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Huashan's South Gate of Heaven is located within the Huashan Scenic Area in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. It is located east of the South Peak. It can be reached by descending the southern slope of the East Peak, passing the Erxian Shrine and Ziqi Terrace, and following a rugged path. It is the only way to reach Chaoyuan Cave, the Changkong Plank Road, the Helao Stone Chamber, and the Quanzhen Cliff.
The Shuo Ling records that "there is a gorge called Tianmen below the South Peak, which runs westward to the back of the South Peak." This shows that in the early Qing Dynasty, Nan Tianmen only referred to the stone gorge passage leading to the Changkong Plank Road from Shengbiao Terrace. The three characters "Nantianmen" were carved above the passage gate.
The two temples at Nantianmen (Southern Heaven Gate) were both built in the early Qing Dynasty. The upper temple, known as Wenchang Pavilion, was originally located on Xifeng Peak, but long since collapsed. During the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, Chiang Kai-shek of Weinan funded its relocation to Nantianmen. The lower temple contains a passageway, the only way to reach Juxiantai and the Changkong Plank Road, known locally as the South Heaven Gate. Both buildings were renovated in 1980 with funding from the provincial government. The three characters "Nantianmen" on the lintel were inscribed by Li Erzhong, then Deputy Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee, in 1978.
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.
To the east of the Shixia Passage lies a flat plateau, ten feet square, with cliffs on three sides and a fence above. It's called Shengbiaotai, also known as Juxiantai, and is said to have been named after Emperor Xuanyuan, who once met with the immortals there. At the turn of spring and summer, Taoists burn incense and offer sacrifices to the heavens. At this time, flocks of swallows fly in to fetch the incense, creating a fascinating scene. Hence, it's also known as the Swallow's Tapping Table Terrace.
There is a huge rock in the northeast of Shengbiaotai, which is tilted like a tile. The space under the rock is as big as three houses, so it is called "Three Houses and One Tile". It is one of the scenic spots of Huashan rocks.
It is recommended to play for about 20 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
Huashan South Gate is one of the main entrances to Mount Hua, a sacred Taoist mountain with over 2,000 years of religious significance. It serves as a key starting point for pilgrims and hikers aiming to explore the mountain’s peaks and temples.
Huashan South Gate is located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can take a high-speed train or bus from Xi'an to Huayin, then a taxi or local bus to the South Gate. Hiking trails and cable cars provide access from the gate to the mountain’s peaks.
The South Gate is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is mild and visibility is good. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends or public holidays.
The Mount Hua entrance fee is about 160 CNY during peak season and 100 CNY off-season. Tickets can be bought online via official tourism websites or offline at the South Gate ticket counters.
It is recommended to book tickets a few days in advance during peak season or holidays to secure entry and cable car usage.
Exploring Huashan South Gate and hiking to major peaks typically requires 6–10 hours, depending on fitness level and whether cable cars are used.
Guided tours are mainly in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be rented at the entrance or through online bookings.
Start at South Gate, take the cable car to reduce steep hiking, visit East Peak for sunrise or morning views, continue to South and West Peaks, and return via the same or alternative trails. Allocate time for temple visits along the way.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special tours focus on sunrise or guided hikes along the cliffside trails.
Weekdays and off-season months (December–February) are less crowded. Weekends, national holidays, and summer months tend to be busiest.
Rest areas, toilets, snack shops, and small souvenir stands are available along the trails and near the South Gate. Higher elevation areas may have limited facilities.
The steep trails make it challenging for elderly, children, or disabled visitors. Cable cars provide some access but visitors should assess fitness and mobility before hiking.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, but carrying cash is recommended for remote areas and small vendors.
Limited eateries are near the South Gate offering basic meals and snacks. For more variety, dine in Huayin City before or after the hike.
Vegetarian options are occasionally available, but it’s advisable to bring your own food for special dietary needs.
Huayin City has a range of hotels from budget to mid-range. Some hotels near the South Gate provide shuttle services to the mountain entrance.
Xiyue Temple and other Mount Hua trails, including the North Gate or Plank Walk routes, can be combined for a full-day exploration.
Souvenir shops near South Gate sell Taoist-themed items, local crafts, and snacks.
Return to Huayin City by taxi or shuttle, then take high-speed trains or buses to Xi'an or other nearby destinations.
