Mount Huashan. Mountains of China

In the world there are so amazing places that they seem invented by science fiction writers. It seems that they can exist only on cinema screens or in the imagination of great dreamers. However, these objects are real, you can touch them and see with your own eyes. One of them is Mount Huashan, the one that inspired the genius director to create a unique world called Pandora.

Mountains from the Hollywood blockbuster

These mountains of China began to arouse great interest after the release of the movie masterpiece of D. Cameron "Avatar." After all, the Yellow Mountains (this is how the name Huangshan is translated into Russian) was a prototype of sheer cliffs that floated in the air. Mount Huashan is one of them. Its name translates as "Flower top" or "Mountain Flower". And all because it is surrounded by five peaks, which in plan create an array resembling a flower. All of them are considered sacred in Taoism. And their name is quite simple: Central Mountain, South, North, West and East.

This peak is located near the town of Huain (Shaanxi Province) and is part of the Zhangjiajie National Park. It is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, from which it captures the spirit, steep stone walls, densely overgrown pine forest.

Interestingly, you can climb to the top without even being a climber and without special equipment. A tourist should have only a desire and not be afraid of heights.

The most visited place

Gore, similar to this, in the Celestial Empire a lot. But only Huashan is the most popular. Firstly, because it is a sacred place of Taoism, has a unique shape and many attractions. Secondly, because it is easily accessible by bus or train from Beijing. And thirdly, it is popular due to the extreme path of death, the cable car and the ability to choose several routes at once.

Entertainment for extreme sports

Mount Huashan is a favorite tourist destination, but most often they choose its Southern peak. Another name for this part of the peak is the Peak of the Falling Goose, here is another attraction of China with a grim name - the Path of Death. This is not just an advertising move to tickle the gullible travelers nerves, this is really an extreme way, as warned and instructors, and a sign.

Very beautiful mountain Huashan! The route of Death will allow you to enjoy its delights from a bird's eye view. It is a narrow path at an altitude of 2160 meters. Located among steep rocks, polished for centuries, the sun and rain, it repeats the bends of the mountains. Paved with rough boards, it does not have a fence or railings, there are only chains for which you can hold. Having entered the path, the tourist is forced to go to the end, because it is impossible to miss two people.

Some interesting information

The sacred mountain of Huashan was first conquered by hermits. About seven centuries ago, in search of immortality, they ascended to the divine summit, making their way. In those distant times there were no chains, they were then attached especially for tourists.

And today, the faithful of Taoism rise to the summit to make a pilgrimage. Usually they walk, not climb the cable car. At the top they spend the night, and the next day quietly bypass all five peaks, pray in temples and visit caves. Ordinary travelers have the opportunity to stay in any of the guest houses, which are available at almost every peak.

Reward for the Daredevil

The yellow mountains of China are dangerous, but the efforts of the daredevil will be rewarded. From a bird's eye view, you can admire the beauty of the emerald mountains, drowning in the haze of fog against the background of an infinite sky-blue sky. On the way now and then the traveler meets amazing temples, pagodas, Taoist monasteries, bridges and gates. And at the end of the route you can visit the caves of Huashan. This man-made miracle, cut straight in the cliffs over thirteen centuries ago. It is not exactly established who, why and how did this titanic work, where a lot of stones were transported, and why this is not mentioned in any chronicle of the Celestial Empire.

Another mystery of this place is that the caves are located on the thirtieth parallel. The one on which such mystical objects as the Bermuda Triangle, the Egyptian Pyramids and the mysterious Kailas mountain in Tibet "registered".

Other features of the mountain

The peak of the Sunrise is an ideal place for admiring the sunrise. To get on time, you should leave again in the evening. At the top near the Dawn Caverns, you can set up a tent, and then follow a narrow path over the abyss (Dragon's Ribs) to the small pagoda. Here the traveler has the opportunity to tie a ribbon or hang a castle for luck and happiness.

Tourists who arrived in China, Huashan visit first thing. Inhabitants of the Celestial Empire call the northern part of the mountain Peak, propping up the clouds. You can climb it in two ways: by cable car in twenty minutes or by a ladder of three thousand steps. The path to it lies past the Sun and Moon Break and the amazing Peak of the dark green dragon. It will take about three hours to climb.

Amazing beauty opens to the traveler, who stopped at the Lotus Flower Peak (western). Admiring a lot, you can eat with traditional Chinese noodles and drink jasmine tea.

Some useful tips

The best time of the year to visit this wonder of the world is September. It was in the beginning of autumn that nature is especially picturesque and rich in colors. In general, you can come to the Yellow Mountains from May to October. Although there are also brave souls who want to conquer the unique mountain in winter. True, there are very few of them.

The trip itself is difficult to call affordable. The cost of the road to the mountain and back will cost a rather large amount of money - about three hundred yuan. At the foot of the guests waiting for the funicular, which will take guests to the top of the Central Peak. Further, like the petals of a strange flower, the roads diverge to the other four peaks. Here all the routes along the mountain begin. Pay separately will be needed both for the cable car, and for the right to enter the territory of the national park, and for overnight.

It is worth to be seen, very good mountain Huashan! How to get to her, we'll talk further. The tourist should take a mini-bus, which leaves from the Xi'an bus station. Approximately three or four hours the bus will cover 240 kilometers and take you to your destination. You can also go by train: you need to get off at Luoyang station, and there you already have to transfer to the minibus, the next one to the foot of Huashan.

Instead of an afterword

China is a country of ancient history and culture, mysteries and philosophy. This is a special world, which is located amidst a fantastic nature. There is something to see the traveler. We have already told about the Blossoming peak - Mount Huashan. Taoists believe that a person who has visited all five peaks of this mountain can attain enlightenment. In just 120 km from it you can visit the ancient Chinese capital - the city of Xian. In its suburbs, the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shihuang, in which the famous army of terracotta warriors, a Neolithic village of Banpo, a defensive wall, two towers and as many ancient pagodas, the palace of Emperor Tan (restored) with the emerald Lotus Pair around, have been found in his suburbs.

In Beijing, the modern capital of China, it is worth visiting the Forbidden City or the Purple City. And the Great Wall of China, the Shaolin Monastery, the Potala Palace, the Great Buddha in Hong Kong, the Mountain Fort in Macau are worthy of attention.

Enjoy your trip to the Celestial Empire!