Mount Hua – Tickets, Opening hours, Highlights, and Tips

The North Peak, standing at an elevation of 1,614 meters, is one of Mount Hua’s main summits, named for its northern position. This peak is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides and is crowned with clouds, leading to its alternative name, Cloud Terrace Peak (Yuntai Feng). The North Peak connects with other notable features such as White Cloud Peak to the north and Mount Liangzhang to the east. The summit is a natural assembly of gigantic stones forming a platform, once the site of the Leaning Cloud Pavilion, offering magnificent views of the other three main peaks and the Canglong Ridge.

The slope of the North Peak is lush with greenery, making it an ideal resting spot for climbers ascending the mountain. A cable car station, established in 1996, is situated on the eastern wall of the peak, facilitating easier access for visitors. Numerous attractions adorn the North Peak, including: Zhenwu Hall, Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Changchun Stone Chamber, Shentu Cliff, Leaning Cloud Pavilion, and Laojun’s Plao Rest.

The West Peak, with an elevation of 2,082.6 meters, is also a major summit of Mount Hua, named for its western position. This peak is also known as Lotus Peak (Lianhua Feng) or Hibiscus Peak (Furong Feng) due to the lotus-petal-like rock formations at its summit. The West Peak is a singular massive rock, presenting an imposing and majestic appearance with its sheer cliffs and towering presence. This peak is often considered representative of Mount Hua’s rugged and awe-inspiring terrain, leading ancient scholars to refer to the mountain as Lotus Mountain.

From the West Peak, visitors can gaze upon the rolling hills and valleys, often shrouded in a sea of clouds, creating an ethereal atmosphere that evokes the feeling of being in a celestial realm. A ridge extends from the southern cliff of the West Peak, connecting to the South Peak. This ridge, approximately 300 meters long and resembling a coiled dragon, is known as Qu Ridge or Little Canglong Ridge, and it is one of the most famous and treacherous paths on Mount Hua.

Among the many tales linked to the West Peak, the story of Shenxiang cleaving the mountain to rescue his mother is the most well-known. The peak is also covered with numerous inscriptions and carvings from various historical periods, showcasing a range of calligraphic styles.

The summit of the West Peak, known as the West Stone Tower Peak, features the Yanggong Pagoda, built by General Yang Hucheng. The pagoda includes inscriptions by the general himself, and nearby rocks bear the famous “枕破鸿蒙” (meaning “Breaking Through the Chaos:) inscription by calligrapher Wang Duo.

The South Peak, standing at an elevation of 2,154.9 meters, is the highest of Mount Hua’s summits and the tallest among the Five Great Mountains. Known as the “Head of Mount Hua,” this peak offers unparalleled views. Climbing to the top, visitors feel as if they are touching the sky, with stars seemingly within reach. The panorama includes rolling mountains, the Yellow and Weishui Rivers, and vast plains stretching out like a tapestry, showcasing the grandeur and majesty of Mount Hua.

The South Peak features sheer cliffs to the south, creating a dramatic drop into a deep gorge, isolating it from Sanfeng Mountain and Three Phoenix Mountain. It consists of two main peaks: Songgui Peak to the east and Luoyan Peak to the west. Some sources also include Xiaozifeng to the west of Luoyan Peak as part of the South Peak, forming a chair-like shape with the three peaks resembling a giant facing north.

Luoyan Peak, named for the wild geese that reportedly rest there during their migrations, is the highest point on Mount Hua. Reaching this peak is a point of pride for climbers, and it has inspired countless poets and writers over the centuries, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary works. The peak features numerous inscriptions and carvings, adding to its cultural significance. Surrounding attractions include the Skyward Pool, Black Dragon Pool, Anyu Zhenren Shrine, and the Welcome Pine.

The East Peak, rising to 2,096.2 meters, is another major summit of Mount Hua. Its eastern location grants it the name, and it is particularly famous for sunrise views from its platform, known as the Chaoyangtai (Sunrise Platform). This peak is also referred to as the Chaoyang Peak due to this renowned vantage point.

The East Peak boasts numerous attractions, with over a dozen notable sites. One of the most famous is the Huashan Immortal Palm, a natural stone pattern on the cliffside of Shilou Peak, resembling a giant palm print and linked to legends of the giant spirit opening mountains and guiding rivers. Other significant spots include the Qinglong Pool, Ganlu Pool, Sanmao Cave, Qingxu Cave, Bajing Palace, and Taiji Dongyuan Gate. Some sites, unfortunately, have been lost to time or disaster, but efforts since the 1980s have restored many areas. The East Peak Hotel, for instance, stands on the former site of the Bajing Palace, offering accommodations in a newly built two-story wooden and stone structure.

