Huashan 华山 Travel Guide

Huashan is one of China’s “five great mountains” and is one of the best and most accessible to visit being only 120km east of Xian and so possible to see as a day trip. The mountain itself consists of five main peaks with the highest being over 2,000 meters. Views are spectacular from any of the peaks with the north one being the easiest to visit. The other four peaks involve a lot of climbing up steps carved into the rock face. For thrill seekers there is the famed “plank walk” alongside one of the cliffs – not and option for those with any degree of vertigo – see this video to see what we mean! Huashan is one of the easiest of China’s scenic splendours to fit into any itinerary also visiting Xian.

It has to be the “plank walk” whether you do it yourself or just watch others try. One of those “only in China” moments and a very long way from any health and safety culture!

Simply put, some of China’s most spectacular scenery! The North peaks is relatively easy to visit with most of the climb done by bus and cable car. To get the most out of a visit though it is best to climb the steep steps up to one of the other peaks and we thoroughly recommend either watching or, even better, participating in the “plank walk” experience. Unlike in the video you are required to wear a harness!

The mountain is best visited as a fantastic day trip from Xian. However, those with a fear of heights or bad knees might want to get their scenic fix somewhere like the flatter Yangshuo.

Huashan is almost always visited as part of a day trip from Xian as there are few decent hotel options in the vicinity of the mountain.

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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.