Yang Chunhua Zizi | 2022-04-20 | 138700

Xi'an Must-See Attractions: Huashan Scenic Area, a Nanny-Level Guide

Preface

Fans of martial arts are undoubtedly familiar with the legendary "Huashan Sword Contest," with Huashan mentioned numerous times in novels like "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "The Return of the Condor Heroes." Travel enthusiasts are also familiar with the saying, "Since ancient times, there has only been one path to Huashan." Huashan's dramatic plank path, with its sheer precipitousness, has drawn countless adventurous travelers. The word most often used to describe Huashan is "dangerous." While many are put off by its perceived dangers, this guide will offer you numerous options for ascending Huashan, allowing you to truly appreciate its beauty and truly feel that life is worth it.

• Comprehensive guide from ticket purchase, transportation, hiking routes to watching sunrise and sunset

Part 1:Ticket Reservation

Search for the WeChat mini program "Huashan Travel Butler" and choose to hike up the mountain to purchase a separate ticket.

Scenic area opening hours:

Huashan Scenic Area Visitor Center operating hours: 8:00-16:00

East and West Line Railway Operation Hours: 8:00-18:00

Huashan Gate hiking entrance time: 8:00-16:00

Ticket discount policy:

Free Ticket:

1. Children (1.2 meters and below) and senior citizens (65 years and above) can enjoy free admission.

2. Free admission for those holding valid ID (military officer ID, firefighter ID, disability ID, etc.);

Enjoy half-price tickets:

1. Children aged 6 (not including 6 years old) to 18 (including 18 years old) with full-time undergraduate degree or below can enjoy half-price ticket price;

Cableway preferential policies:

20% discount

1. Holders of valid certificates (military officer certificates, firefighter certificates, disability certificates, etc.) and senior citizens aged 60 and above (with ID cards or senior citizen certificates) are entitled to a 20% discount on the ropeway.

10% off

1. A 10% discount on cable car tickets is available for minors aged 6 (not including 6) to 18 (including 18) and over 1.5 meters (not including 1.5 meters) in height, and for full-time university undergraduate students and below (with identity cards, household registration books or student cards).

50% off

1. Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters (inclusive) in height are free of charge for the cable car; children between 1.2 meters (excluding 1.2 meters) and 1.5 meters (inclusive) in height (with identity cards, household registration books or student cards) are entitled to a half-price discount for the cable car.

Huashan Scenic Area Ticket Discount Policy:

1. Children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) are free of charge. All other children must purchase a full ticket.

Tips:

Note: Keep reading, choose the hiking route that suits you, and come back to buy your ticket!

Part 2: Transportation Strategy

Tips:

For those who choose to travel by car, there are 6 shuttle buses to Mount Huashan per day, namely 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, and 19:00. Don’t miss it. You can open WeChat in advance and search for the "Shaanxi Smart Travel" applet to purchase tickets.

Part 3: A brief discussion of scenic spots

North Peak - a must-go place for hiking and a check-in point for the Huashan Sword Contest

The North Peak is 1,614.7 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, with clouds above and the earth veins below. It stands alone and looks like a cloud platform, so it is also called Yuntai Peak.

On the North Peak are Zhenwu Hall, Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Changchun Stone Chamber, Yunu Window, Fairy Oil Tribute, Shentu Cliff, Yiyun Pavilion, Laojun Hanging Plow Place, Tieniu Terrace, Baiyun Fairyland Stone Archway, etc. It is a good place to look south at the three peaks of Huashan and Canglong Ridge.

East Peak - a must-see for sunrise viewing and the chance to experience the "kites flip"

The East Peak is 2,090 meters high and has a platform on the top. It is a famous place for watching the sunrise and is called Chaoyang Terrace. Therefore, the East Peak is also called Chaoyang Peak.

South Peak - the highest peak of the five peaks of Mount Huashan, where the Changkong Plank Road is located

South Peak, at 2,154.9 meters, is the highest peak of Mount Hua and the tallest of the Five Sacred Mountains. Ancient Chinese people revered it as the "Head of Mount Hua." Climbing to the summit, you'll suddenly feel as if the sky is just around the corner, the stars within your reach. You'll truly appreciate the vastness of Mount Hua's towering majesty and experience the magical feeling of being in heaven, like walking on clouds.

Zhongfeng---where the peaks gather, a place where martial artists yearn for

At 2,037.8 meters, it lies centrally among the East, West, and South Peaks. It is a small peak attached to the west of the East Peak. In ancient times, it was considered part of the East Peak, but today it is considered one of Huashan's main peaks. The peak boasts lush forests and a tranquil environment, home to many rare and unknown flowers and plants, offering visitors a tranquil and fragrant experience. At the summit stands a Taoist temple known as the Jade Maiden Shrine, which is said to have been the place where Nong Yu, the daughter of Duke Mu of Qin, cultivated herself during the Spring and Autumn Period. Hence, the peak is also known as the Jade Maiden Peak.