The Central Peak of Mount Hua, also known as Jade Maiden Peak, rises to an elevation of 2,037.8 meters and is situated centrally among the East, West, and South Peaks. This peak is one of the main summits of Mount Hua and is renowned for its lush forests and serene environment. The area is home to a variety of rare and unidentified flora, adding to its natural beauty.

At the summit of the Central Peak stands the Jade Maiden Shrine, a Taoist temple named after the legend of Nongyu, the daughter of Duke Mu of Qin from the Spring and Autumn period. According to the legend, Nongyu practiced self-cultivation here, leading to the peak being named in her honor. The shrine is said to have been built by Duke Mu in memory of his daughter after failing to find her. Initially, it housed a stone statue of the Jade Maiden, along with a dragon bed and a phoenix crown, all of which were destroyed over time. The current shrine and statue of the Jade Maiden were reconstructed in 1983, featuring a graceful and dignified depiction of the maiden.

Many of the Central Peak’s attractions are tied to the story of Nongyu and her lover Xiao Shi. These include the Mingxing Jade Maiden Cliff, Jade Maiden Cave, Jade Maiden Stone Horse, and Jade Maiden Wash Basin. Each site carries its own unique legend, enriching the peak’s cultural significance and allure.

Golden Lock Pass is a tower-like stone archway built at the intersection of the three main peaks of Mount Hua. It serves as the critical passage leading from the Five Cloud Peak to the East, West, and South Peaks. Beyond this pass, there are no further paths. Taoists believe that Mount Hua is a divine abode and that only by passing through the Golden Lock Pass can one truly enter the celestial realm, which has given rise to the saying, “After passing the Golden Lock Pass, a new world unfolds.”

The pass was initially constructed during the Tang Dynasty and was significantly renovated by the Taoist priest Hu Zhenhai at the end of the Ming Dynasty. It underwent another major repair by the Taoist Yang Yin in 1679, during the Kangxi era, and was later restored by Taoist Yuan Gaoshan in 1945. In 1955, it saw further reconstruction by Taoist Han Fasheng. Despite these efforts, the original structure suffered significant damage over time due to natural disasters and human activities, leaving only remnants.

In 1985, the government rebuilt the pass, improving both its form and scale. The Golden Lock Pass connects to Five Cloud Peak in the north and controls access to the main peaks of Mount Hua in the south. The deep gorges on both the east and west sides enhance its daunting presence, with the only approach being a narrow stone path about one meter wide. The surrounding area is dotted with ancient, verdant pines and unique rock formations, often shrouded in mist, creating an ethereal beauty. From the pass, one can see the remarkable Jinji Shou Yuhan (Golden Rooster Guarding the Jade Box) rock to the north and the Laohu Kou (Tiger’s Mouth) to the west. The iron chains on both sides of the mountain path leading to and from the pass are adorned with countless love locks and safety locks, draped with colorful ribbons that flutter in the wind, forming a picturesque scene.

Canglong Ridge, also known as the Azure Dragon Ridge, is one of Mount Hua’s most famous and perilous paths. Located south of the Jiukutai (Rescue Suffering Platform) and below the Five Cloud Peak, it is named for its dark, dragon-like appearance and its precarious, blade-like terrain that makes crossing it a nerve-wracking experience. The ridge is particularly famous for the story of Han Yu, a prominent Tang Dynasty poet and official, who, overcome with fear, reportedly threw himself down and cried for help. This tale has inspired numerous related anecdotes and scholarly examinations.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as the imperial court increased its ritual offerings to the deity of Mount Hua, significant efforts were made to improve the mountain’s pathways, including Canglong Ridge. A notable story from the Qianlong era tells of Bi Yuan, the governor of Shaanxi, commissioning the carving of 250 stone steps into the ridge. According to legend, during this undertaking, a three-day blood rain fell over Chang’an (modern Xi’an), signifying the death of the dragon that the ridge symbolized. It was believed that this event severed the dragon’s vein of Mount Hua, ending its production of great figures like Yang Zhen and Yang Jian.

