[2025 Huayin Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhongfeng (Updated Mar)

Mount Hua, the westernmost of the Five Great Mountains, boasts towering peaks piercing the clouds and sheer cliffs dropping thousands of feet. Since ancient times, it has earned the reputation of "The Most Precipitous Mountain Under Heaven" for its perilous terrain and rich cultural heritage. ⬆️ The Legend of the Huashan Sword Assembly Amidst the grandeur of Mount Hua, the legendary tale of the Huashan Sword Assembly unfolds. This sacred ground in martial arts novels is where the Huashan Sect cultivates and tests their martial skills. Every mountain坳 and cliff face seems to whisper stories of grudges, chivalry, and heroic sentiments. 🚴 Challenging the Precipitous Terrain Mount Hua's five main peaks, each with its unique charm, beckon countless climbers to test their limits. The East Peak's Sunrise Viewing Platform, the West Peak's Cloud Terrace Peak, the South Peak's Landing Goose Peak, the North Peak's Jade Spring Peak, and the Middle Peak's Jade Maiden Peak—each is shrouded in mystery and allure. Climbing Mount Hua is not only a test of courage and perseverance but also an act of reverence and appreciation for the natural wonders. 🌌 The Interweaving of Nature and Humanity The natural landscapes and human history of Mount Hua intertwine, captivating visitors. Ancient stone carvings, Taoist temples, and Buddhist monasteries dot the mountainside, testaments to both nature's artistry and the treasures of human civilization. Strolling along the mountain trails, one can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the breath of culture. 📈 The Legacy of Taoist Culture Mount Hua is a sacred site for the Quanzhen School of Taoism, steeped in rich Taoist heritage. Taoist temples like the Jade Spring Temple and Donghua Palace stand serenely on the mountain, embodying the essence of Taoist culture. Here, visitors can experience Taoist philosophy and the spiritual pursuits of its practitioners. 🥋 A Martial Arts Dream Under the Stars At night, atop Mount Hua, the starry sky shimmers, seemingly within reach. Under this tranquil expanse, one can almost hear the sword clashes and melodies of ancient swordsmen, igniting a sense of longing. In this realm between heaven and earth, visitors can unleash their spirits and chase their martial arts dreams. Mount Hua is a peak brimming with legends and charm. Whether it's the natural scenery or the human history, the test of courage and perseverance or the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment, Mount Hua leaves a lasting impression and unforgettable memories.

Stories of Zhongfeng Old Street: From prosperity to decline. Built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Zhongfeng Old Street in Qijiang District boasts one of the best-preserved collections of Ming and Qing wooden architecture. The street stretches over 200 meters, lined with wooden houses featuring mortise-and-tenon beam frames, overhanging gable roofs, and small green tile coverings. In the center of the street stands Zhongfeng Temple, originally built in the Ming Dynasty. First known as Dapeng Mountain, then Sanhuixiang, it was finally renamed Zhongfeng Temple. Once a thriving hub for pilgrims from all directions, it served as a crucial stop on the Sichuan Salt Road (from Jiangjin to Guizhou). Zhongfeng Old Street was the original site of Zhongfeng Commune and Zhongfeng Township, housing the township government, bank, and granary. During the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, salt and tea merchants from Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou traveling to and from Yunnan and Guizhou often passed through this area. At its peak, the street bustled with merchants and travelers, becoming a vital rest stop on the Sichuan Salt Road and a significant trading center between Sichuan and Guizhou. In the 1980s, the Zhongfeng Township government, Zhongfeng primary and secondary schools, bank, and post office relocated to a new street along the Qingxi River. The old street gradually declined, and residents followed suit, leading to the disappearance of its former prosperity. In recent years, the street's simple folk customs, mysterious tranquility, and leisurely atmosphere have attracted numerous writers, painters, and hikers from near and far. It has become an important base for sketching, film and television shooting, and the dissemination of Buddhist culture. In August 2006, the Qijiang District People's Government designated it as a cultural relic protection unit. Navigate to "Zhongfeng Old Street" in Qijiang District. It's not recommended to make a special trip here, as the 200-meter bluestone road can be covered in a short walk. Most of the old houses are now dilapidated, and a cordon has been placed around Zhongfeng Temple. Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions, such as the "Lingying Rock Carvings Totem" mentioned in my previous post, which is only 6 km from Zhongfeng Old Street.

