous mountain under heaven." The scenic area covers approximately 148 square kilometers, with a core visiting area of about 120 square kilometers. It consists of five main peaks (East, West, South, North, and Central) and surrounding ridges, all exceeding 2,000 meters in elevation. The highest peak, South Peak ("Luoyan Peak"), stands at 2,154.9 meters above sea level.
History and Culture
Huashan is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization. The character "Hua" in "Zhonghua" (China) and "Huaxia" (an ancient name for China) originates from Huashan, giving it the honorable title of "Root of Huaxia." It is also a sacred site of Quanzhen Taoism, recognized as the "Fourth Taoist Grotto-Heaven," with 72 semi-suspended caves and over 20 Taoist temples, including Yuquan Temple, Dulong Temple, and Zhenyue Palace, all designated as National Key Taoist Temples.
Huashan's history dates back to ancient times, with records found in classics like Book of Documents and Tribute of Yu. Since the Qin Dynasty, emperors have conducted rituals here. Emperor Wu of Han initiated the tradition of worshiping the Western Peak, while Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Emperor Zhenzong of Song personally held grand ceremonies at Huashan. The mountain has also inspired countless poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei, who left timeless verses such as Li Bai's "How towering stands the Western Peak! The Yellow River threads the sky."
Main Attractions
East Peak (Sunrise Peak)
At 2,096.2 meters, East Peak is the best sunrise-viewing spot, featuring the famous "Sunrise Terrace." Its "Falcon's Turn" path requires climbers to scale cliffs using iron chains—an ultimate challenge.
West Peak (Lotus Peak)
Standing at 2,082.6 meters, West Peak is named for its lotus-shaped summit boulder. The "Axe-Split Rock" before Cuiping Palace is said to be where the legendary Chenxiang split the mountain to rescue his mother (from The Lotus Lantern). The 4,211-meter West Peak Cableway (894m vertical drop) reaches the summit directly.
South Peak (Goose Landing Peak)
The highest peak at 2,154.9 meters, named for wild geese that supposedly rested here. Highlights include "Skyward Pool" and "Black Dragon Pool," while the eastern "Plank Walk in the Sky"—a 100m path hanging from cliffs with only chains and wooden planks—is Huashan's most dangerous trail.
North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)
1,614.7-meter North Peak, named for its isolated, cloud-wrapped terrain, is a starting point for hikes. The "Taking Huashan by Strategy" Pavilion commemorates the PLA's 1949 historic capture. Its 1,524.9-meter cableway (755m drop) takes about 8 minutes one way.
Central Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)
2,037.8-meter Central Peak lies between East, West, and South Peaks. Legend says Princess Nongyu (Duke Mu of Qin's daughter) played the flute here to summon phoenixes, hence its alternate name. Attractions include Jade Maiden Temple and Jade Maiden's Hair-Washing Basin.
Cuisine
Huashan Liangfen
A buckwheat-based cold jelly with smooth, chewy texture, served with garlic, vinegar, and chili—a perfect summer refreshment.
Mashi Pao
A Huayin specialty: dough pellets in mutton broth with vermicelli and tofu, known for its rich flavor and chewy texture.
Xue Noodles
Traditional Huayin buckwheat noodles pressed into thin sheets and cut into strips, stir-fried or boiled. With 2,000+ years of history, they're said to originate from Han Xin's military camp in the Han Dynasty.
Ticket Information
Peak season (Mar 1-Nov 30): ¥160/person; Off-season (Dec 1-Feb 28/29): ¥100/person. Tickets cover main peaks, Xiyue Temple (in Huayin), and Yuquan Temple, excluding cableways and shuttle buses.
Opening Hours
Open 24/7 (hiking trails). Cableway operation:
North Peak: Peak season 7:00-19:00; Off-season 9:00-17:00
West Peak: Peak season 7:00-19:00; Off-season 8:00-18:00
Recommended Routes
1. Classic hike: Yuquan Temple → Wuli Pass → Shaluoping → Maonü Cave → Qingke Plain → Turning Back Stone → Thousand-Foot Precipice → Hundred-Foot Crevice → Lao Jun's Furrow → North Peak → Ear-Touging Cliff → Canglong Ridge → Central Peak → East Peak → South Peak → West Peak (descend by cableway)
2. West Peak cableway route: Visitor Center → West Peak Cableway → West Peak → South Peak → East Peak → Central Peak → North Peak (descend by North Peak cableway)
3. North Peak cableway route: Visitor Center → North Peak Cableway → North Peak → Central Peak → East Peak → South Peak → West Peak (descend by West Peak cableway)
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Huashan North Station (Zhengzhou-Xi'an line). From Xi'an North Station: ~30min. Take free bus 1/2 or taxi (~5km to Visitor Center).
- Train: Regular trains stop at Huayin Station (~2hrs from Xi'an). Taxi to Visitor Center: ~8km.
- Bus: Direct coaches from Xi'an East Passenger Station/Weinan Passenger Center (~2hrs).
- Drive: Exit at Huayin on Lianhuo Expressway (G30), follow Huayue Avenue to Visitor Center. Multiple parking lots available.
Must-Experience
- Plank Walk in the Sky: On South Peak's east cliff (2,160m altitude), 100m long. Additional insurance required (¥30).
- Falcon's Turn: Vertical cliff path on East Peak (~30m), requiring full-body climbing with chains.
- West Peak Cableway: Asia's longest mountain cableway (~20min ride) offering panoramic views.
- South Peak Summit: Highest point with Yellow River and Qinling vistas.
Travel Tips
- Fit hikers: Start early; carry sufficient water and high-energy snacks.
- Time-limited visitors: Take West Peak cableway up, North Peak down to save energy.
- Summer: Sun protection; Winter: Anti-slip shoes. Summit temperatures are ~10°C lower—bring jackets.
- Sunrise viewers: Stay near East Peak. Check timings (summer ~5:30-6:00; winter ~7:00-7:30).
Precautions
- Stay safe: Follow "walk without viewing, view without walking" rule. No unauthorized climbing.
- High-risk activities (e.g., Plank Walk, Falcon's Turn): Not advised for those with heart conditions/hypertension.
- Thunderstorms may cause falling rocks—seek shelter immediately in open areas.
- Preserve environment: Use trash bins; no graffiti on heritage sites.
- Book tickets early. Avoid holidays for fewer crowds.