Jack's 3 Days Fantastic Mount Huashan Hiking Trip

In 2020, I had the chance to visit Xian, the best gateway to Mount Huashan. However, due to limited time, I missed the opportunity to see the famous mountain. As a nature lover, I knew I had to make it up, and finally, in May of 2021, I did. Luckily, it was quite convenient for me to travel from Chengdu, where I live, to Mount Huashan. The direct high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Huashan North Railway Station takes only 4.5 hours, which made the trip much easier.

3 Days Xian Mount Huashan Leisure Tour (Best for Families and Seniors)

Itinerary: Xian / Mount Huashan / Xian
Highlights: Enjoyable Pace (hiking around 4hrs)

We booked a hotel at the foot of the mountain to prepare for the next day's adventure. By the way, I highly recommend a restaurant called Bing Zhu Yang (冰煮羊). The food there is delicious and definitely worth a try.

A Wonderful Restuarant

Route: Tourist Center - (West Peak Cable Car to) West Peak - South Peak - East Peak - West Peak - (West Peak Cable Car to) Tourist Center

Duration: 5~6 hours (starting from tourist center and ending at tourist center)

The Tourist Center

To maximize our time on the mountain, we decided to take a cable car up to the West Peak. This is a great option for those traveling with children or senior members, as it can save a lot of time and energy. Our hiking journey began with the West Peak, followed by South Peak, Plank Walk, and East Peak. Finally, we descended the mountain via the West Peak Cable car. This route allowed us to experience the mountain's stunning views while also ensuring we had enough time to complete the entire hike. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that we will never forget.

Mountain View from the Cable Car

The West Peak, also known as the Lotus Peak and standing at 2082m, is located only a few minutes' walk from the West Peak Cable Car. It is a massive stone formation created entirely by nature, with the west and north sides characterized by craggy, straight lines that resemble the peel of a large knife. These unique features accurately represent the mountain landform of Mount Huashan. As we climbed up the peak, we were treated to enchanting scenery of the surrounding mountains rising and falling in the distance, while the clouds and sunlight danced delicately in the sky. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight, and one that made the trek up the mountain well worth it.

The West Peak of Mount Huashan

The South Peak (2155m) is the highest peak on Mount Huashan, located between East Peak and West Peak. Standing on the summit of South Peak, we can enjoyed the beautiful panoramic views of the rolling mountains, winding Yellow River and Wei River, plains, valleys. The famous Plank Road in the Sky is located on the eastern side of East Peak. We visited South Peak after East Peak, then went to West Peak.

The South Peak of Mount Huashan

The East Peak (2096m) is a Must-see on Mount Huashan, as well as the best location for sunrise. From the peak, we were treated to a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The eastern side of the peak is a fearsome cliff, while the other sides are lush with ancient trees, providing a stunning contrast. One of the most famous attractions on East Peak is the Sparrow Hawk Turning Over (鹞子翻身) and the Chess Playing Pavilion. Be sure to include East Peak on your itinerary when visiting Mount Huashan!

The East Peak of Mount Huashan

Following our full day tour, we couldn't resist having the same delicious mutton hot pot again and even planned to search for it in Chengdu.

As a nature enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the natural wonders that our planet has to offer. Among the many things that I admire are the crystal-clear waters of Jiuzhaigou and Guilin, which are truly breathtaking to behold. Moreover, I am deeply enamored by the majestic mountain views that can be found all around the world. Given my love for natural beauty, it is no surprise that I have set my sights on visiting Zhangjiajie and Huangshan. These two destinations are widely regarded as some of the most stunning places in the world, with their towering mountains, pristine forests, and picturesque valleys. I cannot wait to immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and smells of these beautiful places and to experience firsthand the awe-inspiring majesty of nature. I’m looking forward to discovering this beautiful world with you.

8 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Zhangjiajie Tour with Panda Visit

Itinerary: Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu / Zhangjiajie
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain, etc.