One of the original religion of China is Taoism.

Mt Huashan is a place where Taoism is being practiced. It is said that there are 72 caves scattered throughout the mountainous area. These caves are hard to access and is meant to provide seclusion for Taoist hermits practicing their Qi meditations.

Old hermits nearing their 100th birthday seems to climb the steep mountainous steps with ease, fuelling speculation that they had discovered the secrets to eternal youth.

The peak season to Mt Hua is summer. Any snow or ice on the 7000 ft mountain peak means danger. A slip can be unforgiving with disastrous consequences. This mountain earned its name for being dangerous and breath taking for a reason.

I visited the Mountain from Xian via high speed rail.(1st train) The distance is 30 minute. Reached Mt Huashan high speed rail station at 715am.

Decided to take a cable car to the north peak.

Climbing those unforgiving steps are literally breath taking! Even for someone like me who exercise regularly.

There are plenty of resting stops along the way.

For once, the people are not shoving and pushing. Everyone is careful.

Some of the steps are almost vertical.

Each ribbon and lock represents a wish made by someone.

Made it to the western peak.

I didn’t manage to visit all the other peaks due to insufficient time.

8 hours isn’t enough for this trip! I had planned to arrive at 730am and booked a train back to Xian at 3.30pm.

The endless queue at the base of the mountain means that I only manage to board the cable car at 1030am.

Time was spent in queue for tickets, internal bus transfer to bring you to the cable car station and queue to board the cable car.

When returning, you have to factor in the same issue. QUEUE…..

I guess it would be more leisurely if you spend a night at Mt Huashan or somewhere near the high speed rail station.

and put lots of sun tan lotion. The summer sun is fierce.