1 Day Huashan Mountain Hike from Xian (North Up & West Down)

Itinerary Day by Day

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Day 1 Xi'an - Mount Huashan - Xi'an | Route: North Peak – Canglongling – Middle Peak – East Peak – South Peak – West Peak

This morning, our local guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Xi'an for the trip to Mount Huashan, located 118km away (about 1.5 to 2-hour drive).

As one of the "Five Sacred Mountains" of Taoism, Mount Huashan is famous for its steep, narrow paths and stunning natural scenery. Home to five distinct peaks, it has long been considered the most precipitous mountain in China, featuring sheer granite rock faces, rugged cliffs, and deep valleys.

You’ll Go for The Route: The "Golden" Classic Loop (North Up, West Down)

AOT recommends this route for young challengers, and hiking/photography enthusiasts.

Route: Shuttle Bus → North Peak Cable Car → North Peak → Canglongling (Dragon's Back) → Middle Peak → East Peak → South Peak (Plank Walk) → West Peak → West Peak Cable Car → Shuttle Bus.

Upon arrival, you will take a park shuttle bus (approx. 20 mins) to the foot of the mountain, followed by 10-minute cable car ride directly to the North Peak (Cloud Terrace Peak). From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire mountain range.

After taking in the views, begin your hike along the famous "Dragon's Back" (Canglongling). This trail winds up a razor-sharp ridge, offering stunning views of green pines and white clouds on either side. You will soon reach Golden Lock Pass, a beautiful spot adorned with thousands of red ribbons and golden locks on the iron chains, symbolizing love, health, and peace.

From there, pass through the Middle Peak area and hike for about 40 minutes to reach the East Peak (Facing Sun Peak), famous as the best spot for watching the sunrise.

Next, you will choose to encounter the most thrilling challenge of the hike: the Plank Road in the Sky. This optional section is considered one of the world's most dangerous hiking trails due to its precipitous crags and narrow footing.

Continue to the South Peak, the highest point of Mount Huashan (2,154 meters). This is the ultimate spot for photos of the breathtaking scenery. After enjoying the summit, hike for 30 minutes to the West Peak (Lotus Flower Peak).

The West Peak offers perhaps the most gorgeous scenery of all. Here, you can visit the Cuiyun Palace and Fupi Stone (Axe-Split Stone) to hear the legend of Chenxiang, the main character in the movie Lotus Lantern, who "split the mountain" to save his mother, the Heavenly Goddess San Sheng Mu.

Finally, walk approximately 20 minutes to the West Peak Cableway Station. The 20-minute descent offers stunning aerial views of the peaks and valleys—a perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenery one last time.

After the tour, you will be escorted back to Xi'an. (AOT Drop-off Service: We can drop you off at your hotel in Xi'an, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, or any railway station. Please let us know your schedule in advance.)

Important Travel & Hiking Tips from AOT

Food & Water: We recommend bringing your own snacks and water, as supplies on the mountain are limited and expensive.
Closures: The Plank Road in the Sky may be temporarily closed due to maintenance or extreme weather conditions (snow/high wind).
Wait Times: During peak season, visitors may have to queue for hours (1-2 hours) to enter the Plank Road.
Timing: If you are determined to experience the Plank Road, we advise departing Xi'an very early to manage your hiking pace accordingly.

Optional Thrill Experiences (Decide on Your Own)

Note: Based on our experience, only 10% of travelers choose to try these thrill activities. You can decide on the spot and tell your guide your choice.

Sparrow Hawk Turning Over (East Peak): The second most famous "daredevil" attraction and the only way to reach the Chess Pavilion. You must face the cliff wall, hold the iron chains with both hands, and twist your body and legs in mid-air to descend.
Plank Walk in the Sky (South Peak): One of the world's most terrifying trails. It is a 30-meter-long path, only about 30cm (1 foot) wide. Takes 30-40 minutes round trip. (Note: It is not recommended for those without hiking experience or those with a fear of heights.)

Dining:

None

Accommodation:

West Peak of Huashan Mountain

Hike for the Great Scenery of Mount Huashan

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request

What's Included:

Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned private vehicle throughout the tour. We will arrange different types of vehicles (sedan, minivan, or coach) based on your group size. Luxury vehicle upgrades are also available.

Airport/Train Station Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off service at the airport (PVG/SHA) or train stations (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station) upon arrival and departure. (Tip: Please inform us in advance if you have early morning or late-night flights. Extra charge may occur.)

Professional Guide Service: Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour. Guides speaking Spanish, German, Italian, French, or Russian are also available upon request.

Driver Service: Includes driver’s service fee, fuel, tolls, and parking fees.

Hotel Accommodation: Twin-bed accommodation in selected 3 star, 4-star or 5-star hotels as specified in the itinerary.

