At a height of 2,160 meters above sea level and about 120km/3hours
east of Xi'an, Huashan, literally translated as Flower Mountain, is a
sight for sore eyes. The mountain has for centuries been deemed as one
of China's five sacred mountains (Wu ye), along with Hengshan Mountain
to the northeast, Songshan Mountain and Taishan Mountain to the east and
another Hengshan Mountain to the southeast. Huashan, also known as the
Western Mountain (Xi Yue) due to its geographical location in relation
to the others, is famed as the most precipitous of the five.
Along the 12km path leading from the foot of the mountain, where it
starts at the Jade Fountain Temple (Yuchuan si), to its five peaks, you
will get the chance to see some impressive scenes, including the
strangely shaped granite peaks and the twisted pines, that make up this,
one of the lesser visited of the holy mountains.
The peaks
from above are said to resemble the petals of a huge plant, with the
middle peak as the corolla, hence the mountain's name. Of the five peaks
it is the southern peak (2,100 meters) that is the largest, closely
followed by those in the east and west. The ascent provides not only
natural scenery, but also a number of man-made constructions that, for
better or worse, are now a part of the mountain's tourist culture.
The route to conquer the peaks passes by temples, shrines, pavilions,
terraces, carvings, statues, food stalls and hawkers, that appear
interspersed between the stark granite paths and forested margins. Along
the Green Dragon Ridge (Bilong ji), which connects the northern peak
with the remaining peaks, the way is cut along a narrow rock ridge with
steep cliffs on either side. Some of this route can be a little
dangerous, despite the iron chains that are linked on the more
precipitous sections.
As one of the five best-known mountains
in China, Huashan Mountain is located to the south of Huayin City, 120
kilometers east of Xian, in Shaanxi Province, with an elevation of 2200
meters above sea level. In ancient times, Huashan Mountain was called
Taihuashan Mountain. Seen from afar, the five peaks look like five
petals of a flower. Hence its name, Huashan Mountain(= five flowers).
Today, it is listed as one of the renowned national scenic spots.
Huashan Mountain is famous for its breath-taking cliffs. Along the
12-kilometer-long winding path up to the top are awe-inspiring
precipices, looking into which will take your breath away. Among the
five peaks, East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), West Peak (Lotus Peak) and
South Peak (Dropping Goose Peak) are comparatively high. Standing at the
top of East Peak, one can enjoy the rising sun early in the morning.
West Peak, in resemblance to a lotus flower, is the most graceful peak
in Huashan Mountain. In addition, there are Middle Peak (Jade Maiden
Peak) and North Peak (Clouds Stand).
The middle peak got its
name because of a story telling that once a young lady rode a white
horse among the mountains. North Peak, like a flat platform in the
clouds, is the place where the story Capturing Huashan Mountain Wisely
took place.
Huashan Mountain boasts a lot of places of
interest. Here and there stand Buddhist and Taoist temples, pavilions
and buildings as well as sculptures and engravings. Of the ruins, Yuquan
Temple (Jade Springs), Zhenwu Palace, and Jintian Palace are,
comparatively speaking, famous. Xiyue Temple, seven kilometers north of
Huashan Mountain is the place where people of ancient times paid tribute
to the Mt. Huashan God. Along the cliff of South Peak is a planked path
equipped with an iron chain, with the help of which, adventurers can
walk on the frightful path.
There is a giant rock in front of
Cuiyun Palace on West Peak. As it takes the shape of a lotus flower, the
mountain is also called Lotus Peak. As legend has it, Chen Xiang, a
filial young man, once split the mountain and rescued his mother out of
it. Now a crack can be witnessed in a giant rock beside Cuiyun Palace as
if an axe made it. Thus, the rock is called 'Axe-splitting Rock,'
beside which is a huge axe with a long handle. The northwest side of the
peak is called Fatal Cliff for it is as steep as if it was cut by a
sharp sword.
North Peak, with cliffs on three sides, has only
one road leading to the south. From here one goes south to Ca'er
Precipice, the fourth most dangerous place along the only path in
Huashan Mountain. The cliff path is less than 30 centimeters wide, and
faces such a deep valley that the tourists have to edge along carefully.
Then one comes to Sky-leading Ladder, Sun and Moon Precipice and the
well-known Blue Dragon Mountain.
East Peak, with a rising-sun
platform favorable for viewing the morning sun, is also called Facing
Sun Peak. As the sun emerges from the sea of clouds, one cannot help but
show great admiration. Every year one can take advantage of the best
visiting times through May to October. At the foot of Huashan Mountain
there are a variety of restaurants where comfortable accommodation is
available. As well, one might be refreshed in the restaurants on Qingke
Stand, South Peak and North Peak as well as in temples, big or small.
The area of Huashan Mountain specializes in gingko, thatch weaving and
traditional paper-cutting. The shops are mostly at the foot of the
mountain, where one can rent walking sticks, gym shoes, warm clothes,
electric torches and so on.
Address: Huayin City, Shaanxi Province
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