By the Republican era, the number of stone steps on Canglong Ridge had increased to 350. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government carried out several expansions and reinforcements of this treacherous path. The protective railings were continuously fortified, and the number of stone steps grew to over 530, making the ascent somewhat safer yet still thrilling for adventurous climbers.

The Chang Kong Cliff Road, located outside the Nantian Gate, is the most famous and treacherous path in Mount Hua. The path is divided into three sections. The upper section stretches from the Nantian Gate stone archway to the west of Chaoyuan Cave, following a path chiseled into the cliff for about 20 meters with a width of just over 60 centimeters. The middle section involves descending along iron rods embedded in the cliff, resembling a precarious suspended ladder. This section is known as “Chicken Caged Steps” due to its steep and narrow nature, where climbers must use safety harnesses and descend step by step.

The lower section requires navigating a path made by embedding wooden beams into stone holes on the cliff face. Here, visitors must press their bodies against the wall and move laterally, balancing on the narrow beams. The Chang Kong Cliff Road is considered the most dangerous path in Mount Hua, attracting numerous thrill-seekers and adventurers throughout history. Many famous scholars and writers have documented their experiences, leaving a legacy of awe and admiration for this perilous route.

The Thousand-Foot Precipice, located above the “Return Heart Rock,” is considered the first major dangerous spot in Mount Hua. The cliff face is vertical, with just enough space for two people to pass side by side. Iron chains hang vertically on both sides, and the slope is approximately 70 degrees. There are over 370 steps from top to bottom, all narrow and treacherous. The Thousand-Foot Precipice was carved out during the Han Dynasty, with the original climbing path located on the east side of Mount Hua in Huangpu Valley. Today, two stone carvings can still be found below the Bo Terrace on the East Peak, marking the spot where Qin Shi Huang’s workers scaled the mountain.

At the top of the Thousand-Foot Precipice, there is a stone cave that barely fits one person. Visitors must crawl through this cave, known as the “Heavenly Well,” to reach the top. Above the “Heavenly Well” is a platform with an inscription reading “Throat of Taihua,” vividly describing the narrow path. The “Hundred-Foot Gorge” lies on this platform, representing the upper throat section, while the platform below resembles a protruding larynx. The Thousand-Foot Precipice below the “Heavenly Well” is the lower throat section. The entire path resembles a human throat, being narrow, protruding, and long. If the “Heavenly Well” is blocked, it would cut off the only way up or down, emphasizing the precarious nature of this path.

The Hundred-Foot Gorge, located to the north of the Thousand-Foot Precipice, is the second major perilous spot on Mount Hua. Also known as “Hundred-Zhang Cliff,” this gorge is characterized by its narrow walls that almost converge, held apart by two large boulders that appear to be precariously wedged in place. Visitors must crawl under these boulders, which are aptly named “Heart-Stopping Stones” due to the fear they might fall. However, a closer inspection reveals that these stones are secure because they are larger at the top than at the bottom, earning them the alternative name “Heart-Calming Stones.” Once past this nerve-wracking section, climbers can breathe a sigh of relief and continue their ascent, knowing the stones are stable.

The Swallow Flip is situated on the East Peak of Mount Hua and is one of the most famous and treacherous paths leading to the Chess Pavilion. The path is chiseled into the sheer cliff of the East Peak, and climbers must descend while facing the rock, using iron chains for support. The footpath is barely visible, requiring climbers to use their toes to find small footholds. At certain points, climbers must perform movements resembling a swallow’s aerial maneuvers, turning their bodies sideways to navigate the narrow ledges and sharp turns, hence the name “Swallow Flip.”

Visually, the Swallow Flip might not seem as daunting as the Chang Kong Cliff Road, but it is more challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the path is slanted inward, making it difficult to maintain balance. Secondly, the iron chains are quite loose and tend to swing from side to side, making them harder to grasp. Additionally, climbers descend from above, with the cliff face leaning inward, which makes it difficult to see and secure footholds. This path requires the coordinated use of hands, eyes, feet, and knees, testing the climbers’ dexterity and balance. For a short section, only one side has an iron chain, demanding precise body control to avoid falling.