Daily Hotel Breakfast: Buffet breakfast provided at the hotel each morning.

Meals as Specified: Lunches and dinners clearly indicated in the day-by-day itinerary. (Tip: Please check the detailed itinerary for specific meal arrangements.)

Entrance Fees: First entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary (such as Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Zhujiajiao Water Town).

Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Covered by our standard liability insurance.

Personal Travel Insurance: Before departure, we will purchase personal travel insurance for your group.

Special Experiences: Fees for included special activities, such as a make-up lunch or hands-on high-tech experiences, are already covered.

Comprehensive Service: Our professional support from tour planning and handling to on-the-ground operation and trip completion.

What's Excluded:

China Visa Fee: All costs related to obtaining your China entry visa.

International / Domestic Airfare: Flights to and from Shanghai, and any domestic flights not included in the itinerary, as well as related airport taxes.

Transportation During Free Time: Any personal transportation expenses during your own free activities (such as metro, taxi, or ride-hailing services).

Optional Activities: Additional activities to enrich your Shanghai experience, such as evening shows, city walks, special dining, or night tours, are available at extra cost.

Meals Not Listed: Any lunches, dinners, or special local meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary (including during free time).

Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and other beverages not included with the included meals.

Extra Expenses Inside Scenic Areas: Additional charges such as optional exhibition hall tickets, electric shuttle cars, or small in-park transportation not listed in the itinerary.

Tips for Guide and Driver: Gratuities are not mandatory but highly appreciated. Tipping is a good way to recognize excellent service and motivate the guide and driver. The amount is entirely up to your discretion based on service quality and satisfaction.

Personal Expenses: Such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, overweight luggage fees, and shopping.

Single Room Supplement: Extra cost for travelers requesting a single room instead of sharing a twin room.

Expert Advice and Ideas for Extending Your Shanghai Trip

While classic Shanghai attractions usually require 1-3 days, get inspired to extend your stay.

1. Discover Nearby Destinations by High-Speed Train:

Suzhou (1–2 days): Explore classical gardens (Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden) and water towns with small bridges and flowing streams (such as Zhouzhuang, Tongli, or Dongshan Town).

Hangzhou (1–2 days): Visit the World Cultural Heritage Site of West Lake, the famous Buddhist Temple Lingyin Temple, and the intangible heritage of Longjing Tea.

Wuyuan County / Wangxian Valley (1 Day): A rustic, scenic water town.

2. Recommended Extensions for First-Time Visitors to China:

If this is your first time in China, it's recommended to extend your trip from Shanghai to other classic destinations like Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Lhasa.

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4. How to Set Your Itinerary Efficiently - With Surprises!

Step 1: Consider Your Preference (Classic Spots / Nature / Culture / High-Tech / Food)

Step 2: Find Your Ideal Trip or just pick some places you prefer.

Step 3: Submit an Inquiry on this page.

Step 4: Receive Your Advice from our Shanghai travel advisor and adjust your itinerary until everything is perfect, just like the trip you imagined.

Where to Stay in Shanghai: Handpicked Hotel Options

We offer a wide selection of carefully chosen 3-star, 4-star, 5-star hotels and luxury 5-star hotels in Shanghai. Most are conveniently located in prime areas - within the Bund, the Nanjing Road and train station/airport surrounding, offering easy access to top attractions (Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower), shopping, and dining.

Room Options:

Depending on your group size, we can arrange standard twin rooms, king-bed rooms, family rooms, or triple rooms. If an extra bed is needed, please let us know in advance so we can confirm availability with the hotel.

All hotels provide daily buffet breakfast, and we ensure each room is comfortable, non-smoking, well air-conditioned, and spacious - for a truly pleasant stay in Shanghai.

Tip: Already have a preferred hotel in mind? Just let us know - we’ll be happy to help with the booking!

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Sarah Lim

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I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.

Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.

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Visiting the Great Wall early in the morning when it was quiet and feeling the scale of it in person.
Seeing ancient city walls, historic towns and temples that really brought Chinese history to life.
Travelling by high-speed train across regions — the logistics were smooth and we always arrived on time.
Staying in a mix of city hotels and countryside guesthouses which gave variety.
Getting to try regional cuisines — from northern Beijing specialties to southwestern flavours, each region surprised me.

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, YangtzeRiver, Xinjiang, Dunhuang/Gansu

Date of Experience: Apr 01, 2025

Tour Customized by: JoJo

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Visiting iconic landmarks (palaces, temples, historic walls) that helped me appreciate China’s deep history.
Getting a taste of regional cuisine — from street-food stalls to more refined local restaurants — and discovering how varied Chinese food is.
Being impressed by the logistics: the hotels were well chosen, transport connections worked without major hiccups, and the guides were knowledgeable and professional.

I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Jun 10, 2025

Tour Customized by: Catherine

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