As
one of the five best-known mountains in China, Mt. Huashan is located to the
south of Huayin city, 120 kilometers east of Xian, in Shaanxi province, with an
elevation of 2200 meters above sea level. In ancient times, Mt. Huashan was
called Mt. Taihuashan. Seen from afar, the five peaks looks like five petals of
a flower. Hence its name, Mt. Huashan (= five flowers). Today, it is listed as
one of the renowned national scenic spots.
Mt. Huashan is famous for its breath-taking cliffs. Along the 12-kilometer-long winding path up to the top are awe-inspiring precipices, looking into which will take your breath away. Among the five peaks, East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), West Peak (Lotus Peak) and South Peak (Dropping Goose Peak) are comparatively high. Standing at the top of East Peak, one can enjoy the rising sun early in the morning. West Peak, in resemblance to a lotus flower, is the most graceful peak in Mt. Huashan. In addition, there are Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak) and North Peak (Clouds Stand). The middle peak got its name because of a story telling that once a young lady rode a white horse among the mountains. North Peak, like a flat platform in the clouds, is the place where the story Capturing Mt. Huashan Wisely took place.
Mt. Huashan boasts a lot of places of interest. Here and there stand Buddhist and Taoist temples, pavilions and buildings as well as sculptures and engravings. Of the ruins, Yuquan (Jade Spring), Zhenwu Palace, and Jintian Palace are, comparatively speaking, famous. Xiyue Temple, seven kilometers north of Mt. Huashan is the place where people of ancient times paid tribute to the Mt. Huashan God.
Along the cliff of South Peak is a planked path equipped with an iron chain, with the help of which, adventurers can walk on the frightful path. There is a giant rock in front of Cuiyun Palace on West Peak. As it takes the shape of a lotus flower, the mountain is also called Lotus Peak. As legend has it, Chen Xiang, a filial young man, once split the mountain and rescued his mother out of it. Now a crack can be witnessed in a giant rock beside Cuiyun Palace as if an axe made it. Thus, the rock is called 'Axe-splitting Rock,' beside which is a huge axe with a long handle. The northwest side of the peak is called Fatal Cliff for it is as steep as if it was cut by a sharp sword.
North Peak, with cliffs on three sides, has only one road leading to the
south. From here one goes south to Ca'er Precipice, the fourth most dangerous
place along the only path in Mt. Huashan. The cliff path is less than 30
centimeters wide, and faces such a deep valley that the tourists have to edge
along carefully. Then one comes to Sky-leading Ladder, Sun and Moon Precipice
and the well-known Blue Dragon Mountain.
East Peak, with a rising-sun platform favorable for viewing the morning sun, is also called Facing Sun Peak. As the sun emerges from the sea of clouds, one cannot help but show great admiration.
Every year one can take advantage of the best visiting times through May to October. At the foot of Mt. Huashan there are a variety of restaurants where comfortable accommodation is available. As well, one might can be refreshed in the restaurants on Qingke Stand, South Peak and North Peak as well as in temples, big or small.
The area of Mt. Huashan specializes in gingko, thatch weaving and traditional paper-cutting. The shops are mostly at the foot of the mountain, where one can rent walking sticks, gym shoes, warm clothes, electric torches and so on.
How to Get There
By train: After arriving at Mt. Huashan Station by train, you have to take an 1.5-kilometer walk (or a bus) until you reach Yuquan. The bus ticket from Xian to Mt. Huashan might cost you 10 yuan.
By bus: one can get on the bus at Yuxiang Gate in Xian city.
By ropeway: in Huangfuyu, two kilometers east of Yuquan there is an 8-kilometer-long cement road which leads to Wamiaogou. Then one can take the ropeway straight to North Peak, which takes only seven to eight minutes. A single ticket will cost you 50 yuan.
On foot: One can either set off from Yuquan, on the way visiting Returning Rock, Baizhang Cliff and Laojun Ditch, or from North Peak one can go south to Ca'er Precipice, Golden Lock Pass and then Middle Peak. This is a starting point leading to the other three mountains. It takes usually 24 hours to visit all the five peaks on foot, but only five to six hours if one takes the ropeway. If you wish to watch the sun rising on East Peak, you had better start at night. After four to six hours' walk, you will arrive at the very top of the mountain and can enjoy the impressive sun rising.
(Source: Chinatravelguide.com, Photo: elong.com)
