Shaanxi
Mount Hua
A steep granite mountain east of Xi'an, climbed from Huayin rather than from the city.
Mount Hua rises out of the plain east of Xi'an. The walk is the visit: granite stairs, exposed ridges, and a handful of peaks linked by narrow paths. It is not a scenic area you cross by bus.
Most people arrive by train at Huashan station and ride a shuttle to the mountain gate. From Xi'an that is a long day, and it is a better overnight if you want the sunrise without a 4 a.m. departure from the city.
The West Peak plank walk is optional, slow, and the reason some groups miss the last cable down. Decide before you are standing at the queue.
