Man has always been attracted to activity other species shunned or didn’t have the wits to traverse, and that is the general classification of the human species. However, a fragment is willing to push it even further by trying out things that defy mortality just for the way it makes them feel. The adrenaline pump is why activities like bullfighting, bull riding, sky diving, gorilla tracking, or even the plank walk on Mt. Huashan exist. Sometimes the need to live on the edge gets a few jolts of life back into our system.

 Mt. Huashan trail has earned the deadliest hiking tag precisely because of the plank walk (skywalk) section, a narrow plank of wood bolted to the side of a cliff 2000ft in the air. Mt. Huashan, one of five Taoist sacred mountains in China, is located in Shaanxi Province, about 120 km away from Xian. The mountain consisting of four peaks, is an important religious relic of Chinese history. Famous for its lofty heights and steep paths, the course has made many hikers’ bucket lists due to its difficulty level. 

• Mt. Huashan hiking trails connecting all the five peaks

Unlike the regular mountains with a singular peak, Mt. Huashan is spread out into five peaks-South Peak, North Peak, East Peak, West Peak, and Central Peak. The North peak is secluded at the northern part of the whole scenic area, while the rest of the peaks are all located in the south, only a few hundred meters apart.

• North Peak, 1614m; close to the North Peak Cable Car with an entrance if you trek up the mountain or use the cable car. Three sides of the North Peak are virtually impossible to climb, leaving only the southern side, which is usually the start of the trail. However, the North peak has many treasurable places for hikers to enjoy, such as Ear Rubbing Cliff, Heavenly Ladders, Sun & Moon Cliff, Black Dragon Ridge, and the Golden Lock Pass. It should take you 1.5 hours to get to East and Central Peak from the North Peak.
• East Peak, 2096m; is a must-see when you visit the mountains due to its scenic view of the sunrise and expansive view of the surrounding. The eastern side is a fearsome cliff, while the rest of the sides flourish with ancient trees. The most prominent attraction is the Sparrow Hawk Turning Over and Chess Playing Pavilion.
• South Peak, 2155m; is the highest mountain located between East Peak and West Peak. Standing on the top of South Peak guarantees panoramic views of the rolling mountains, winding Yellow River and Wei River, plains, and valleys. 
• West Peak, 2082m: also known as the Lotus Peak, is only several minutes from West Peak Cable Car. A giant complete stone made by nature, the west and north sides are so cragged and straight like they were pelt by a large knife that generally represents the Huashan Mountain’s general outlook. The West Peak has beautiful sunset and is probably the only place where you are likely to get one.
• Central Peak, 2073m; is relatively uninteresting for most hikers with nothing special to offer. However, it was once considered part of the East Peak because the two are close.

• Why is it considered the deadliest of trails

The steep plank road in the sky built over 700 years ago creates intrigue for many hikers visiting the mountain. Knowing that only a compulsory harness, strung to reinforced steel that was bolted in stone centuries ago, is what stands between you and death must be quite captivating for most hikers. The 4 meters long, 0.3-meter wide plank road was constructed on the surface of a vertical cliff. The so many unverified rumors of over 100 visitors losing their lives every year only grow the trail’s reputation. Even a YouTube video shows a couple of hikers traversing this plank walk 2000ft above ground. However, the skywalk or plank walk isn’t a compulsory feat; some hikers opt for cable cars to get around the mountain, but where is the fun in that.

• A two-day itinerary of the Huashan Mountain Trail

If you have two days to spare on the Huashan Trail, then doing the full itinerary should be the top of your priorities. It will also allow you to witness the sunrise and sunset. However, this trail is enormous pressure on knees and feet, given that some spots of the track have to be walked twice. If you feel like avoiding this part, perhaps hiking up the mountain from Yuquan Temple via North Peak, East Peak, and South Peak, then finish hiking at West Peak and use the West Cable Car to descend the mountain.

• Day 1 (Tourist Centre-Yuquan Temple-North Peak-East Peak)

You will take a bus for about 15 mins from Huashan Tourist Centre to Yuquan Temple, then stride for about 20 minutes to the West Gate of Mt Hua. After that, climb the stone stairs uphill to Huixin Rock, an easy and well-paved section for 2-hours. From Huixin Rock onwards is where the strenuous hiking starts with stairs becoming narrow and steep. You will need to maintain total concentration while holding the support iron chains tight for this section. It should take you 2-hours to get to North Peak where you can take a rest for sightseeing. You will then proceed to East Peak on the one-day itinerary route and accommodate there for the night.  

• Day 2 (East Peak-South Peak-West Peak Cable Car-Tourist Centre)

If you are to witness the captivating sunrise, then perhaps be up by 6.20 am. Visit the Sunrise Pavilion, Sparrow Hawk Turning Over, and Chess Playing Pavilion; it should take you an hour to get this done. Then hike for about 30 mins to the entrance of the Plank Road in the sky. Spend about 30 mins on the plank road depending on the queue at the gate. Next, hike for 30 mins to South Peak, then another 30 to West Peak. There you could do a little sightseeing before walking for 20 mins to West Cableway where the cable car will take you down the mountain, thus the end of your hike.