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Huashan Mountain
Where legend romance and cliffs meet
Huashan Mountain is renowned for its steep cliffs. The route to the north leading to its peak zigzags for as many as 7.5 miles (12km), with crags to the east, west, and south. This is the source of the old saying: "There has been only one path to Huashan Mountain since ancient Times."
The mountain boasts five major peaks, in its center, and to the east, west, south, and west. Its well-known historical sites include the Yuquan Temple, the Zhenwu Monastery, and the Jintian Palace.
The east peak, named the Sunrise peak since from there climbers may view spectacular sunrises, has three caves which house the statue of Master Chen Tuan. Outside one of the caves you will find the Pond of Honeydew. Nearby stands an isolated summit on which there is an iron- tiled pavilion and an iron-cast chessboard. The legend goes that this is the very place where Zhao Kuangyin, the first emperor of the Northern Song dynasty (960--1127 AD), played chess with Chen Tuan, the master. They had a bet that meant that the winner would be the owner of the mountain, and it was taken by Chen, who beat Zhao in three games consecutively. Therefore, the pavilion is called the Pavilion of Chess Gambling.
Climbing southward from the north peak along the perilous route there, you will find a steep ridge, the Canglong Ridge, which is only 2 ft (0.6m) wide but extends for a considerable distance. The ridge is sandwiched between fathomless cliffs and is the only crossing point to the opposite side.
It is hair rising to make your way along this narrow path. It is said that Han Yu, a well-known man of letters of the Tang dynasty, trembled and regretted following the ridge when he looked down at the deep valley below. He thought that he would never get back safely. Indeed, he was so terror struck that he burst into tears and finally wrote his last words, which were thrown down into the abyss. Later, the rock on which the writer once shivered with fear became known as the Place of Han Yu Throwing his Last Message.
The north peak, which is a little lower than the other peaks and in a strong defensive position, is surrounded by steep cliffs in the three directions and is the gateway to the rest of the summits. There is only one ridge leading to the south. On this peak stands the Zhenwu Monastery, which looks over an amazing view. The monastery has its own unique architectural style.
The middle peak, also called the Princess peak, has its own story related to a princess of the time of King Qin Mugong in the Period of Spring and Autumn (770-476 BC). A young man, Xiao Shi by name, was expert at the long flute. One day his excellent flute playing gave raise the princess's admiration, and she travelled a long way from her home to live with the musician in the mountain, giving up her royal status and huge wealth.
The west peak is the most spectacular and breathtaking one, and on its top stands a huge lotus-shape stone in front of the Green Cloud Palace. This is where the events of the Legend of Chen Xiang rescuing his Mother by splitting the Mountain took place. Nowadays, a crack can be seen in the huge stone, which looks as if it were chopped apart by an axe. Nearby there is an axe-shape rock, with which little Chen Xiang opened up the passage in the legend. The northwest side of the west peak gives way to an awesomely steep vertical cliff.
Xiyue Temple is where the god of Huashan Mountain is said to be enshrined. Built during the reign of Emperor Wudi in the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), the temple be- came a sacred place where later emperors held ritual ceremonies. Facing south, its front gate is opposite Huashan Mountain. The temple is constructed in a magnificently ornate style. From its Five-phoenix Tower you may enjoy a panoramic view of the famous five peaks.
Many more stories and legends add their mysterious atmosphere to Huashan Mountain. It was so inaccessible that even the emperor was powerless if a subject refused to pay tax to him, as indicated in an old Chinese saying: "The emperor fails to exert any influence on Huashan Mountain, which is too high and perilous."
Location
With an altitude of 7220ft (2200m), Huashan Mountain is situated at Huayin, 75 miles (120km) east of Xi’an in Shaanxi province.
Climate
It is rainy here, and less foggy in spring. Summer has a pleasant temperature with good visibility, so you may enjoy the sunrises and the cascades in the valley, which are bathed in a sea of clouds. Autumn is the best season for climbing and offers the finest view of the red maple trees. Snow-capped in winter, the mountain is truly a fairyland. The recommended time for touring is from April to October.
Of Special Interest
The passage to the peak is serpentine and for most of the way it is sandwiched between steep cliffs.
Main Attractions
Yuquan Temple, Qinkeping, Qianchizhuang, Baichi Gorge, Canglong Ridge, Princess Peak, and Xiyue Temple.
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