The Hua Mountain

The steepest sacred mountain in central China, the Hua mountain is located 120 kilometers east of the city of Xi'an. Traditionally called the "West Mountain," it is well known for steep trails, breath-taking cliffs, narrow passages, and grand sceneries.There are five peaks: the South peak, also called the Goose-Landing Peak, is the highest at 2,160 meters; the East peak is also called the Sunrise Peak; the West peak - the Lotus Peak; the North peak - the Cloud Terrace Peak; and the Middle peak - the Jade Maid Peak. The whole mountain is a huge monolithic granite.The trails through Hua mountain are particularly challenging. There are more than 210 narrow pathways planked over or chiseled in cliffs, the most famous being the Sky Ladder, the Gray Dragon Peak, the Thousand Stairs, the Clouds Ladder. The most adventurous scenic spots are the Sparrow Hawk Flipping, and the Long Sky Pathway, which are at the top of cliffs.Historically, the Hua mountain has been close to the early centers of Chinese civilization. Legendary kings of China such as Huang Di, Yao, and Shun all paid visits to the Hua. Dozens of emperors of the Qin, Han, Tang dynasties used to hold sacred rituals here. For thousands of years, Buddhist and Taoist monks and pilgrims have traveled here, established monasteries, and practised alchemy in the Hua mountain. Today there are more than 20 Taoist monasteries, the most famous being the Jade Spring Temple and the East Tao Temple.
A visit to the Hua mountain takes two days from Xian, and is truly unique and worthwhile especially if you are capable physically and adventurous spiritually. From the supreme summit of Hua, you can see the Yellow River and the land that is the cradle of early Chinese civilization. The view of 36 mystical pinnacles veiled in clouds, the spectacular sunset and sunrise, nature's grandest scenery, and the challenge that will humble any human being - all of those will make your journey to Mount Hua a truly remarkable event. The autumn scenery of Mount Hua is also beautiful , differing from the view of other mountains.