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Huayin City, which belongs to Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, is famous for Mount Hua, the Western Peak, and is located in the eastern part of the Guanzhong Plain, at the junction of the three provinces of Shaanxi, Shanxi and Henan.
The region's cultural and natural landscapes complement each other, forming a unique and rich tourism resource. Among them are Mount Hua, the most majestic of the Five Sacred Mountains and known as "the most treacherous mountain in the world." There's Yuquanyuan, a renowned garden that profoundly influenced the development of Taoist culture. There's the Xiyue Temple, the imperial palace known as the "Forbidden City of Shaanxi." There are also ruins of the Wei Great Wall, built over a century before the Great Wall itself, as well as the granaries of the Western Han Dynasty capital, the ruins of Hengzhen, and the ruins of Xiguan Village.
Huayin has a pleasant climate with distinct four seasons and an average annual temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius.
Huashan
China's most distinctive mountain scenic area. Its South Peak, Falling Wild Goose, West Peak, Lotus, and East Peak, Chaoyang, stand in a triangular formation, reaching high into the clouds, known as the "Three Peaks Beyond Heaven." "The Immortal Palm of Mount Hua" is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Shaanxi.
Yuquanyuan
It is a must-see for tourists visiting Huashan from Huashan Valley. Yuquanyuan is the gateway to Huashan. Legend has it that Princess Jinxian accidentally dropped a jade hairpin into the water while washing her hair in the Jade Well at Zhenyue Palace. Upon returning to Yuquanyuan, she accidentally found the hairpin while washing her hands in the spring water. She then realized that the spring was connected to the Jade Well, and so she named it Yuquan. This is how Yuquanyuan got its name.
Xiyue Temple
The Huashan Temple, also known as the "Xiyue Temple," served as a dedicated venue for worshipping the Huashan God throughout Chinese feudal dynasties. It also served as the emperor's imperial palace, covering 186 mu (approximately 186 mu). Most of the remaining buildings date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its form, layout, and grandeur closely resemble the Forbidden City in Beijing, earning it the nickname "Shaanxi Palace Museum." Because it was the earliest of the five Yue temples and occupies the largest area, it is also known as the "First Temple of the Five Sacred Mountains."
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Huayin is home to Mount Hua, a sacred Taoist mountain with over 2,000 years of religious history. It has been a site for Taoist worship, pilgrimage, and ancient Chinese culture, attracting scholars, monks, and travelers throughout history.
Huayin is in Shaanxi Province, about 120 km east of Xi’an. From Xi’an, visitors can take a direct bus, hire a taxi, or join a guided tour. Once at Mount Hua, cable cars or hiking trails provide access to different peaks.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for clear skies and mild temperatures. Early morning weekdays are less crowded.
Entrance fees are approximately ¥180–¥200 for the mountain. Cable car tickets cost extra (~¥100–¥150). Tickets can be purchased online via official sites or at the entrance.
Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons and national holidays, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead.
Plan for a full day (6–8 hours) to hike, visit temples, and enjoy scenic spots. Half-day trips are possible using cable cars.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and English. Some travel apps provide audio guides in multiple languages.
Start with the cable car to North Peak, hike to East and West Peaks, visit temples along the way, and finish at the South Peak or descend via cable car for a shorter route.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special guided tours may be arranged for cultural or private groups.
Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded. National holidays and weekends can be very busy, especially on popular peaks.
Cable cars make some peaks accessible for elderly and children, but hiking trails are steep and challenging. Disabled access is limited on mountain paths.
Cash, cards, and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted for tickets and purchases.
Vegetarian options are available in temples and some restaurants. Halal options are limited in Huayin but can be found in local Muslim eateries.
Several hotels and guesthouses are available in Huayin city and near Mount Hua’s base. Options range from budget to mid-range accommodations.
Souvenirs include miniature models of Mount Hua, Taoist-themed crafts, local snacks, and postcards.
Return by taxi or bus to Huayin city or Xi’an. Guided tours often include transportation to nearby scenic spots and hotels.