A complete guide to climbing Mount Hua, a must-read for beginners! I finally conquered Mount Hua! The whole journey was tiring but enjoyable. Now, I'm sharing my experience with everyone, hoping to help friends who are planning to visit Mount Hua! 🚗 Transportation Guide: I took the high-speed train to Huashan North Station. There are many shuttle buses to the Mount Hua scenic area right outside the station. The fare is about CNY 10, which is very convenient. You can also choose to take a taxi, which costs about CNY 30–40. 🎫 Tickets and Routes: Mount Hua tickets cost CNY 160. A single trip on the North Peak Sante Cableway costs CNY 80, and a single trip on the West Peak Taihua Cableway costs CNY 120. I chose the classic west-up and north-down route: Take the scenic bus from the tourist center to the West Peak Cableway. After taking the cable car up, visit the West Peak first, followed by the South Peak, East Peak, and Middle Peak, and finally descend from the North Peak Cableway. This route allows you to see the most beautiful scenery without being too tiring. 🧰 Essential Items: Comfortable sneakers: The mountain roads are rugged, so good shoes are essential. Warm clothes: The temperature on the mountain is low, especially when watching the sunrise. An appropriate amount of water and snacks: Replenish your energy. Things on the mountain are more expensive. 🌅 Watching the Sunrise: If you want to watch the sunrise on the East Peak, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance and choose a clear day. I set off at 4:00 a.m. It took about 1.5 hrs to walk from the West Peak to the East Peak. There were already many people there saving spots when I arrived. Remember to bring a flashlight, as the road is quite dark. ⚠️ Tips: Tickets for the Changkong Plank Road and鹞子翻身 (Harrier Turns Over) need to be purchased separately. There are many people queuing up, so go early if you want to experience them. The signal on the mountain is not very good, so download a map in advance. After descending the mountain, you can go to Huayin City for a bowl of authentic Huayin Mutton Paomo, which will instantly revitalize you! This trip to Mount Hua was truly unforgettable. Although it was tiring, seeing the stunning scenery made it all worthwhile.

🌧️Weather tips: December: -2℃~8℃, a bit cold, you need to wear a down jacket when hiking! - 🔔Ticket price: Off-season (December 1st - February 29th) North Peak Cable Car One-way, West Peak Cable Car One-way North in and out of the mountain train, West in and out of the mountain train Compulsory insurance for scenic spots - Scenic spot off-season operation time ✔️Visitor Center Admission Time: 8:00-16:00 ✔️Entrance time of Huashan Gate: 24 hours ✔️Cable car operation hours: 8:00-18:00 - ✅ Tour route 🔻West up, North down ⚠️ (Free one-way airport pick-up/drop-off/20 yuan discount) ▶️Climbing time: 5 hours ▶️Route: Take the cable car up to West Peak → South Peak → East Peak → Middle Peak → Take the cable car down to North Peak ▶️Features: This is the route most tourists will choose. It does not go back and is quite steep when going down the mountain. - 🔻North up and West down ⚠️ (Free one-way airport pick-up/drop-off/20 yuan discount) ▶️Climbing time: 6 hours ▶️Route: North Peak Cable Car Up → Middle Peak → East Peak → South Peak → West Peak → Middle Peak → North Peak Cable Car Down ▶️Features: You can climb Canglong Ridge, which is quite thrilling. You can watch the sunset from the West Peak. The North Peak is far away from other main peaks, so it will consume a lot of physical energy. - 🔻Up West and Down West (➕30 free round-trip airport transfer) ▶️Climbing time: 4 hours ▶️Route: West Peak Cable Car Up → South Peak → East Peak → Middle Peak → West Peak Cable Car Down ▶️Features: Save time and effort, not too tiring, suitable for people who just want to see the scenery and sunrise, but the price is slightly higher - 🔻North up and north down (➕30 free round-trip airport transfer) ▶️Climbing time: 6 hours ▶️Route: North Peak Cable Car Up → Middle Peak → East Peak → South Peak → West Peak → Middle Peak → North Peak Cable Car Down ▶️Features: The most economical hiking route, suitable for people with plenty of energy

