The Most Dangerous Mountain in the World, Mount Hua

**Mount Hua Travel Guide (2024 Latest Edition)**

**1. Introduction to Mount Hua**
Located in Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province, Mount Hua is the western peak of China's "Five Great Mountains" and is renowned for its steepness, earning the title of "The Most Dangerous Mountain in the World." Mount Hua consists of five peaks:
- **East Peak (Sunrise Peak)**: Best spot for sunrise views
- **West Peak (Lotus Peak)**: Most scenic, legendary site of Chenxiang splitting the mountain to save his mother
- **South Peak (Wild Goose Landing Peak)**: Highest peak (2,154.9 meters)
- **North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak)**: Lowest peak, accessible by cable car, suitable for those with average fitness
- **Middle Peak (Jade Maiden Peak)**: Legendary site of the love story between Xiao Shi and Nong Yu

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**2. Best Time to Visit**
- **Spring and Autumn (April-June, September-November)**: Pleasant weather, ideal for hiking
- **Summer (July-August)**: Great for escaping the heat, but sun protection is essential
- **Winter (December-February)**: Stunning snow scenery, but some trails may be closed
- **Sunrise/Sunset**: Must-see at East Peak (sunrise) and West Peak (sunset)

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**3. Transportation Options**
1. **Getting to Mount Hua**
- **From Xi'an**:
- **High-Speed Rail**: Xi'an North Station → Huashan North Station (30 minutes, ¥54.5), then a 10-minute taxi ride to the visitor center.
- **Bus**: Xi'an Chengdong Bus Station → Huayin City (2 hours, ¥35).
- **Self-Drive**: Xi'an → Lianhuo Expressway → Huayin Exit (about 1.5 hours).

2. **Transport Within the Scenic Area**
- **Shuttle Bus**: Visitor center → Cable car station (¥20/person).
- **Cable Cars**:
- **North Peak Cable Car** (¥80/one-way): Suitable for combining with hiking.
- **West Peak Cable Car** (¥140/one-way): Direct to West Peak, less strenuous.

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**4. Recommended Hiking Routes**
1. **Classic One-Day Tour (Cable Car Round Trip)**
- **Route**: Visitor center → West Peak Cable Car up → West Peak → South Peak → East Peak → Middle Peak → North Peak → North Peak Cable Car down.
- **Duration**: 5-6 hours, suitable for those with average fitness.

2. **Challenging Hiking Route (Night Hike for Sunrise)**
- **Route**: Yuquan Temple → Thousand-Foot Precipice → Hundred-Foot Gorge → North Peak → Canglong Ridge → East Peak (sunrise) → South Peak → West Peak → West Peak Cable Car down.
- **Duration**: Night hike takes 4-6 hours; bring a headlamp and gloves.

3. **Relaxed Half-Day Tour**
- **Route**: North Peak Cable Car up → North Peak → Canglong Ridge → Return via North Peak Cable Car.

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**5. Tickets and Fees (2024)**
- **Entrance Fee**: ¥160 (peak season: March-November), ¥100 (off-season: December-February).
- **Cable Cars**:
- West Peak Cable Car: ¥140/one-way.
- North Peak Cable Car: ¥80/one-way.
- **Shuttle Buses**: West Peak ¥40/one-way, North Peak ¥20/one-way.
- **Insurance**: ¥10 (optional).

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**6. Accommodation Recommendations**
1. **Mountain-Top Lodging** (Convenient for sunrise viewing)
- **East Peak Hotel**: Close to the sunrise viewing platform, beds ¥150-300.
- **West Peak Hotel**: Better facilities, standard rooms ¥500+.
2. **Lodging at the Foot of the Mountain**
- **Huayin City**: Budget hotels ¥100-200/night.
- **Near Yuquan Temple**: Convenient for night hikes, hostels ¥50-100/bed.

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**7. Important Tips**
1. **Safety First**:
- The Plank Walk and Kite-Flipping require safety harness rentals (¥30); not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
- Some trails close during rain.
2. **Gear Suggestions**:
- Non-slip shoes, gloves (for gripping chains), windproof jacket (strong winds at the summit), headlamp (for night hikes).
3. **Additional Tips**:
- High prices on the mountain (e.g., bottled water ¥10); bring your own snacks.
- Check the weather forecast in advance for sunrise times.

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**8. Nearby Attractions**
- **Xi'an**: Terracotta Warriors, Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter (1.5-hour drive from Mount Hua).
- **Tongguan**: Yellow River scenery, ancient city ruins.

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**Summary**: Mount Hua is perfect for adventurous hikers but also offers easier cable car options. A night hike for sunrise is a unique experience, but be prepared physically!