Mt. Huashan

Mt. Huashan, stands to the south of Huayin City, 120 km east of Xian. It is one of Five Sacred Mountains in China. It is also a holy mountain of Taoism. It is said that Lao Zi (Lao Tzu), the founder and patriarch of Taoism, once lived and gave sermons here. Now, many Taoism temples are also located on Mt. Huashan, and the past, many emperors came to pray and sacrifice to the god of Mt. Huashan.

This mountain is celebrated for its majestic breath-taking crags, steep paths, beautiful scenery and it is said to be the most precipitous mountain in the world.

Until recently there was only one way to reach the top of Mt. Huashan since ancient times. Most of the trail is very narrow and steep; some parts are almost vertical. Iron chains have been set up along the path, but courage and an adventurous spirit are still necessary if you decide to climb Mt. Huashan on foot. Recent developments have added two alternative ways of traveling to the summit. Now you can take the ropeway, or ride in a cable car to enjoy the unique scenery of Mt. Huashan.

Mt. Huashan mainly consists of five peaks which look like five petals of a flower: the South Peak (Landing Wild Goose Peak), the West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak), the East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), the Middle Peak (Pure Girl Peak) and the North Peak (Yuntai Peak), each of them has its peculiar scene and moving legend.

East Peak (Facing Sun Peak)

East Peak is 2,090 meter (about 6,857 ft) high above sea level. It is also called Facing Sun Peak because the top of the peak is the best place to watch the sunrise. In ancient times the path to the top was full of hardship and danger, but recently steps were built making it comparatively easy to reach the top.

The East Peak is the best place to watch the rising sun but you should start your climb at night if you want to see the wonderful scenery because it takes 4 to 6 hours to reach the top. There are more than ten scenic spots on the East Peak including the natural stone veins on the cliff that resemble a huge palm. The tranquil and serene environment on the top of the Peak will make you feel completely relaxed and happy.

It is said the mountain is the first odd mountain under the heaven and it is famous for its egregious cliffs, mainly consists of five peaks which look like five petals of a flower. East Peak is 2,090 meters (about 6,857 ft) high above sea level. It is also called Facing Sun Peak because the top of the peak is the best place to watch the sunrise. West Peak is 2,086.6 meters (about 6,845.8 ft) high and is always called Lotus Peak because of the unique shape. The peak is formed by a huge rock, hence it's very steep. Many beautiful legends also happened here. Among them, 'Cleave the mountain and save the mother' is the most famous. South Peak, with an altitude of 2,160.5 meters (about 7,088.3 ft), is always considered to be the head of the peaks. Climbing to the top of the South Peak may greatly satisfy every climber. What's more, the temple for God of Mt. Huashan is also situated on the South Peak. North Peak, which was called Clouds Stand by ancient people, looks like a flat platform in the clouds. The peak is 1,614 meters (about 5,295 ft) high above sea level. The most important site on the North Peak is the Zhenwu Hall for God of North.

back to Xian

• Terra-cotta Army
• Ancient City Wall
• Bell Tower
• Great Mosque
• Famen Temple
• Forest of Steles
• Huaqing Hot Spring
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda
• Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show
• Famers' cave houses

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