Feel the rush of adrenaline in your body as you hike up one of the most dangerous trails in the world – Hua Shan. Located in Huayin in Shaanxi province, China, this mountain range presents one of the hardest, most dangerous hiking routes you can pick.

At an elevation of over 7000 feet, Hua Shan directly translates to the slippery mountain. If you intend to spend your vacation hiking up this mountain, this article is your guide on how to do so in the best possible way.

Fun fact – also known as the Western Great Mountain, it is part of the five sacred mountains of China.

This mountain range consists of five peaks – Jade Maiden Peak, Lotus Flower Peak, Falling Goose Peak, Sunrise Peak, and Cloud Terrace Peak.

The best time to visit this mountain range is between the months of April and October.

Getting There

Take a road trip through Huayin. There is no end to the number of things you can do in this county-level city in Weinan. Outside of hiking up Mount Hua, you can visit the Xiyuemiao (South-West Gate, and the Huashan Menpiao.

Make sure to carry all the hiking gear as well as appropriate clothing with you during this trip. You can rent a car and store your luggage using a roof rack awning. You can also catch a bus or a train from Xian to Huashan. These have stops near the East and the West peak of Huashan.

Choosing the Duration of Your Trek

You can choose either a cable car up and down the mountain as your means of travel or trek up one way and make your way back down in a cable car.

You can start out on your trek during the night to catch the sunrise at the peak or during the day to catch the sunset.

Keep in mind that it will take you about 5-6 hours to get to the peak. If you want to catch both sunrise and sunset, you can opt for an overnight stay at the North/West peak.

Packing for the Trek

As the weather is unpredictable, you must carry clothing suitable for all kinds of weather. Carry shorts, trekking pants, t-shirts, multiple pairs of socks, gloves and a waterproof jacket.

You can wear any footwear you are comfortable with including simple sandals. Most of the trail consists of concretized paths. Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, bandages, painkillers along with your usual toiletries.

Pack all of these items in a waterproof bag. Make sure to add electronics, power banks, and cables for charging. Bring along spare cash and keep your passport on you at all times.

If you intend to go there on your wr250r bike, make sure your bike is in good condition and capable of going off-road.

Spots to visit

  • East Peak

The East Peak stands at a height of 6857 feet. One of the scenic spots worth visiting here is the Immortal’s Palm Peak. The natural rock veins present in this area look like a giant palm.

While climbing down from the East Peak, you can also visit the Heavenly South Gate, the Changkong Plank Road, and the Heaven Watching Pool.

  • South Peak

The South Peak is the highest in the Hua Shan range and reaching its summit is a pride-worthy achievement. There are resorts present at the summit of this peak where you can enjoy a well-deserved break from the trekking.

The Changkong Plank Road is what gives this mountain range its place in the most dangerous places to hike list. This road is a series of wooden planks along a near vertical section of the mountain.

The planks are about 1 foot wide and require slow and careful movements to get across. The South Peak is also home to a Taoist Temple called Baidi Temple.

  • Jade Maiden and Cloud Terrace Peak

There are two other peaks, The Jade Maiden Peak and the Cloud Terrace Peak. Both of these offer great views and beautiful temples to visit.

hiking up Mount Hua

Pricing

  • The entrance fee to the mountain is about 180 Chinese Yuan. (This fee is considerably cheaper if you have a valid student ID card. In fact, a lot of the facilities available offer a student discount. )
  • Cable car services are available from 7 AM to 7 PM. The routes and their respective pricing are as follows,
  • Donggoukou-White Sparrow Temple-West Peak: 120 to 140 Chinese Yuan for a one-way trip, 240 to 280 for a round trip.
  • Wamiaogou-North Peak: 45 to 80 Chinese Yuan for a one-way trip and 80 to 150 for a round trip.
  • The plank path costs 30 Yuan.
  • Accommodation pricing is not on the cheap side. A bed in a common dorm room can cost about 100 to 150 Chinese Yuan per day. Consider camping out in the open if you are looking to save money.

The thrill of climbing such a æ is unbeatable. Few places in the world can leave behind such awe and satisfaction as hiking up Mount Hua.

Knowing exactly what to expect and gauging your capabilities with this information ensures that this unforgettable hiking trip will be a successful one.