Mount Hua Sunrise by Ruslan Khasanov

The famed Mount Hua is situated in the city of Huayin in Shaanxi province, about 120 kilometres east of Xi’an. It is near the Ordos Loop section of the Yellow River basin. Mt Hua is the western mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China, and has a long history of religious significance. This is a must-visit for hikers, for magnificent geological views.

Mount Huashan is home to several influential Taoist temples, where many emperors of past dynasties took part in Taoist activities, making it a holy land of Taoism. Daoists believed that in the mountain lives the god of the underworld. Huashan was an important place for immortality seekers, as many herbal Chinese medicines are grown and powerful drugs were reputed to be found there.

Huashan Peak, China by Ruslan Hasanov

The route up to Mount Hua is one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. Its five peaks are the representative attractions and each has its distinctive charms:

East Peak climb takes 4 to 6 hours and is the best to enjoy the sunrise. The Immortal’s Palm Peak, ranked one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of the Xi’an. It’s natural rock veins look like a giant palm-print.

South Peak (Landing Wild Geese Peak)

The South Peak (2,154 meters) is the monarch among the Five Sacred Mountains of China. The surrounding landscapes are luxuriantly green; the Yellow River wanders far below and everything seems small. Legend has it that the wild geese often landed at South Peak, giving the area its name.

West Peak is the most elegant, with very high cliffs standing erect with an altitude of 2,086.6 meters. The Cuiyun Palace has a huge rock looking like a lotus flower in its view and therefore named the Lotus Flower Peak.

North Peak (1,614 meters) is famous with precipitous cliffs on all sides, making it look like a flat terrace in the clouds, hence the name Cloud Terrace Peak. The Ear-Touching Cliff is the fourth precipitous path where visitors can climb up only by pressing an ear close to the cliff. Trees are luxuriantly green, creating a good rest spot halfway up the North Peak.

Middle Peak is in the centre of all peaks and clings to East Peak. Legend has it that the daughter of Qin Mugong (569 – 621 BC) loved a man who was good at playing Chinese tung-hsiao. She gave up the royal life to cultivate her spirituality at the Jade Maiden Temple, hence the name Jade Maiden Peak. The Rootless Tree and Sacrificing Tree are two other scenic spots with beautiful stories that add to the supernatural atmosphere of Middle Peak.

The talented photographer Ruslan Hasanov’s incredible scenic shots of China has inspired me to look deeper into its regional destinations.

View more of his amazing work:

 

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For more China travel inspiration, read the adventures of travellingcouple, Searching For Us

If you visit Nanjing in winter, you must look for Bao’s street barbecue!