Mount Huashan — China's Most Dangerous Hike

⛰️ Mount Huashan (华山)

One of China's five sacred mountains, famous for its terrifying plank walk along a cliff face — the most dangerous hike in China.

Overview

Mount Huashan (华山, Huà Shān) is 120km east of Xi'an. At 2,155m, it's one of China's five sacred Taoist mountains. It's famous for steep trails, narrow ridges, and the Plank Walk (长空栈道) — a plank path bolted to a vertical cliff face with a 2,000m drop below. It's the most shared China adventure photo on social media.

Essential Info

How to Get There

From Xi'an

1. High-speed train: Xi'an North → Huashan North (华山北站), ~30 minutes, ¥55
2. Shuttle bus: From Huashan North Station to the mountain base, ~15 min, ¥5
3. Or Didi: From Xi'an city to Huashan, ~¥200-300, ~1.5 hours

Cable Cars

• West Peak Cable Car (西峰索道): ¥140 one-way, most popular, scenic
• North Peak Cable Car (北峰索道): ¥80 one-way, cheaper, less dramatic

Routes

Route 1: West Peak Up, North Peak Down (Recommended)

• Cable car to West Peak → walk to South Peak → Plank Walk → walk to East Peak → walk to North Peak → cable car down
• Time: 6-8 hours of walking
• Best for: Most visitors. See everything without extreme exhaustion.

Route 2: Night Hike (For the Hardcore)

• Start hiking at midnight from the base
• Reach East Peak for sunrise (~5:00 AM)
• Walk the peaks during the day, cable car down
• Time: 8-12 hours of hiking
• Best for: Young, fit hikers who want the sunrise experience

Route 3: Cable Car Both Ways

• Cable car up (West or North Peak), walk between peaks, cable car down
• Time: 4-6 hours
• Best for: Those with limited time or fitness

The Plank Walk (长空栈道)

The most famous (and terrifying) attraction:

• A plank path bolted to a vertical cliff face
• You're harnessed in, but the drop is 2,000m+
• Takes about 20-30 minutes to complete
• Cost: ¥30 (harness rental)
• Queue: Can be 1-2 hours on busy days

⚠️ Not for the faint of heart. If you're afraid of heights, skip this. The rest of Huashan is incredible without it.

Pro Tips

1. Take the West Peak cable car up — it's more scenic and drops you at the most central point for walking between peaks.

2. Wear good shoes — the trails are steep, uneven stone stairs. No flip-flops.

3. Bring water and snacks — food on the mountain is extremely expensive (¥20-30 for instant noodles).

4. Start early — take the first train from Xi'an (around 7:00 AM) to maximize your time.

5. The Plank Walk queue is longest midday — go early morning or late afternoon.

6. Bring a jacket — it's significantly colder at the top than at the base.

7. Gloves are useful — the metal chains on the steep sections can be cold and rough on your hands.

8. Don't go in winter — trails can be icy and dangerous.

FAQ

How long do you need at Mount Huashan? A full day — 10-14 hours from Xi'an including travel. 6-8 hours of actual hiking/walking on the mountain.

How much does Mount Huashan cost? Entrance ¥160 + cable car ¥80-140 (one-way) + transport ¥110 (round-trip train). Total: about ¥450-600.

Is the Plank Walk at Huashan safe? You're harnessed in, so you can't fall. But it's psychologically terrifying — a plank path on a vertical cliff with a 2,000m drop. Not for those afraid of heights.

What is the best way to visit Huashan from Xi'an? Take the high-speed train to Huashan North Station (~30 min), shuttle bus to the base, West Peak cable car up, walk between peaks, North Peak cable car down.

Is Mount Huashan worth visiting? Absolutely. The scenery is stunning, the peaks are dramatic, and the Plank Walk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's one of the best day trips from Xi'an.

Can beginners hike Mount Huashan? With cable cars, yes. The cable car does the hardest part (getting up), and you walk between peaks on well-maintained (but steep) paths. Wear good shoes and take your time.

Cost Summary

Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023

Bobby

Living in Chengdu since 2023. Writes about practical China travel from firsthand experience. About me →