Hiking Mount Huashan: The Most Dangerous Mountain Hike in the World

Mount Huashan, located in Huayin, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, is one of the Five Mountains in China and a famous Taoist mountain. Since ancient times, it has been known as the “most dangerous mountain in the world”. Every year, it attracts a large number of tourists to embark on Mount Huashan tours from Xian for sightseeing and mountain hiking.

Hiking Mount Huashan is suitable for tourists who are full of physical strength and enjoy challenges. Starting from the Yuquan Taoist Temple, hike along the “Ancient Mount Huashan Road” and enjoy the steepness and beauty of Mount Huashan along the way. After reaching the North Peak, you can continue to the East Peak to watch the sunrise, or go to the South Peak to experience the excitement of the “Narrow Path in the Sky”.

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• Recommended Routes of Hiking Mount Huashan
• Cableway Options: North Peak vs. West Peak Ascent/Descent
• fImportant Tips for Hiking Mount Huashan
• Planning Your Trip: Essential Tips for Visitors
• FAQs about Hiking Mount Huashan
• Conquer Mt. Huashan with China Xian Tour

Recommended Routes of Hiking Mount Huashan

Ancient Mount Huashan Road – Most Classic

The most classic and popular hiking trail on Mount Huashan is the “Ancient Mount Huashan Road”, starting from the Yuquan Taoist Temple at the foot of Mount Huashan.

Yuquan Temple is a holy site of the mainstream Quanzhen Taoism, the main venue for Taoist activities in Mount Huashan, and a must pass for tourists visiting Huashan from Huashan Valley.

When hiking Mount Huashan in the daytime, passing through the mountain gate of Yuquan Temple, you can explore the interior of Yuquan Temple. Then, follow the signs inside the temple and go up the left road to reach the Huashan Gate.

If hiking Mount Huashan at night, Yuquan Temple is closed. Follow the signs outside the temple and turn right to enter the hiking trail. Enter the Mount Huashan hiking trail, pass through a railway bridge culvert, and you will first arrive at the Huashan Stone Archway. Continuing upwards, you will reach the ticket checkpoint for the hiking trail – Huashan Gate.

The Ancient Road to North Peak

Tourists hiking Mount Huashan pass through the Huashan Gate and officially enter the Mount Huashan Scenic Area. Continue forward and arrive at Wuli Pass, Shimen, Shaluo Ping, and Maonu Cave in sequence. Among them, Maonu Cave is a natural cave with the Maonu statue inside. The trail outside Maonu Cave is difficult and dangerous to walk.

Continuing upwards past the Xiangshui Stone, there is a large observation deck. Here, you can take a panoramic view of Huashan Valley. Hiking Mount Huashan is really a challenging but rewarding experience during your Xian travel.

Further ahead on the Mount Huashan Plank Walk, passing through Yunmen and Qingke Ping, you will arrive at another famous Taoist temple in Huashan – Dongdao Temple. Dongdao Temple is a place worth visiting, with a statue of the “Fairy of Ninth Heaven” enshrined inside.

Continuing upwards, there is a fork on the left side of the hiking trail (with a restroom next to it). Tourists usually choose the right fork upwards, pass through the Huixin Stone, and continue on the three major dangerous trails: Qianchi Precipice, Baichi Gorge, and Laojun Furrow.

Qianchi Precipice is one of the famous dangerous trails in Mount Huashan, and also a necessary path for hiking Mount Huashan to its main peak. There are more than 300 stone steps, very narrow and very steep, with iron chains on both sides that can be grabbed by hand. Although the Qianchi Precipice is dangerous, it is also very interesting, and inscriptions left by ancient people can be seen on both sides of the path.

After passing the Qianchi Precipice, the trail above is the Baichi Gorge. The steps of Baichi Gorge are not as many as Qianchi Precipice, but they are steeper, and the path is narrower, only allowing one person to pass through. There is a large stone hanging from the top of the gorge, with the words “shocking” on it, and when walking over, you will see the words “peaceful”.

Further up through the Furrow Gate, you can reach the North Peak, and the majestic beauty of Mount Huashan is right in front of you! Please note: It usually takes about four hours to reach the North Peak by hiking, which is quite physically demanding, and there are no other transportation options to replace hiking along the way.

Conquering the Five Peaks: Loop Route, Timings, & Views

Near the North Peak of Mount Huashan, there are attractions such as Ca’er Cliff, Dulong Temple, and Canglong Ridge.

Continue climbing upwards and reach the final destination of the thrilling Mount Huashan Plank Walk – Golden Lock Pass. It takes about 6 hours for an ordinary person to climb to Golden Lock Pass, and about 8-10 hours to explore the entire Mount Huashan (excluding the time to experience “Sparrow Hawk’s Cliff” and “Narrow Path in the Sky”).

After passing the Golden Lock Pass, you can reach the four main peaks of Mount Huashan: Middle Peak, East Peak, South Peak, and West Peak in sequence. The mountains of Huashan are all composed of white granite, with steep slopes. Most of trails between the five peaks of Mount Huashan are located on the ridge, and looking far from a high altitude, nature is so magnificent.