Laojun Plow Furrow is located above the Temple of the Immortals (Qunxian Guan) and is one of Mount Hua’s most famous perilous paths. According to legend, this route was created by Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher, who drove his green ox and plowed the mountain with an iron plow, leaving a trail that resembles furrows in a field. Initially, people would ascend and descend Mount Hua by climbing the stone sockets on either side of the furrow, which are still visible today. Similar to the Thousand-Foot Precipice and the Hundred-Foot Gorge, Laojun Plow Furrow is a must-pass dangerous path when climbing Mount Hua. Presently, 271 stone steps have been carved into the right side of the furrow, and iron chains are installed on both sides for safety, making the ascent more secure. This path is steeped in legend, believed to be the point where Laozi departed the earthly realm and ascended to the immortal world.

The term “bridal chamber” in the phrase “洞房花烛夜” (a bridal chamber on a wedding night) originates from Mount Hua’s West Peak. Historically, the treacherous and steep paths of Mount Hua deterred most people, providing a secluded haven for those seeking to live in seclusion and practice their spiritual pursuits. Due to the difficulty of transporting building materials up the mountain, early hermits carved stone caves to reside in and meditate.

One such cave is the Lotus Flower Cave (Lianhua Cave) on the West Peak. According to legend, the flute-playing recluse Xiao Shi and Princess Nongyu, daughter of Duke Mu of Qin, were transformed into immortals after lighting candles and marrying in this cave. This event gave rise to the term “The World’s First Bridal Chamber.” Consequently, Mount Hua is often referred to as the Mountain of Love, symbolizing a testament to enduring romance. Whether for long-married couples or new lovers, a journey together to Mount Hua promises to deepen their emotional bond. The Lotus Flower Cave, adorned with numerous inscriptions and rich in cultural significance, serves as a sweet rest stop for visitors exploring the mountain’s romantic heritage.

Xiyue Temple, covering an area of ​​120,000 square meters, was first built in the early years of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (134 BC) as a place for feudal dynasties to worship the god Shaohao of Mount Hua. Throughout history, it has undergone numerous renovations and constructions, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. By the 42nd year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty (1777), it took on its current layout of a palace-style complex with a hexagonal structure, resembling the Forbidden City in Beijing. Due to being the earliest and largest among the temples of the Five Sacred Mountains, it is known as the “First Temple of the Five Sacred Mountains.”

The architecture of Xiyue Temple is magnificent. The Wufeng Tower stands on a high platform, towering over 20 meters tall, providing a panoramic view of Mount Hua with its five peaks clearly visible. The main hall, Haoling Hall, is a single-eaved, gable-roofed building with glazed tiles, situated on a spacious “convex” shaped terrace. It has a width of 7 bays and a depth of 5 bays, surrounded by corridors, and has been the residence for many emperors who worshipped Mount Hua. Inside the hall, there are plaques inscribed by emperors such as Kangxi, Daoguang, and Empress Dowager Cixi, bearing phrases like “金天昭端 (Golden Heaven Reveals Virtue)” and “仙云 (Celestial Clouds).” The entire temple compound is lush with trees and surrounded by rugged mountains, resembling a picturesque garden.

Zhenwu Temple is dedicated to the Northern God Zhenwu, who guards the Nine Provinces. The Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Xianyou Tribute, and Shentu Cliff are all named after the legend of Jiao Guang, a Taoist priest. According to legend, during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, when Emperor Wu was in power, the Taoist priest Jiaokuang, also known as Daoguang, lived alone on the Yuntai Peak, subsisting on the essence of the clouds and dew, and avoiding grains. Three green birds always accompanied him, foretelling future events. Emperor Wu Wen heard of his reputation and personally visited him to seek advice. He then ordered the construction of a palace in front of the Jiaogong Changle Stone Chamber for Jiaokuang to reside in. When building the palace, there was no soil on the peak, and there was a shortage of lamp oil. However, after Jiaokuang prayed silently, soil began to flow from below the cliff, and oil in the oil tank was replenished overnight, never running out. Over time, people named the place where the soil flowed “Shentu Cliff” and the place where the oil tank was placed “Xianyou Tribute.”

Yuquan Monastery, located at the southern end of Yuquan Road in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, is a sacred site of the mainstream Quanzhen Taoist sect. It serves as a major venue for Taoist activities on Mount Hua and is a must-visit destination for tourists exploring the mountain from Huashan Valley. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, between 1049 and 1051, it was built by the Taoist Jia Desheng under the guidance of his master, Chen Tuan. Despite experiencing destruction and subsequent renovations, it wasn’t until the Ming and Qing Dynasties that the temple reached its current scale. Originally named Xiyi Shrine, it was bestowed this title by Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, who granted Chen Tuan the honorific title “Master Xiyi.” Legend has it that the Golden Immortal Princess accidentally dropped her jade hairpin into the jade well while washing her hair at the Zhenyue Palace. Upon returning to Yuquan Monastery, she found the jade hairpin while washing her hands with spring water, revealing the connection between the spring and the jade well. As a result, the spring was named Yuquan, giving the monastery its name.

