Huashan North Peak and the four others
Mount Hua rises south of the town of Huayin in Shaanxi province and has five main summits on one granite massif. The North Peak is the lowest, and the other four sit higher in the summit area. Mount Hua is the Western of China's Five Great Mountains, so locals often call it Xiyue. The five peaks are named Yuntai (North), Lianhua (West), Luoyan (South), Chaoyang (East) and Yunü (Central).
You can reach the summit area from two cable car lines or on foot, and the usual loop links all five. If you are deciding how to go up, read the cable car page and the hiking page first. This page explains what you find at the top.
Our pick: a private tour across the peaks
This private tour goes up to the West Peak and down from the North Peak with a guide and park buses included.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mount Hua tours and summit trips
Day trips and ticket bundles that include the cable car. Check each listing for exactly what is included.
North Peak (Yuntai)
The first summit most walkers meet.
At 1,614.9 m the North Peak is the lowest of the five. The North cable car runs to this area, and the classic hiking route from Yuquan Yuan also leads here; allow roughly 5 hours on foot. From the North Peak the path continues into the higher summit area. Treat the heights on this page as reference figures.
Black Dragon Ridge
Between the North Peak and the upper summits runs the narrow Black Dragon Ridge, called Canglong Ling in Chinese. It is a narrow ridge, and the steep sections Qianchi Zhuang and Baichi Xia are also part of this approach. Walk it with calm weather and steady feet, and follow the staff if a direction or detour is set.
West Peak (Lianhua)
The West Peak is 2,082.6 m high and is served by the West cable car. The legend of Chenxiang, a son who rescues his mother, is tied to this summit in the official description. It is a legend, not history, but it gives the summit a story to tell on the way up.
South Peak (Luoyan)
The highest summit of the five.
At 2,154.9 m the South Peak tops the list. The plank walk lies on its east side, but you do not need to use it to reach the summit, and it is closed at the moment; see the plank walk page for the current status. Most people reach the South Peak by stairs from the other summits.
East Peak sunrise (Chaoyang)
The East Peak, 2,096.2 m, carries the Chaoyang platform, which the official description names as a place to watch the sunrise. Sunrise visitors either climb at night or sleep near the summits; the hiking page describes the night ascent, which takes 6 to 9 hours on foot. Plan for the chance of a clear view or a sea of clouds, not a promise, and the sun rises at different times through the year.
Central Peak (Yunü)
The Central Peak is one of the five official summits and is worth a stop on the summit loop.
How the peaks fit together
Here is the layout in words rather than on a map.
Lower in the north
The North Peak sits at the lower end, with the North cable car arriving nearby.
Higher in the south
The East, Central, South and West summits form the upper area, joined by stairs and ridge paths.
A common loop
Many visitors go up by the West cable car, cross the summits and come down by the North line. Allow 5 to 7 hours for it.
Allow for stairs and short climbs between the peaks, and do not count on a fixed minimum time. If you plan to stay overnight near the top, the where to stay page covers sleeping on the mountain and in Huayin.
Huashan peaks: frequently asked questions
How many peaks does Mount Hua have?
Five main summits: North, West, South, East and Central. The culture and tourism ministry describes the mountain as a granite massif with five main peaks.
Which is the highest peak?
The South Peak at 2,154.9 m is the highest of the five in the figures used here.
Which peak is the sunrise peak?
The East Peak, where the Chaoyang platform is described as a sunrise spot. Clear skies are not guaranteed.
Do I have to walk Black Dragon Ridge?
It lies between the North Peak and the upper summits on the route that links them. Follow the staff directions on the day.