🏔️ Mount Hua, also known as Xiyue, is composed of five peaks: East Peak, South Peak, West Peak, North Peak, and Central Peak. The least prominent peak is the Central Peak, but each peak has its unique scenery and legends. After the rain, Mount Hua is enveloped in a sea of clouds, with misty rain intertwining with the peaks, creating ever-changing landscapes and blurring the contours of colors between heaven and earth. 🙋 The Central Peak of Mount Hua, also known as Yunu Peak, is located at the center of the East, West, and South Peaks. It is a must-pass point from the North Peak to the other three peaks. Many people often overlook this peak while exploring the main peak area, but in fact, the romantic myth of Xiao Shi and Nong Yu playing the flute to attract the phoenix is extremely enchanting. The cultural significance of Mount Hua as the 'Mountain of Love' originates from this legend. 🤳 Although the Central Peak is small, it is serene, lush with greenery, and extremely cool to climb in the summer. ✅ The 'Heavenly Ladder' of the Central Peak is one of the iconic landscapes of Mount Hua and a thrilling part of the climb. Located on the northern side of the Central Peak, it is a shortcut to the East Peak. The ladder is carved into a sheer cliff, connecting to the Sun and Moon Rock above and facing a deep abyss below, almost at a 90-degree angle. Both sides are equipped with iron chains for handholds, making it one of the famous dangerous paths of Mount Hua. There are two cliff carvings next to the ladder: 'Shortcut to Heaven' and 'Straight up the Heavenly Ladder.' However, it is generally closed after rain, so taking this shortcut depends on luck and timing. ↪️ Classic North-to-West route: Enter the park through the ticket checkpoint at the Mount Hua Visitor Center → Take the North Peak cable car for a 10-minute ride to the North Peak main peak → Ca'er Cliff → Heavenly Ladder → Sun and Moon Rock → Imperial Path → Dulong Temple → Canglong Ridge → Wuyun Peak → Golden Lock Pass (the throat of the path to other main peaks, a sacred place for blessings at Mount Hua, about 3 hours from the North Peak cable car) → (10 minutes) Central Peak → (30 minutes) East Peak → (30 minutes) South Gate of Heaven → (30 minutes) South Peak → (30 minutes) West Peak, then take the West Peak cable car down to return to the Visitor Center. The entire route does not retrace any steps. 🎫 Mount Hua entrance ticket is 160 yuan, West Peak cable car is 140 yuan, North Peak cable car is 80 yuan, North Peak mountain bus fare is 20 yuan, West Peak mountain bus fare is 40 yuan. The total cost for the entire trip using cable cars is around 500 yuan. Tickets are not sold on-site; you must book Mount Hua tickets in advance on the official platform, select the travel date and time slot, and enter the park by scanning your ID card at the ticket gate. You cannot enter the park outside of your reserved time slot.

📍Mount Hua, also known as "Xiyue", elegantly called "Taihua Mountain", is one of the Five Sacred Mountains, located in Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, 120 kilometers east of the provincial capital Xi'an. It is connected to the Qinling Mountains in the south and overlooks the Yellow River and Wei River in the north. It has been known as the "most dangerous mountain in the world" since ancient times. Highlights: 🌟West Peak Cableway The largest cableway in Asia, crossing an entire mountain , the beautiful scenery is incomparable to the North Peak Cableway. 🌟West Peak The iconic landscape of Mount Hua. The West Peak is a complete boulder, a small road built along the ridge, 🚶 leading to the Cuiyun Palace hanging above, can be said to be a perfect representation of the danger of Mount Hua. 🌟Mount Hua Sword Stone The first time I saw it, I was very excited. The shooting of eagles is also an unforgettable childhood memory, but later I found out that there is one on each peak of Mount Hua. 🌟South Peak + Changkong Plank Road The highest peak of Mount Hua, countless cliff carvings and concentric locks, showing the worship of the summit of Xiyue from ancient times to the present. 🌟East Peak + Sparrowhawk Flip The East Peak Viewing Platform is the best place to watch sunrise. The Sparrowhawk Flip is also on the East Peak, you also need to be tied with a rope, along the path, climb to the Chess Pavilion, on both sides are cliffs. 🌟Middle Peak The lowest presence among the five peaks, the scenery is average, there is a unique Taoist temple, there are still Taoists practicing here, giving a feeling of a hermit. 🌟Canglong Ridge Located on the way from the four peaks to the North Peak, another iconic spot of Mount Hua, the stairs are extremely steep, and the cliffs on both sides are almost vertical. Many aerial videos of Mount Hua are shot here. 🌟North Peak The cableway goes directly, there are many tourists, looking back at the North Peak from Canglong Ridge, it is very shocking. 🗺️Recommended tour route: There are 3 routes up Mount Hua: West Peak Cableway, North Peak Cableway, Jade Spring Temple Hiking (West Peak up and North Peak down, is the easiest) (North Peak up and West Peak down, a lot of uphill, test endurance) (Jade Spring Temple hiking, the most difficult, need ample time) PS: 📍Changkong Plank Road and 📍Sparrowhawk Flip are both experience projects, need to queue for a long time, those who like challenges can try Recommended food: 🍽️Farmhouse Stirring Group: Cold dish, made with Shaanxi chili, the taste of the stirring group is actually the "bowl group" that was very popular a few years ago 🍽️Pot Helmet Spicy Chicken: The bottom is a pot helmet soaked in soup, on top are a few pieces, the amount is very large, two people can't finish~ The pot helmet is more delicious than the chicken! Crispy 🍽️Chive Box: Just out of the pot, the filling is chives, eggs and noodles, even those who are not used to chives are rushing! The crust is golden and crispy, but not the crispy texture, it is crispy, like a crispy mooncake 📝Attention tips: 👉If you are hiking, it is recommended to prepare trekking poles, gloves, water, food, flashlight or headlamp 👉Choose the route according to your own physical strength, if you can't walk, you can choose to stay overnight on the mountain 👉From the scenic area to the West Peak, and then take the cableway up the mountain, it takes about 1 and a half hours , this time is relatively long 👉Mount Hua is really dangerous, many places are almost vertical, be careful when going down 👉Try to go to Changkong Plank Road and Sparrowhawk Flip as early as possible, it takes a long time to wait 🎫Tickets: ⛰️Scenic area: free admission (if you are hiking, you need to make a reservation) 🚠Cable car: West Peak Cableway: ¥120 (one way) North Peak Cableway: ¥45 (one way) 🚌Bus: West Peak Bus: ¥40 (one way) North Peak Bus: ¥20 (one way) ✈️/🚅Transportation: Beijing West Station→Xi'an Station (🚄z19) Xi'an Station→Xi'an North Station (🚇Subway Line 4) Xi'an North Station→Mount Hua North Station (🚄g672) Mount Hua North Station→Mount Hua (The bus station is on the left hand side of the exit, 5 yuan per person , about 10 minutes to reach the tourist center)

