Comfortable sports shoes: The climbing journey in Mount Hua is quite long, so a pair of comfortable, well-fitting and non-slip sports shoes are essential. Avoid wearing new shoes or high heels.
Warm clothing: Even in summer, the temperature on the mountain is much lower than that at the foot of the mountain, especially in the early morning and at night. You need to bring light down jackets,冲锋衣 (outdoor jackets) and other warm outerwear; in winter, more comprehensive warm-keeping measures should be taken, such as thick gloves, scarves, hats, etc.
Raincoat: The weather on the mountain is changeable. It is more convenient to bring a disposable raincoat than an umbrella for mountain climbing.
Food and Water
Appropriate high-energy food: Such as chocolate, beef jerky, nuts, etc., which can quickly replenish physical strength and provide energy during the climbing process.
Sufficient drinking water: Generally, each person should prepare at least 2 3 liters of water, but not too much to avoid increasing the load. You can bring a large-capacity water bottle and refill hot water at some places on the mountain that provide hot water.
Other Items
Trekking pole: It can help save energy and maintain body balance, especially useful in steep sections. You can also buy a simple bamboo pole at the foot of the mountain as a substitute.
Flashlight or headlamp: If you plan to watch the sunrise or climb the mountain at night, you need to prepare lighting tools and check the battery level in advance.
Sun protection products: Including sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, etc., to prevent sunburn during the climbing process because many sections of Mount Hua are relatively open and the ultraviolet rays are strong.
Medicines: Prepare some common medicines such as band-aids, Yunnan Baiyao aerosol (for bruises and sprains), Huoxiang Zhengqi water (to prevent heatstroke), motion sickness medicine (if you get motion sickness on the ropeway), etc.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation
Airplane
You can first take a plane to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, and then take the airport shuttle bus to the long-distance bus station in the urban area of Xi’an, and then transfer to a long-distance bus to Huayin City. After arriving in Huayin, you can take a local bus or take a taxi to the Mount Hua scenic area.
Train
Huashan North Station: It is relatively close to the Mount Hua scenic area. There are free buses to the scenic area tourist center after getting off the station; you can also take a taxi, and the cost is relatively low.
Huashan Station: It is an old station and a bit far from the Mount Hua scenic area. After getting off the station, you can take a bus to the Mount Hua scenic area or take a taxi.
Internal Transportation
Scenic Area Bus
The bus from the tourist center of the Mount Hua scenic area to the ropeway station or the hiking entrance needs to be purchased separately. Tourists can choose the corresponding bus line according to their climbing plan.
Ropeway
Xifeng Ropeway: The line is long and the scenery is magnificent. It can quickly go up the mountain from Xifeng, but the price is relatively high.
Beifeng Ropeway: The price is relatively low. After taking the Beifeng Ropeway up the mountain, you still need to hike a long distance to reach other main peaks, but you can enjoy different sceneries along the way.
Climbing Routes
Classic Climbing Route (Suitable for tourists with good physical strength and who want to challenge themselves)
Yuquan Courtyard Beifeng Dongfeng Nanfeng Xifeng
Start hiking from Yuquan Courtyard, which is a traditional climbing route. Along the way, you can enjoy many natural landscapes and cultural sites of Mount Hua. After reaching Beifeng, you can take a break and replenish energy, and then go to Dongfeng (suitable for watching the sunrise), Nanfeng (the highest peak of Mount Hua), Xifeng in turn. Finally, you can take the ropeway down from Xifeng or choose to hike down according to your own situation. The whole hiking process takes a long time, about 8 12 hours or even longer, which is a great test of physical strength and endurance.
Energy-saving Climbing Route (Suitable for tourists with average physical strength or tight time)
Up by Xifeng Ropeway Xifeng Nanfeng Dongfeng Beifeng Down by Beifeng Ropeway
First take the Xifeng Ropeway up the mountain and directly reach Xifeng, and then visit the main peaks such as Nanfeng and Dongfeng. Finally, take the ropeway down from Beifeng. This route can save a lot of physical strength and visit the main scenic spots of Mount Hua in a relatively short time. The whole journey takes about 4 6 hours.
Scenic Spot Introduction
Beifeng
Also known as Yuntai Peak, with an altitude of 1,614 meters, it is one of the main peaks of Mount Hua. Beifeng is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, with beautiful clouds on the top and connected to the earth veins below. It stands alone and majestic like a cloud platform, hence its name. Here is the “Huashan Lunjian” stone stele inscribed by Mr. Jin Yong in person, which attracts many tourists to take photos as a souvenir. It is also an important scenic spot to experience the martial arts culture of Mount Hua. In addition, Beifeng is a good place to overlook the other main peaks of Mount Hua and the surrounding scenery. From here, you can see the continuous mountains and deep canyons, and the scenery is spectacular.