Xifeng - Sunset Viewing Spot, Xifeng Taihua Cableway

West Peak, at 2,082.6 meters above sea level, was often referred to by ancient scholars as Lotus Peak or Hibiscus Peak because of the huge rock on its summit that resembles a lotus petal. The northwest cliffs, thousands of feet high, appear to have been cut by a knife or saw. Their steepness, towering height, and masculine presence are emblematic of Mount Hua's mountain form, leading ancient people to often refer to it as Lotus Mountain.

Part 4: Tour Route

Here are all the detailed information about the routes to Mount Huashan. Here is also a climbing map for your reference!

Next, I recommend two routes to explore Huashan. The first, ascending west and descending north, is the easiest, most scenic, and most cost-effective route. Another option is a night climb! The saying "There has always been only one path up Huashan" reflects the mountain's precipitousness. In recent years, more and more people are embracing outdoor activities. Every year, when Huashan opens for night climbing, many people gather to check in. The 2022 night climbs are already underway!

Recommended ropeway route: West up and north down

This route is basically a must-choose for lazy people. If you want to see the beautiful scenery of Mount Huashan but don’t want to get up early and climb the mountain, then this route is a must-choose and you can easily challenge the dangerous Mount Huashan.

Recommended reasons:

1. Completely unlock all 5 peaks of Mount Huashan

2. 80% of the route is downhill

3. Two routes to choose from, more relaxed and free

Recommended hiking: Climb Huashan at night to see the sunrise and sea of ​​clouds

Climbing Mount Huashan at night is simply awesome. It takes about 12 hours in total. If you are an outdoor enthusiast or love hiking, you must come to Mount Huashan and definitely climb it at night.

Recommended reasons:

1. Immerse yourself in the precipitous path of Mount Huashan since ancient times

2. Avoid exposure to the sun during the day

3. Check out the starry sky of Mount Huashan on a night without light pollution

4. You can climb to the East Peak of Mount Hua to watch the sunrise

5. More time to experience the difficult kite flip and long sky plank road projects

Time reference for climbing Huashan at night

21:30pm-1:00am Yuquanyuan——Beifeng (half-hour break)

1:30am-3:30am North Peak——Middle Peak (rest for half an hour)

4:00am-4:30am Middle Peak——East Peak (take a good spot and wait for sunrise)

5:30am Watch the sunrise at East Peak

6:30am Head to Yaozi Flip and the Skywalk (add 2-3 hours if you want to play)

7:45am South Peak

8:20am West Peak Cableway

9:00am Arrived at the foot of the mountain

Tips:

1. Generally, it is around 9:00 PM to 9:00 PM (in winter, the sunrise is late, so you can choose around 11:00 PM, and in summer, around 9:00 PM. Those with good physical fitness can postpone the departure, while those with poor physical fitness can depart earlier)

2. Mount Huashan is known for its dangers, with many roads made of stone steps. Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the elderly, the weak, or those in poor physical condition should carefully consider hiking on foot or at night, and be sure to pay attention to safety!

Night climbing route

It takes about 6-7 hours to get from the bottom of the mountain to the East Peak. Considering the normal sunrise time, the planned climbing time can be postponed by one hour.

Recommended routes for those with limited physical strength: Yuquanyuan, North Peak, East Peak, Middle Peak, Sky Plank Road, South Peak, and West Peak (where you can take the cable car down from West Peak).

Moderate physical fitness: Yuquanyuan, North Peak, East Peak, Middle Peak, Changkong Plank Road, South Peak, West Peak, North Peak (North Peak cable car down the mountain)

Self-torture route: Yuquanyuan, North Peak, East Peak, Middle Peak, Changkong Plank Road, South Peak, West Peak, North Peak, and Zhizhan Huashan. (Don't choose if you are afraid of heights)

Tips for Night Climbing

1. Backpack: A 40L backpack is sufficient, and it is recommended to put the following items in it.

2. Jacket: Bring an extra jacket to keep warm during the late night climb and when waiting for sunrise at the East Peak.

3. Gloves: You must climb at night, and since you are climbing, you can't do it without gloves. (White gloves are sold at the bottom of the mountain)

4. Trekking poles: They can provide good assistance to friends who are not very physically fit and can relieve the pressure on the knees. One pole is enough and two poles will help to provide stability.

5. Water and food: If you eat and drink enough before climbing, you can carry less. It is recommended to bring 3-4 bottles of water and an appropriate amount of chocolate.

Attached is a reference table of sunrise and sunset times at Mount Huashan

Tips:

No matter when you set out, be sure to pay attention!

1. Be sure to check the weather in Huashan in advance. You can follow the official Weibo account of Huashan Scenic Area, "Huashan Scenic Area", which will release the weather forecast for the next three days and every three hours every day.

2. Don’t play with your phone while climbing a mountain. Don’t walk if you play with your phone.

Conclusion

Such a detailed guide is for everyone! Can't wait to come to Huashan? Then I will give you another mantra: "Since you are here, it will work wonders!"