Weinan

Huashan lies south of Huayin city; the main peak, South Peak, is 2,154.9 metres above sea level and is the highest of the Five Great Mountains. Huashan is known for its granite fault-block mountain and perilous paths; the East, West, South, North and Central peaks stand in a ring, and the Plank Road in the Sky, Sparrowhawk Turn, Thousand-Foot Precipice and Hundred-Foot Gorge are classic perilous routes. The classic route is up by the West Peak cable car, then South Peak, East Peak, Central Peak and North Peak, or a night climb from Yuquan Temple to see sunrise on East Peak. The Western Peak of the Five Great Mountains, famed as “the most precipitous mountain under heaven”, with the Plank Road in the Sky, the Sparrowhawk Turn, East Peak sunrise and the West Peak cable car forming the classic climbing route. Tip: The night climb from Yuquan Temple takes about 6–8 hours — bring a torch and warm clothing; the Plank Road in the Sky and Sparrowhawk Turn require a separately purchased safety harness, and those with a fear of heights should not attempt them. Practical info: located at Huashan Town, Huayin, Weinan, Shaanxi; ticket peak season ¥160 (cable car and mountain shuttle extra); opening hours open all day (cable cars about 07:00–19:00; night climbing requires booking). Best season: April–June and September–October; Huashan has frequent summer thunderstorms and snow and ice in winter, so check the weather before climbing.

• Address: Huashan Town, Huayin, Weinan, Shaanxi
• Ticket: Peak season ¥160 (cable car and mountain shuttle extra)
• Opening: Open all day (cable cars about 07:00–19:00; night climbing requires booking)

Xiyue Temple is in the urban area of Huayin and was first built during the Yuanguang era of Emperor Wu of Han; it was the place where emperors of successive dynasties sacrificed to the Great Emperor of the Western Peak, Huashan. The temple faces south, and along its central axis are the Haoling Gate, Five Phoenix Tower, Lingxing Gate, Jincheng Gate, Haoling Hall, the sleeping palace and the Imperial Library; its layout imitates the Forbidden City in Beijing, hence the name “Forbidden City of Shaanxi”. The temple has many steles and ancient cypresses and is the most complete group of ancient buildings at the foot of Huashan. The imperial temple where emperors of successive dynasties sacrificed to Huashan, founded under Emperor Wu of Han; the surviving buildings follow the Ming-Qing layout and it is known as the “Forbidden City of Shaanxi”. Highlights include the ancient cypresses and steles. Tip: Arrange it on the same day as Huashan and see the Xiyue Temple before climbing; the architectural axis rewards a slow walk, and a guide is recommended. Practical info: located at Yuemiao Street, Huayin, Weinan, Shaanxi; ticket ¥30 (subject to official notice); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: April–June and September–October; Huashan has frequent summer thunderstorms and snow and ice in winter, so check the weather before climbing.

• Address: Yuemiao Street, Huayin, Weinan, Shaanxi
• Ticket: ¥30 (subject to official notice)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

Xianyu lies on the west side of Huashan's main peak and is a hiking route dominated by streams, pools and waterfalls and a granite gorge. Water volume in the valley changes with the seasons — cool in summer and red leaves in autumn; the trail follows the stream with gentle gradients and suits visitors who do not want to climb Huashan's main peak or who are travelling with elderly people or children. It can be arranged on the same day as Huashan and the Xiyue Temple. A canyon scenic area at the foot of Huashan, where streams, pools and waterfalls link up with granite cliffs; easier than the main peak and good for hiking and escaping the heat. Highlights include the streams and pools, and easy hiking. Tip: Water is high in summer and the rocks are slippery; wear non-slip shoes and bring mosquito repellent. Practical info: located at Xianyu Scenic Area, Huayin, Weinan, Shaanxi; ticket about ¥30 (subject to official notice); opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: April–June and September–October; Huashan has frequent summer thunderstorms and snow and ice in winter, so check the weather before climbing. It can be combined with Huashan, Xiyue Temple and Yuquan Temple in Weinan for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

• Address: Xianyu Scenic Area, Huayin, Weinan, Shaanxi
• Ticket: About ¥30 (subject to official notice)
• Opening: 08:00–17:30