Dongfeng
Also known as Chaoyang Peak, with an altitude of 2,090 meters, it is one of the main peaks of Mount Hua and a famous place to watch the sunrise. The Chaoyang Terrace on Dongfeng has a wide view and is the best position to watch the sunrise. Every morning, a large number of tourists gather here to wait for the moment when the sun rises. When the sun slowly rises from the sea of clouds and the golden sunlight sprinkles on the peaks, the scenery is extremely shocking. There are also exciting scenic spots such as the “Sparrow Hawk Turns Over” on Dongfeng. The “Sparrow Hawk Turns Over” is one of the famous dangerous paths in Mount Hua. You need to climb on the cliff with the help of iron chains, which is very challenging.
Nanfeng
It is the highest peak of Mount Hua, with an altitude of 2,154.9 meters. The ancients respectfully called it the “head of Mount Hua”. There are famous scenic spots such as the “Skywalk on the Cliff” on Nanfeng. The “Skywalk on the Cliff” is embedded on the cliff. The road surface of the plank road is narrow, with a cliff on one side and a bottomless abyss on the other. Walking on it requires great courage and is an extreme challenge to one’s courage, so it also attracts many tourists who like adventure and challenges. Standing on the top of Nanfeng and looking around, the surrounding mountains are undulating, and the Yellow River is like a belt, making people feel relaxed and happy, and you can truly experience the heroic feeling of “When I stand on the top of the mountain, I can see all the mountains are small”.
Xifeng
Because there is a huge rock on the peak that looks like a lotus petal, ancient literati often called it Lianhua Peak (Lotus Peak) or Furong Peak (Hibiscus Peak). Xifeng has an altitude of 2,082 meters. Xifeng of Mount Hua is the most dangerous. It is also the place where Chen Xiang split the mountain to save his mother in the story of “The Magic Lotus Lantern”. There are scenic spots such as the “Axe-split Rock” related to the legend, full of mystery. The scenery of Xifeng is known for its beauty, especially in the evening when the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkles on the peak, giving the lotus-like huge rock a layer of golden light, which is really beautiful.
Accommodation Suggestions
Accommodation on the Mountain
Dongfeng Hotel, etc.: If you plan to watch the sunrise, you can choose to stay in a hotel near Dongfeng, such as Dongfeng Hotel. However, the accommodation conditions on the mountain are relatively limited and the price is relatively high, and you need to book in advance. These hotels generally provide multi-person beds, and some rooms have private bathrooms, but the hot water supply may be limited.
Camping: Some tourists will also choose to bring their own tents to camp on the mountain. But you need to know the relevant regulations of the scenic area in advance and choose a suitable camping site to ensure safety.
Accommodation at the Foot of the Mountain
Huayin City: There are various grades of hotels and guesthouses to choose from, ranging from star-rated hotels to budget economy hotels. You can choose according to your budget and needs. Staying in Huayin City, you can also visit the local night market and taste the special cuisine at night, and it is also convenient to go to the Mount Hua scenic area the next day.
B&Bs near the Mount Hua Scenic Area: There are many characteristic B&Bs around the Mount Hua scenic area with a beautiful environment where you can experience the local customs. And some B&Bs also provide pick-up services, which can provide certain convenience for tourists.
Food Recommendation
Mount Hua Specialties
Mount Hua Three Specialties Paomo: Made with local unique ingredients and unique cooking methods, the buns are chewy, the meat is tender, and the soup is rich and mellow.
Dadao Noodles: The noodles are cut by the master with a big knife by hand. The noodles are chewy and paired with special sauces and seasonings, with a unique flavor.
Mashi Pao: It is a unique flavor snack in Huayin area. The Mashi is soaked in the carefully cooked big bone soup, with various side dishes and seasonings added, delicious and appetizing.
Other Foods
Roujiamo: The combination of cured meat and Baiji bun, with crispy bun and fragrant meat, is a classic cuisine in Shaanxi Province. You can also taste the authentic flavor in and around the Mount Hua scenic area.
Cold Skin: There are various flavors such as sesame sauce cold skin and Qinzhen cold skin. The taste is smooth, and it is very appetizing with chili oil, vinegar and other seasonings.
Play Precautions
Safety First
The mountain of Mount Hua is steep. During the climbing process, you must abide by the regulations of the scenic area, follow the prescribed route, and do not deviate or climb the undeveloped areas without permission. When passing through steep sections or near cliffs, be sure to hold the iron chain tightly and walk carefully.
Pay Attention to the Weather
Check the weather forecast of Mount Hua in advance. In case of bad weather (such as heavy rain, strong wind, lightning, etc.), you should adjust your climbing plan in time and avoid climbing the mountain in dangerous weather.
Reasonably Arrange Time
According to the climbing route you choose and your physical condition, reasonably arrange the play time. Especially when watching the sunrise or sunset, you should arrive at the viewing point in advance to occupy a favorable position and pay attention to leaving enough time to go down the mountain.
Protect the Environment
During the play process, do not litter at will and keep the environmental hygiene of the scenic area. You can carry a garbage bag with you, put the garbage in the bag, and dispose of it统一 after going down the mountain.
