Mount Hua(华山), known as the “Most Precipitous Mountain Under Heaven”, is one of the Five Great Mountains of China and a national 5A-level scenic area. Located in Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province(陕西省渭南市华阴市), Mount Hua is famous for its towering granite peaks, dramatic cliffs, ancient Taoist culture, and legendary stories. It is also regarded as one of the cultural origins of the Chinese name “Huaxia(华夏)”, giving it a special place in Chinese civilization.
Located about 120 kilometers east of Xi’an(西安), Mount Hua covers an area of approximately 148 square kilometers. The mountain features five main peaks—East, West, South, North, and Middle Peaks—and more than 210 famous scenic spots. Among them, the Plank Walk in the Sky(长空栈道), Eagle-Flipping Cliff(鹞子翻身), Thousand-Foot Precipice(千尺幢), and Canglong Ridge(苍龙岭) are among the most famous adventure routes in China.
Cultural Heritage and Taoist Traditions
Mount Hua is one of the important birthplaces of Taoism and is known as the “Fourth Taoist Cave Heaven”. More than 20 Taoist temples remain on the mountain, including Yuquan Temple(玉泉院) and Zhenyue Temple(镇岳宫). Ancient legends such as “Splitting the Mountain to Save Mother” and the famous martial arts story of “Huashan Swordsmanship Contest” have made the mountain a symbol of mystery, courage, and Chinese traditional culture.
Five Peaks and Unique Landscapes
The greatest charm of Mount Hua lies in its five connected peaks. Each peak offers different scenery and experiences. Visitors can enjoy sunrise views, sea of clouds, cliff landscapes, Taoist temples, and challenging mountain trails depending on their chosen route.
Ranking of Mount Hua’s Most Popular Attractions
| Attraction |
Main Highlights |
Location |
| Mount Hua |
One of China’s Five Great Mountains, famous for steep cliffs, spectacular peaks, and Taoist culture |
Huayin City |
| South Peak |
The highest peak of Mount Hua at 2,154.9 meters, featuring the famous Plank Walk in the Sky |
Main Peak Area |
| West Peak |
The most beautiful peak, accessible by cable car, famous for dramatic granite scenery |
Main Peak Area |
| East Peak |
The best place to watch sunrise, featuring sea of clouds and famous cliff routes |
Main Peak Area |
| North Peak |
Lowest of the five peaks, offering panoramic views and the famous Huashan Swordsmanship monument |
Main Peak Area |
| Plank Walk in the Sky |
One of the most thrilling cliffside trails in China, built along a vertical rock wall |
South Peak |
| Jinsuo Pass |
Strategic mountain pass connecting the major peaks |
Main Peak Area |
| Canglong Ridge |
Narrow mountain ridge with spectacular views and legendary climbing history |
Main Peak Area |
| Yuquan Temple |
Historic Taoist temple and traditional hiking starting point |
Huashan Foot Area |
| Xiyue Temple |
Ancient temple dedicated to worshiping the mountain god of Mount Hua |
Huayin City |
Five Main Peaks of Mount Hua
| Peak |
English Name |
Elevation |
Highlights |
| South Peak(落雁峰) |
South Peak (Luoyan Peak) |
2,154.9 meters |
The highest peak of Mount Hua, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the starting point of the Plank Walk in the Sky |
| East Peak(朝阳峰) |
East Peak (Chaoyang Peak) |
2,096.2 meters |
The best sunrise viewing location, famous for sea of clouds and Eagle-Flipping Cliff |
| West Peak(莲花峰) |
West Peak (Lianhua Peak) |
2,082.6 meters |
The most scenic peak, with cable car access and legendary stone landscapes |
| North Peak(云台峰) |
North Peak (Yuntai Peak) |
1,614.9 meters |
The lowest peak, a transportation hub, famous for panoramic views and Huashan Swordsmanship culture |
| Middle Peak(玉女峰) |
Middle Peak (Yunv Peak) |
2,037.8 meters |
Located between the other peaks, associated with the romantic legend of Nong Yu |
Complete Mount Hua Scenic Attractions List
| Chinese Name |
English Name |
Highlights |
| 华山 |
Mount Hua |
National 5A scenic area, one of China’s Five Great Mountains |
| 南峰(落雁峰) |
South Peak (Luoyan Peak) |
Highest peak of Mount Hua at 2,154.9 meters |
| 东峰(朝阳峰) |
East Peak (Chaoyang Peak) |
Best sunrise viewing area with magnificent mountain scenery |
| 西峰(莲花峰) |
West Peak (Lianhua Peak) |
Most beautiful peak, famous for steep cliffs and legends |
| 北峰(云台峰) |
North Peak (Yuntai Peak) |
Famous viewpoint and Huashan Swordsmanship monument |
| 中峰(玉女峰) |
Middle Peak (Yunv Peak) |
Peak connected with Taoist romantic legends |
| 长空栈道 |
Plank Walk in the Sky |
One of China’s most famous cliff adventure routes |
| 鹞子翻身 |
Eagle-Flipping Cliff |
Challenging cliff climbing route on East Peak |
| 千尺幢 |
Thousand-Foot Precipice |
One of the steepest ancient climbing sections of Mount Hua |
| 苍龙岭 |
Canglong Ridge (Black Dragon Ridge) |
Narrow ridge shaped like a giant dragon’s back |
| 金锁关 |
Jinsuo Pass (Golden Lock Pass) |
Important passage connecting the five peaks |
| 玉泉院 |
Yuquan Temple |
Famous Taoist temple and traditional entrance route |
| 西岳庙 |
Xiyue Temple |
Ancient imperial worship temple known as the “Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi” |
| 镇岳宫 |
Zhenyue Temple |
Historic Taoist temple on Mount Hua |
| 华岳仙掌 |
Huayue Immortal Palm |
Famous natural rock formation resembling a giant palm |
| 斧劈石 |
Axe-Split Rock |
Legendary stone related to Chinese mythology |