Mt. Huashan is situated to the south of Huayin County, 120 kilometres east of Xi'an City. Huashan is literally translated as Flower Mountain. It has an elevation of 2200 meters above sea leve. It overlooks the Huanghe River and the Weishui River in the north and connects with the Qinling Mountains to the south. Mt. Huashan is said to have over two hundred places of interest and scenic spots with emples and pavilions dotted everywhere.
Mt. Huashan is one of China's five holy mountains, or called Western Mountain ( Xiyue ) due to its geographical location in relation to the others, is famed as the most precipitous of the five. It is the highest among the five great mountains. It is famed as the most precipitous of the five.
Mt. Huashan is famous for its breath-taking cliffs. Along the 12-kilometer-long winding path up to the top are exciting, breath-taking and challenging precipices. Among the five peaks, East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), West Peak (Lotus Peak) and South Peak (Dropping Goose Peak) are relatively higher. Standing at the top of East Peak, one can see the rising sun early in the morning. West Peak, in a shape of a lotus flower, is the most peaceful and elegant peak in Mt. Huashan. In addition, there are Middle Peak ( Jade Maiden Peak ) and North Peak ( Clouds Stand ). The middle peak was named after a story telling that once a young lady rode a white horse on the mountains. North Peak, like a flat platform in the clouds, is the place where the story Capturing Mt. Huashan Smartly happened.
Mt. Huashan has a lot of places of interest. Here and there you can find some Buddhist and Taoist temples, pavilions and buildings as well as sculptures and engravings. Of the ruins, Yuquan (J ade Spring), Zhenwu Palace, and Jintian Palace are famous.
Along the cliff of South Peak is a planked paved path with an iron chain. With the help of the chains, visitors can walk on the frightening path. There is a hugerock in front of Cuiyun Palace on West Peak. As it is in the shape of a lotus flower, the mountain is also called Lotus Peak. As a story goes, Chen Xiang, a filial young man, once cut the mountain in two parts and and saved his mother from it. Now a crack can be seen in a giant rock close to Cuiyun Palace as if an axe made it, hence "splitting Rock". The northwest side of the peak is called Fatal Cliff for it is as steep as if it was cut by a sharp sword.
Transport: travel Bus 1 at xi'an train station Open time: Whole Day; Admission Fee: RMB 70 per person
precipitous of the five. It is the highest among the five great mountains. It is famed as the most precipitous of the five.
