Huashan Mountain is surrounded by clouds and fog. [Photo/Xinhua]

Located in Shaanxi province, 120 kilometers east from Xi'an City, Mount Huashan is one of China's Big Five mountains. The site of 210 natural and cultural scenic spots, it is often referred to as the "root of Chinese civilization".

Huashan Mountain boasts five imposing peaks with sheer precipices and overhanging rocks: the east peak is called the Peak of the Rising Sun which is the best location to view the sunrise; the north peak, the Peak of Cloud Terrace which is famous for cliffs on its three sides; the west peak, the peak of the Lotus; the south one, the Peak of Wild Geese which is the main peak and also the steepest of Huashan Mountain with an elevation of 2,083 meters; and the Central peak, the Peak of the Jade Maiden, which links the east, west and south peaks. Each presents a unique scene of beauty, surrounded by over 70 minor peaks.

The five peaks are the best places to enjoy the sunrise, morning mist and sea of clouds. Autumn or early winter is always the best time to for those views with the conducive temperature and humidity for tourists.

In addition to the fabulous views, Mount Huashan is also one of the cradles of Chinese culture. Certain archaeologists and contemporary scholars believe that terms such as Zhonghua, Huaxia (both meaning China in a cultural sense), and Huaren (meaning Chinese people) all derive from the name of Mount Huashan, because they contain the Chinese character "Hua".

Historical documents show that many celebrated personages have left their footprints on the mountain. More than 4,000 years ago, the Yellow Emperor and sagely kings Yao and Shun all offered sacrifices to Mount Hua. Rulers of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties of 3,000 years ago would pray on Mount Hua every year.

Although Mount Hua has two cable car lines, visitors are advised to climb the mountain on foot. Most of its scenic spots can be seen along the popular Huashanyu (Huashan Gorge) hiking trail, an expansion of the path that was for millennia the sole trail up the mountain.

The morning view at the top of the east peak of the mountain is amazing. [Photo/Xinhua]

As the trekking trail on Mount Hua is extremely narrow, visitors are advised to observe the "one way" rule, ascending the mountain from the east and descending from the west or vice versa. It is also advisable to pack water and energy bars beforehand as those sold on the mountain are predictably pricey.

   

Cable cars go through the sea of clouds at Mount Huashan. [Photo/Xinhua]