After a day of heading north and descending west on Mount Hua, I've summarized some cold knowledge about Mount Hua that might be hot knowledge, to help fellow hikers fill in the gaps. ✔ To run through all the peaks in the order of north, central, east, south, and west peaks, you can basically avoid retracing your steps ✔ The Mount Hua sword-fighting event is not limited to the north peak; each peak has its own sword. Those who think only the north peak offers a check-in might only have fought the lowest sword ✔ Don't panic when climbing in the rain; you might be in for a surprise at the summit! The sea of clouds on a cloudy day is like a fleeting shadow, only truly breathtaking when experienced ✔ Those with a big heart wanting to challenge the Changkong Plank Walk and the Jiaozifan must pay attention to the weather; rain or snow will likely prevent the experience ✔ The path from the north peak to the central peak, Canglong Ridge, and the Carp Back of the west peak look similar, but Canglong Ridge is much more difficult, and they are both long routes ✔ The top of the central peak is a Taoist temple, and it's in the middle of all five peaks, so once you get up there, you're surrounded by mountains, and the scenery with the clouds and mist is quite ordinary ✔ Besides watching the sunrise and experiencing Jiaozifan, the distant view of the Chess Pavilion amidst the sea of clouds from the east peak is also incredibly beautiful; don't miss it ✔ In addition to being the highest peak and experiencing the Changkong Plank Walk, the South Heaven Gate you must pass through is also stunningly beautiful, like a real-life version of 'Forza Horizon 3D' sensory experience; go see it ✔ The top of the west peak is separate from the cable car; don't miss the coffee house halfway up the mountain. After a tiring run around the mountain, enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out at the scenery; this is the most comfortable part of the trip (aside from being expensive) ✔ The west peak cable car is a bit pricey, but perhaps only on Mount Hua can you experience a roller coaster-like ride for the same price. Yes, this cable car is designed in a wavy shape to avoid the mountain, and riding it is an impressive experience ✘ Any platform's combo tickets do not include the bus ticket from the west peak cable car to the tourist center, meaning you have to add another 40 yuan to all your expenses ✘ The toilets on Mount Hua are so smelly they could knock you out, especially around the west peak; the wafting toilet smell is a unique feature of the west peak Mount Hua's cats are all round and very friendly, but if you don't have what they like to eat, they'll immediately walk away; they're very clever I was fortunate to be accompanied by a group of young friends this time, which made me especially happy. I've got Mount Hua under my belt, and both my body and wallet have slimmed down a lot. If you're interested, don't hesitate, trust me, head north and descend west, all you need are legs!