Finally, walk down the mountain from the West Peak. Tourists with poor physical strength can also take the West Peak Cableway down the mountain to experience its thrilling excitement.

Cableway Options: North Peak vs. West Peak Ascent/Descent

In addition to the above classic route of hiking Mount Huashan, there is another lesser-known hiking trail called the Outwit Mount Huashan Road, also known as Huangpu Valley Plank Walk, which is about two kilometers long and has a total of 3,999 steps. Tourists can take a shuttle bus from the Mount Huashan ticket checkpoint to reach the North Peak Cableway Down-Station, and then directly hike to the North Peak which takes about 2 hours. Please note that this hiking trail is sometimes not open.

Important Tips for Hiking Mount Huashan

• When taking a hiking Mount Huashantour from Xian, it is important to wear comfortable and non-slip shoes, preferably hiking shoes. If not, lightweight and breathable running shoes (sneakers) are also acceptable. It is recommended to bring a trekking pole, knee pads, and gloves, as the Mount Huashan Plank Walk is steep and physically consuming.
• The supporting facilities on the Mount Huashan are complete, and you are advised to pack as lightly as possible to reduce the hiking burden. You can bring a small amount of high calorie snacks and drinking water.
• During the Mount Huashantrekking, please be sure to pay attention to safety when climbing dangerous trails or walking on cliffs. Comply with the regulations of the scenic area and do not climb unopened areas without authorization.
• The temperature in Mount Huashan is relatively lowin winter. You need to wear warm clothes and shoes, and bring gloves, hats, and other warm equipment. Regardless of the season, you’re advised to bring a lightweight down jacket and raincoat for emergency use when hiking Mount Huashan.
• Although Mount Huashan is currently open for night hiking, it is not recommended for beginners to do so because the night view is not good and can be dangerous. Along the way, there is not much scenery to see, and the next morning, one will be very tired and lack energy to continue. If you’d like hiking Mount Huashan, it is recommended to leave enough time for two days to enjoy a full rest and scenery.

In a word, the steep Mount Huashan always delights outdoor lovers. If you love climbing or hiking and want to challenge yourself, you should not miss this place during your Xian tours.

Planning Your Trip: Essential Tips for Visitors

Transportation from Xian

• High-speed train + Bus: The most common way to get there. Tourists can take a bullet train from Xian North to Huashan North, and then take bus line 1or 2 to tourist center (cableway entrance) or bus line 603 or Huaying-Xian line to Yuquan Temple (hiking entrance).
• Direct Bus: On the opposite of south square of Xian Railway Station is the Xian Bus Station, which offers direct buses to the Mt. Huashan.

Ticket Price Breakdown

Route Comparison

FAQs about Hiking Mount Huashan

How long does it take to hike Mount Huashan?

The classic full hiking route takes the longest time, which is about 10 – 12 hours. The duration for hiking up the mountain and taking cable car down is about 8 – 10 hours, 2 hours less than the full hiking choice. Another two common choices are “west up, north down” and “west up, west down”. The former takes about 6 – 8 hours and covers all the five major peaks, while the latter covers mainly west, south and east peaks, so the time is about 3 hours.

Is it possible to do a sunrise hike?

Yes, it is possible. Usually, tourists set out at 22:00 – 23:00 from Yuyuan Temple one night before and arrive at the East Peak at dusk after 6 or 7 hours’ hiking to enjoy the sunrise. Along the way, you will find there are many tourists accompanying you.

Where can I stay on the mountain?

There are hotels in East peak, West peak, Wuyun Peak and North Peak. But due to its location, most hotels offer only multi bedded rooms or standard rooms. And no independent bathroom can be used. Besides, you can not take a shower in any hotel.

Do I need special hiking gear?

Since Mt. Huashan is famous for extraordinary peril, anyone who plans to hike in the mountain should prepare suitable gears. A pair of anti-slip hiking shoes is a must to protect you from the steep steps. And do not forget non-slip gloves. Because you need to use both hands to climb or grasp the iron chains in some sections, so it can prevent scratches. Then, you can prepare warm clothes, power banks,water and food according to your needs.

What is the best time of year to visit Huashan?

Autumn is widely regarded as the best season because of its stable weather and colorful mountains.

Is the Plank Walk in the Sky (长空栈道) safe? What about the wait times?

Yes, it is safe. Everyone is asked to rent the professional safe belt and learn its usage method before try it. And the protective steel cables, anchor points and wooden boards are checked and replaced regularly. Besides, to experience it, it is required that two or more people must travel together. Through these measures, your safety can be guaranteed. As for the wait time, even in off season, tourists need to queue up for 1 – 2 hour. Let alone the peak season, 2 – 4 hours is needed.

Conquer Mt. Huashan with China Xian Tour

Do you want to conquer the most perilous mountain in the world? Then follow us to Mt. Huashan. Besides the steep roads, you will be healed by the natural scenery whenever you visit. But it may be hard to choose the suitable route. China Xian Tour is pleasant to help you. Just tell us your health condition and preferred experience, we will recommended the best route for you. If interested, we can also tailor a Xian tour with Mt. Huashan based on your needs. So feel free to contact us.