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Cuiyun Palace, also known as the West Peak Hall, is located atop the West Peak of Mount Hua in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. Its founding date is unknown. Cuiyun Palace is the principal structure on West Peak and the only intact structure on the mountain. It is a two-story quadrangle courtyard, with the front hall serving as a hostel and the west hall as accommodation and office space for staff. The East Hall was used during the pre-liberation film "Taking Mount Hua by Strategy." Han Zipei, commander of the puppet 6th Security Brigade, fled to Mount Hua and used West Peak as his headquarters. He and his key personnel lived in the rooms of the East Hall, complete with his bed and belongings. The rear hall houses a statue of the Three Holy Mothers.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and sunny, cold, and dry winters. Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable for travel.
The main hall of the palace houses a statue of Dou Mu Yuanjun, and there are also Taoist temples and over 20 auxiliary rooms. In front of the palace lies a cave with lotus-like petals, known as the "Lotus Cave." Beside the cave are a dazzling array of inscriptions in cursive, official, regular, and seal scripts, each complementing the other. To the west of the palace lies a natural boulder shaped like an axe, with a concave center resembling a human figure. Beside the boulder lies an iron axe inscribed with the inscription, "The immortal axe, seven feet and five inches long, was given to Chenxiang to split the mountain to save his mother." Legend has it that this is the relic of Chenxiang's act of splitting the mountain to save his mother, hence the name "Axe-Splitting Stone." Behind the palace is the Yanggong Pagoda, built by General Yang Hucheng in commemoration of his mountain climbing trip with his mother in the autumn of 1931. The hexagonal pagoda, constructed of stacked stones, is inscribed with poems such as "A thousand-foot-high wall," "Only this can be called a mountain," "How lofty is the west town," "Standing high in the Liaolang," "Nature's divine beauty," and "All mountains look small at a glance." Near the palace are other scenic spots such as Xiyuan Cave, Sheshen Rock, Zhaixing Stone, and Dongyuan Stone Chamber.
It is recommended to play for about 40 minutes.
Included in the Huashan Scenic Area ticket (peak season: 160 yuan/person; off-season: 100 yuan/person)
Peak season 07:00-19:00
Off-season 09:00-17:00
Cuiyun Palace, located in Huayin, Shaanxi, is a historically significant Buddhist temple with a rich heritage dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is known for its religious importance and impressive architecture. The palace has been a site of pilgrimage and meditation for centuries and continues to serve as a spiritual center for both locals and visitors.
Cuiyun Palace is located in the Huayin area of Shaanxi province, near the base of Mount Hua. The best way to reach the palace is by taxi or private car from Huayin city center. There are also local buses that can take you to the base of Mount Hua, from where it is a short walk to the palace.
Cuiyun Palace is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The entrance fee for Cuiyun Palace is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the palace. There is no known option for online ticket booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. However, during peak tourist seasons or religious festivals, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid long queues.
To fully explore Cuiyun Palace, including its historical structures and scenic surroundings, around 1-2 hours is recommended.
Guided tours are available at the palace in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in Chinese, but English-language options may be limited.
Start by entering the main palace building to view the religious artifacts and statues. Next, explore the temple gardens for a peaceful walk. Finally, visit the surrounding areas for views and photo opportunities.
There are no night visits or light shows at Cuiyun Palace. It is best visited during daylight hours, as the temple is primarily a place for daytime religious activities and reflection.
Cuiyun Palace can be crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during religious festivals. To avoid crowds, plan to visit on weekdays, preferably early in the morning or late afternoon.
The palace has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are a few small vendors selling snacks and bottled water near the entrance, but there are no major restaurants or shops inside the palace grounds.
The temple and its surrounding areas may have uneven terrain, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, it is accessible for children and those who can handle moderate walking.
Cash is commonly used at the palace, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it is advisable to bring cash.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in the nearby eateries, especially in the vegetarian-friendly restaurants near Mount Hua. Halal food is also available in some local restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance to Cuiyun Palace selling Buddhist artifacts, small statues, incense, and traditional Shaanxi handicrafts.
