Extreme Autumn Challenge at Mount Hua! Conquer the World's Most Dangerous and Beautiful Hiking Trail

Autumn at Mount Hua is a symphony of nature and courage! Known as the "Most Dangerous Mountain Under Heaven," Mount Hua showcases its most striking contrasts in the fall: the stark granite cliffs intertwined with fiery maple leaves, sea of clouds rolling alongside sheer cliffside plank roads. This guide will take you on a 2-day deep experience of Mount Hua’s ruggedness and autumn charm. ​🍁 Autumn Exclusive Highlights​ ​Colorful Mountains​: From late October to mid-November, the section from Canglong Ridge to Jin Suo Pass is dyed golden red by maple and smoke tree leaves. The granite mountain body and colorful forests create a strong visual impact. Photography enthusiasts must not miss the sunrise at Chaoyang Peak, where the sea of clouds and autumn colors frame a perfect shot. ​Thrilling Trails​: The Sky Plank Road (requires an additional ticket) offers high visibility in autumn, with a bottomless abyss beneath your feet and endless colorful forests ahead; the vertical rock climb at Yaozi Fanshen ends at the Xiangqi Pavilion, offering panoramic views. ​Cultural Check-ins​: The "Mount Hua Sword Discussion" stele on the North Peak is a must-visit for Jin Yong fans. The Lotus Peak on the West Peak is legendary for Chen Xiang splitting the mountain to save his mother, with ancient pines and autumn leaves creating a martial arts atmosphere. ​📌 Classic 2-Day Itinerary​ ​Day 1: North Peak Adventure​ Hike up from Yuquan Temple in the morning (4-5 hours), wearing fingerless gloves to hold the chains when passing the Thousand-Foot Cliff (370 steep steps). In the afternoon, visit the "Mount Hua Sword Discussion" stele after arriving at the North Peak, then reach Canglong Ridge before sunset to see golden light casting on the granite ridges—truly breathtaking. Stay overnight at the East Peak Hotel (book 3 days in advance), dorm beds cost about 200 RMB each. At 5 AM, walk to Chaoyang Terrace to secure a spot for sunrise. ​Day 2: Summit Loop Challenge​ Head to Yaozi Fanshen right after sunrise (limited to 30 people/hour), recommended to bring only your phone secured with a neck strap. Arrive at the South Peak Sky Plank Road before noon. The wooden planks are dry and non-slip in autumn, and the new glass viewing platform offers cliff panorama shots. In the afternoon, take the cable car down from the West Peak. The cable car is 1,524.9 meters long with a 755-meter drop, flying through colorful forests like a cinematic experience. ​🍜 Practical Tips​ Clothing: Use the "onion layering method"—wear quick-dry base layers + fleece, topped with a windproof shell; nighttime temperatures at the summit can drop to 0°C, so bring a lightweight down jacket. Supplies: Buy fingerless gloves at the foot of the mountain (5 RMB/pair), bring chocolate and beef jerky; bottled water in the mountain costs about 11 RMB/bottle, carry an appropriate amount. Transportation: Take the high-speed train from Xi’an North Station to Huashan North Station (30 minutes, 54.5 RMB), then take the free shuttle bus from the station to the visitor center. ​💡 Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences​ Photographers can try the "reverse tour": take the West Peak cable car up in the morning to avoid hiking crowds and shoot silhouettes in the morning light at Qinglong Back. Culture lovers should not miss Xiyue Temple (included in the ticket), a Han Dynasty building surrounded by ancient cypresses and autumn colors, known as the "Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi."