@Must-Visit! Mount Hua North Peak, Experience the Heroic Spirit of Jin Yong's Martial World

Mount Hua Travel Guide — The Ultimate Experience of Thrilling Adventure and Stunning Scenery **I. Pre-Trip Preparation** 1. **Documents and Tickets** - Book tickets in advance through official channels (such as the WeChat public account "Mount Hua Tourism Service Platform"). Peak season (March 1-November 30) tickets are 160 yuan/person, off-season tickets are 100 yuan/person, valid for 48 hours. - Students, military personnel, seniors, etc. can enjoy discounts with valid ID, but must book in advance and verify on-site. 2. **Packing List** - **Clothing**: Large temperature differences on the mountain; bring windproof jacket in summer, down jacket, gloves, and hat in winter; military coats available for rent at East Peak for sunrise viewing (80 yuan including 50 yuan deposit). - **Footwear**: Soft-soled non-slip athletic or hiking shoes; avoid leather shoes or sandals. - **Others**: Gloves (essential for chain climbing), headlamp/flashlight (for night climbing), power bank, small amounts of high-calorie food (like chocolate, energy bars), thermos (paid water refills available on the mountain). 3. **Weather and Safety** - Check weather forecast in advance, avoid thunderstorms (may cause mudslides or cable car suspension). - Purchase travel insurance; dangerous attractions (like Plank Walk, Sparrowhawk Turning) require additional safety rope rental (30 yuan/location). **II. Transportation Guide** 1. **High-Speed Train/Train** - Xi'an North Station → Huashan North Station (about 30 minutes), then take free bus routes 1/2 to the Visitor Center. - Regular trains to "Huashan Station", then transfer to bus/taxi to Yuquan Temple (hiking starting point). 2. **Self-Driving** - Navigate to "Mount Hua Visitor Center", parking fee approximately 20 yuan/day, need to take a taxi back after descending by cable car (3 kilometers, 10 yuan). 3. **Cable Car Options** - **West Peak Cable Car** (longest in Asia): Panoramic views, ideal for easy sightseeing, 140 yuan one-way. - **North Peak Cable Car** (economical): 80 yuan one-way, perfect for quick descent after night climbing. **III. Recommended Classic Routes** 1. **Full-Day Panoramic Tour (Up West, Down North)** - **Route**: Visitor Center → West Peak Cable Car → West Peak (Lotus Peak) → South Peak (Plank Walk) → East Peak (Sparrowhawk Turning) → Central Peak → North Peak → North Peak Cable Car descent. - **Highlights**: Covers all five peaks, saves energy, perfect for photography. 2. **Night Climb for Sunrise (Special Forces Version)** - **Timing**: Depart from Yuquan Temple at 21:00 → Arrive at East Peak by 4:30 next day (about 7 hours), sunrise times: spring 5:00-6:00, summer 4:30-5:20. - **Tips**: Mountain paths have no lighting at night, headlamp required; North Peak viewing platform is less crowded with beautiful views, avoiding East Peak crowds. 3. **Two-Day In-Depth Tour** - **Day 1**: Hike from Yuquan Temple → North Peak → Canglong Ridge → Stay overnight at East Peak (standard room about 300 yuan/night). - **Day 2**: East Peak sunrise → South Peak → Descend via West Peak cable car, visit West Yue Temple (included in entrance ticket). **IV. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Plank Walk**: Mount Hua's most dangerous attraction on South Peak cliff, requires walking against the rock face, thrilling experience. 2. **Sparrowhawk Turning**: Vertical stone ladder on East Peak, requires using both hands and feet, ends at Chess Pavilion (site of Zhao Kuangyin's chess game). 3. **Canglong Ridge**: Resembles a giant dragon's spine with cliffs on both sides, like a fairyland when shrouded in clouds. 4. **"Huashan Sword Discussion" Stone Tablet**: Available at multiple locations including North and South Peaks, no queuing required. **V. Food and Accommodation** 1. **Mountain-Top Simple Meals**: - Instant noodles 25 yuan/bowl, millet porridge 2 yuan/bowl, bottled water 10 yuan/bottle; bringing your own food recommended. - After descending, try "Dadao Noodles" and "Roujiamo" in Huayin City, about 20 yuan per person. 2. **Accommodation Options**: - **On the Mountain**: East Peak Inn (convenient for sunrise viewing, dormitory 60 yuan/person), advance booking required. - **At the Foot**: Budget hotels in Huayin City (standard rooms from 120 yuan), good value. **VI. Avoiding Tourist Traps** 1. **Transportation Warning**: Beware of private cars at the train station overcharging; always use official buses or taxis. 2. **Rental Items**: Hiking poles aren't very useful on Mount Hua; flashlights and gloves can be purchased at the foot of the mountain (2-5 yuan). 3. **Environmental Tips**: Take your trash down with you; smoking and graffiti prohibited. **VII. Insider Tips** - **Photo Spots**: West Peak sunset, East Peak sea of clouds, Canglong Ridge rime ice (winter). - **Money-Saving Tip**: Combo ticket (entrance + cable car + shuttle bus) saves 50 yuan compared to buying separately. - **Off-the-Beaten-Path**: Explore the secluded Xianyu Scenic Area (included in entrance ticket), fewer tourists and peaceful valley views. **Conclusion** The beauty of Mount Hua lies in its combination of danger and grandeur. Whether it's the romantic sunrise above the sea of clouds or the challenge of climbing steep cliffs, it will become an unforgettable memory of your journey. Plan ahead, travel light, and experience the thrill of "the most dangerous mountain under heaven"!