Mount Huashan: China’s Most Dramatic Hike
One of China’s Five Great Mountains with sheer granite cliffs, the heart-stopping Plank Walk, and some of Asia’s best hiking. A doable day trip from Xi’an.
Written by Li Wei
History & Culture Writer · Xi'an since 2019
Li Wei has lived in Xi'an since 2019 and has visited every major museum and historical site in Shaanxi province at least three times. He spends his weekends exploring forgotten Tang dynasty ruins and reading Ming-era city maps. Before writing travel guides, he worked as a research assistant at the Shaanxi History Museum.
Opening Hours
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cable cars close at 7 PM
Ticket Price
$24
Cable car: $12-$21 extra
Plank Walk
$4
Safety harness included. Queue 1-3 hrs
Time Needed
Full day
4:30 AM start recommended
Best Season
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Avoid rain/snow for Plank Walk
Getting There
30 min train
Xi’an N → Huashan N ($8)
Why Mount Huashan Is Worth the Effort
Mount Huashan (华山) is one of China’s Five Great Mountains and the most spectacular. Five granite peaks rise almost vertically from the Guanzhong Plain, connected by narrow ridges and cliffside paths. A sacred Daoist mountain for centuries, temples and shrines cling to the rock faces at improbable angles.
The famous Plank Walk (长空栈道) is a narrow wooden path bolted to a vertical cliff 2,000m above the ground. You wear a safety harness and shuffle along planks barely wider than your feet. Terrifying and unforgettable. The queue can be 1-3 hours in peak season.
There are five peaks: South (highest, 2,154m), West (best sunset, cable car), East (sunrise viewing), North (lowest, traditional start), and Central. Most visitors take the West Peak cable car up, hike to South for the Plank Walk, then North cable car down.
Huashan is doable as a day trip from Xi’an. First high-speed train at 7 AM (30 min, $8). On the mountain by 8:30 AM, back in Xi’an by 7 PM. Overnight option: basic hotel on the East Peak for sunrise ($30-$60).
The Five Peaks: Which to Climb and How
Mount Huashan has five distinct peaks, each with its own character and difficulty level. Most visitors target 1-2 peaks in a day trip.
Insider Tips
Start before dawn. 7:00 AM train from Xi’an North. On the mountain by 8:30 AM. The West Peak cable car line gets long after 9 AM.
West up, North down. Standard route: West cable car ($21), hike to South Peak + Plank Walk, North cable car down ($12). Total hiking: 4-5 hours moderate pace.
Skip the Plank Walk if it rains. It closes in rain or high wind. Check the forecast the night before. Huashan in rain is slippery with obscured views.
Pack light, bring cash. Small backpack with water, snacks, and a jacket. Vendors on the mountain are expensive ($3/bottle). Wear shoes with good grip.
Overnight for sunrise. Stay at the Dongfeng Hotel on East Peak ($30-$60/bed). Wake 5 AM, walk 10 min to the viewing platform. Sunrise over a sea of clouds is one of China’s best experiences.
Nearby
At the mountain base. Soak tired muscles post-hike. $15-$30.
Train back to Xi’an North. Dinner in the Muslim Quarter.
The Plank Walk: What to Expect
The Mount Huashan Plank Walk (长空栈道) is one of the world's most famous — and most terrifying — hiking experiences. Narrow wooden planks are bolted to a vertical cliff face at South Peak, 2,154 meters above sea level, with a 700-meter drop below. You wear a harness clipped to a steel cable and shuffle sideways along the planks. It costs $4 extra and takes about 45-60 minutes round trip.
Is it safe? Yes, statistically. There has not been a fatality on the Plank Walk in over a decade. The harness system is secure, and staff manage the flow of people. But it is genuinely frightening if you have a fear of heights. If you are claustrophobic, have balance issues, or get vertigo, skip it. There are beautiful viewpoints nearby that do not require walking on a cliff face.
What to Bring: Gear Checklist
Not sneakers. The stone steps are uneven and can be slippery. Ankle support helps.
You will use chains and railings constantly. $0.5 gloves sold at the base.
Water on the mountain costs 3-5x normal prices. Bring enough for the full hike.
If hiking before dawn for sunrise. Phone flashlight drains battery fast.
Temperatures drop 10-15°C at the summit. Even in summer, bring a jacket.
Plank walk, lockers, and some food stalls are cash-only. $30 backup.
Related Attractions
Pair these with your visit for the best itineraries.
FAQ
Can I do Huashan as a day trip?
Yes. First train at 7:00 AM (30 min, $8). Cable car up by 8:30, hike 4-5 hrs, cable car down by 3:00 PM, back in Xi’an by 4:30 PM.
How scary is the Plank Walk?
Visually terrifying, physically safe. Full-body harness clipped to an overhead cable. Planks ~30 cm wide, 2,000m drop below. Genuinely challenging with a fear of heights. Many turn back — no shame.
Which cable car should I take?
West Peak ($21) is most scenic, gliding through a narrow valley. North Peak ($12) is shorter. Standard: West up, North down.
Suitable for kids or elderly?
Cable cars make peaks accessible, but hiking between peaks involves steep staircases with chains. Under 10 and anyone with mobility issues: stick to West Peak (flat area with great views). Plank Walk: minimum 1.5m height.
Which cable car route is best?
West Peak cable car is the most spectacular — a 20-minute ride over dramatic cliffs. It drops you near the summit, minimizing hiking. North Peak cable car is shorter and cheaper ($12 vs $18) but requires more hiking to reach the other peaks. For a day trip, take the West Peak car up and the North Peak car down — you will cover the highlights with moderate hiking.