Huashan Mountain

Located in Huayin of theShanxi Province, Huashan Mountain is 75 miles from Xi’an with the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Yellow River to the north, and it is about 2,155 meters above sea level. Huashan Mountain is known to the world as the “No.1 Precipitous Mountain Under Heaven” as well as one of the 5 Sacred Mountains in China together with Songshan Mountain in the Henan Province, Hengshan Mountain in the Shanxi Province, Hengshan Mountain in the Hunan Province, and Taishan Mountain in the Shandong Province.

Huashan Mountain is composed of 5 peaks on the whole: the East, West, South, North, and the Middle Peaks.

1. The East Peak has an altitude of 2,090 meters with a platform on the top which makes it an ideal site for watching the sunrise. As such, it is also called Facing Sun Peak by the later generations. The famous scenic spots at this peak are Yanggong Tower, Green Dragon Pond, and Sweet Dew Pond.

2.  With an altitude of 2,082 meters, the West Peak is in the shape of a lotus, so it is also called Lotus Pea. It is very precipitous with many scenic spots including Cuiyun Palace, Lotus Cave, and Axe-Hewing Rock.

3.  As the highest peak on Huashan Mountain, the South Peak is 2,155 meters above sea level where visitors can experience a magnificent panoramic view of Huashan Mountain from the top. The Golden Heaven Palace, South Heaven Gate, and Chaoyuan Cave are all located at the South Peak.

4. The North Peak is 1,614 meters high with precipitous cliffs on each side, which is just like a flat terrace above the clouds, so it is also called Cloud Terrace Peak. The main attractions are Jade Maid Window, Iron Bull Platform, and White Cloud Fairyland Memorial Archway; each attraction has something to do with local myths and legends.

5. The Middle Peak is covered with trees and rare flowers, and, based on myths, it is also called Jade Maid Peak.

In addition, Huashan Mountain is a holy place for Taoism and hosts more than 20 Taoism temples, among which the most famous ones are Yuquan Temple, Dongdao Temple, and Zhenyue Temple. Many famous poets from different dynasties have written about Huashan Mountain, adding much cultural context to this splendid area.