Zhenyue Palace, also known as the Upper Palace, is a renowned Taoist official temple located in the valley between Mount Yu Nu, Lianhua Peak, and Luoyan Peak on Mount Hua. Surrounded by dense pine forests, the tranquility of the valley is exceptional. Also known as the Yujing Temple, it derives its name from the jade well located in front of the palace, known for its sweet and mellow taste. The well is over 30 meters deep and 15 meters wide, with a tower built above it, offering a picturesque view and serving as an excellent place for Taoist practitioners to cultivate their virtues. Today, a tea house has been built here, providing a resting place for tourists. According to legend, the jade well here is connected underground with the spring water at Yuquan Monastery below.

Zhenyue Palace is one of the larger Taoist official temples among the peaks of Mount Hua. It is built against the steep cliffs of the mountains, with a single courtyard and a main hall constructed of wood with three bays. These structures were built during the late Qing Dynasty and the early years of the Republic of China. In 1982, the Huashan Taoist Association renovated some of its buildings and expanded the temple complex. The main hall of Zhenyue Palace houses statues of the Great Emperor of the West Mount and the General of the Golden Crown. Behind the palace, there is a Medicine King Cave, enshrining the statue of the Medicine King. There are over 50 rooms in total in the two side pavilions, providing accommodation for pilgrims and tourists visiting the mountain. Northeast of the Yuquan Spring, there are 28 stone pits shaped like mortars, believed to be relics left by immortals playing with pearls.

Dulong Temple, originally called Huqu Deity Temple, was founded during the Northern Wei Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty, it became commonly known as Dulong Temple, also written as Dulong Temple. The temple enshrines statues of the Dragon God, depicted with an imposing presence, wide-open eyes, and flowing mustache, presenting a vivid and powerful image. The renaming of the temple is closely associated with a legend from the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. According to local folklore, when the Shaanxi governor Bi Yuan opened the road through Canglong Ridge, he damaged the dragon vein, weakening the dragon’s power to bring rain and protect agriculture. In response, the local people built statues and offered incense in the temple, hoping to appease the dragon, heal its injuries, and ensure prosperity and peace for the community.

Located at the foot of Canglong Ridge, Dulong Temple is built against several large sheet-like stone walls, with a unique architectural style that complements the rugged terrain of the ridge. The temple’s innovative design and construction harmonize with the steepness of the ridge. Behind the temple is the western cliff of Canglong Ridge, covered with dense pine forests and adorned with wildflowers. The flat area between the temple and the nearby Jiukantai is interspersed with rock formations, providing a beautiful and varied landscape. This flat expanse, being the largest open space between the North Peak and Wuyun Peak, often serves as a resting spot for visitors.

Dongdao Yuan, also known as Jiutian Palace, is situated east of Qingke Ping on Mount Hua. It was built in the 53rd year of the Kangxi reign (1714) during the Qing Dynasty. The palace follows the traditional siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard) layout, facing west with its back to the mountain cliff and overlooking a deep ravine to the north. The architecture is elegant and well-structured. The main hall consists of three rooms, housing a statue of the Nine Heavens Goddess. There are over twenty rooms in the complex, including pavilions and Taoist dwellings. At the entrance of the palace hangs a plaque inscribed “Eight Views of Hua and Qing,” written by Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, and another plaque in front of the main hall, “Pathway Connecting to the Clouds,” inscribed by Empress Dowager Cixi.

Inside the palace, the statue of the Nine Heavens Goddess, also known as Jiutian Xuannü, is enshrined. This deity, highly revered in Taoism, is depicted with a dignified and lifelike appearance. According to legend, she had a human head and a bird’s body and was a disciple of the Holy Mother Yuanjun and a mentor to the Yellow Emperor. When the Yellow Emperor fought against Chiyou in the Battle of Zhuolu, the Nine Heavens Goddess descended to earth and presented the emperor with various magical tools, including the Liuren, Dunjia, military talismans, maps, and swords. She also crafted eighty drums from Kui cattle skin to help the Yellow Emperor defeat Chiyou.

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