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Hike along the West Line of Huashan for spectacular views of the mountains, cliffs, and surrounding landscape. The trek offers a mix of thrilling cliff-side paths and scenic vistas, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The Huashan West Line Cableway, located 5 kilometers southeast of Huaxian County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, is the world's first single-line, circular, detachable cableway with a station building carved into a cliff face, an undulating path, and intermediate stations. The lower station is located at the entrance to the East Valley in Wengyu, the intermediate station is at Baique Temple in Xianyu, and the upper station is located in a chamber beneath the cliff south of Julingzu, the foot of Huashan West Peak. The cableway has an inclined length of 4,211 meters, a height difference of 894 meters, and 28 gantry structures and 84 passenger gondolas, spaced 115 meters apart. Each gondola can accommodate eight people, with a maximum speed of 6 meters per second and a one-way capacity of 1,500 passengers per hour.
Weinan has a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius, making it a great place to travel in any season.
Huashan West Line Road.
It is recommended to play for 2 to 3 hours.
Peak season (mid-February to mid-December): one-way fare: 140 yuan, round-trip fare: 280 yuan;
The off-season (late December to early February of the following year) is 120 yuan for a one-way trip and 240 yuan for a round trip.
Peak season: 7:00~19:00; off-season: 8:30~17:00.
Huashan is one of China's Five Great Mountains, renowned for its historical and religious significance. The West Line offers a more challenging and less crowded route for reaching the summit, providing hikers with an authentic experience of the sacred mountain.
Huashan West Line is located in Huayin, Shaanxi province. You can reach the base of Huashan by bus or taxi from Xi'an. From there, take a cable car or hike to the starting point of the West Line for the trek.
The West Line is open year-round, though the best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds.
Entrance fees range from ¥120 to ¥200 depending on the route and cable car options. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance ticket booths.
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn). Booking 1-2 weeks ahead is ideal, but tickets can also be purchased at the entrance if available.
The full hike on the West Line takes about 5-7 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way. If you plan to visit the summit, it may take an additional 2-3 hours.
The cliff-side paths, the Taoist temples, and the iconic "Plank Walk" are must-see highlights. The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tour companies may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides can also be found at the entrance, but availability may be limited.
Good viewpoints include the area near the East Peak, where you can capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Plank Walk also offers dramatic photo opportunities from the cliffs.
Start from the West Line entrance, making your way through the various peaks and scenic spots, and finish at the summit. If you want a more leisurely experience, take the cable car up and explore the paths near the summit before heading back.
Night visits are not typical for the West Line due to the challenging nature of the hike. Special tours are available during peak seasons but are limited. Check ahead for any special events or light shows.
The West Line can get crowded during holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, especially during the off-peak months of winter or early spring.
There are rest areas with basic facilities, including toilets and food vendors. Water stations are available along the hike, but it’s a good idea to bring your own supplies as well.
The West Line is a strenuous hike and may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. For those with limited mobility, consider taking the cable car to the summit and exploring the easier paths.
Cash is accepted, but cards and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used for both tickets and purchases inside the park.
There are small restaurants and food stalls near the base and along the hiking route, offering local snacks and meals. At the summit, you can also find simple meals and drinks.
Vegetarian options are available, but the variety may be limited. It is best to bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary preferences, as vegetarian, vegan, or halal food may not be abundant on the mountain.
There are several hotels in Huayin city, including mid-range and budget options. You can also find guesthouses and inns closer to the mountain base for more convenience.
Nearby attractions include the Huashan Temple, Xian City, and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, which is about an hour's drive away. These can easily be combined into a day trip from Huayin.
Souvenir shops sell traditional handicrafts, tea, and local snacks. Popular souvenirs include jade items, Huashan-themed memorabilia, and herbal teas.
After your visit, taxis, buses, and trains are the best options for continuing your journey. If heading to Xi’an, there are direct buses and trains available, as well as taxis for a more convenient option.
