[2025 Huayin Attraction] Travel Guide for Huashan Scenic Area - Huashan Geopark (Updated Jul)

#cheaptravel Xi’an, the ancient capital of China and the gateway to the Silk Road, is not only a treasure trove of history but also an excellent budget-friendly travel hub in Shaanxi Province. Among its key transportation centers, Xi’an Railway Station (西安站) stands out as a convenient and economical base for exploring the region. With its extensive rail network, affordable accommodations, and proximity to major attractions, it serves as an ideal starting point for budget-conscious travelers. Affordable Transportation Options Xi’an Railway Station is one of the busiest and most well-connected train stations in Northwest China. It offers a wide range of low-cost train services, including regular (K/T/Z trains) and high-speed options (via Xi’an North Station, which is easily accessible via metro). Budget travelers can take advantage of slow trains to nearby cities like Luoyang, Pingyao, and Lanzhou at a fraction of the cost of flights or high-speed rail. For those exploring Shaanxi, the station provides direct and inexpensive train routes to: Hua Shan (华山) – A famous hiking destination (2-hour train ride, tickets as low as ¥20). Yan’an (延安) – A historical revolutionary site (3-hour train, around ¥50). Baoji (宝鸡) – Gateway to the Qinling Mountains (2-hour train, ¥30). Additionally, Xi’an’s metro system (Line 4 connects directly to the railway station) makes inner-city travel cheap and efficient, with fares starting at just ¥2. Budget Accommodations Nearby The area around Xi’an Railway Station is packed with hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels, many offering dorm beds for ¥40–¥80 per night. Popular options include: Han Tang Inn Hostel – A cozy, social hostel with a great location. 7 Sages Youth Hostel – A historic courtyard-style budget stay. Economy chain hotels like Hanting (汉庭) and Jinjiang Inn (锦江之星) provide clean, no-frills rooms for under ¥150/night. Staying near the station also means easy access to public buses and night markets, reducing transportation costs. Free and Low-Cost Attractions Many of Xi’an’s top sights are either free or very affordable, making it perfect for budget travelers: City Wall (西安城墙) – Rent a bike (¥45 for 3 hours) and cycle along this ancient fortification. Muslim Quarter (回民街) – A bustling food street where snacks like roujiamo (肉夹馍) and biangbiang noodles cost under ¥15. Bell & Drum Towers (钟鼓楼) – Visit at night for free illuminated views. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆) – Free entry (with ID), offering a deep dive into China’s past. For a small fee (¥10–¥30), travelers can also visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) or take a bus to the Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑) (¥150 entry, but shared buses from the station cost only ¥10). Local Eats on a Budget Xi’an is famous for its street food, and the railway station area has plenty of cheap eats: Noodle dishes (like youpo mian or suantang shuijiao) for ¥10–¥15. Barbecue skewers (烤肉) at night markets for ¥2–¥5 each. Bingfeng (冰峰) – A local orange soda for ¥3. Xi’an Railway Station is a strategic and economical hub for travelers exploring Shaanxi and beyond. With cheap transport, affordable stays, and low-cost attractions, it allows visitors to experience China’s rich history and culture without overspending. Whether heading to ancient sites, mountain trails, or neighboring provinces, budget travelers will find Xi’an Station an unbeatable starting point. For those planning a cost-effective trip in Northwest China, Xi’an proves that adventure doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

As someone who is scared of heights, this climb has definitely challenged my limits! It wasn't necessarily the tallest mountain I've summited, but it is definitely the steepest. Mount Hua offers multiple routes for aspiring hikers, the one we took was climbing up south, then down the north side. ✨This route is the easiest and most appropriate for beginner climbers as most of the hike is actually downhill. For hikers with experience I highly recommend taking the opposite route!✨ Along the way, there are multiple scary ridges and multiple peaks you can summit. On our way to the summit of all of them, we passed by multiple cliff kitties, interesting temples, as well as two via ferrata trails. ⚠️ Those via ferrata trails are NOT for the faint of heart! They look incredibly steep as you're basically walking on a wooden plant nailed to the side of a cliff...Proceed with plenty of caution if you're interested in them.⚠️ It took us about 5 hours to complete this hike, and I highly recommend taking the cable 🚠 car both ways. It may seem pricey, but it's worth the experience by itself! #huashan #travel #china #myitinerary #naturalwonders #thingstodo #hiking #huashanmountain #china #chinatrip #chinatravel

#favouriteitinerary Hua Shan Geopark, also known as Mount Hua, is one of China’s most breathtaking mountains ⛰️. Located in Shaanxi Province, near Huayin, it's famous for steep cliffs, Taoist temples, and thrilling hikes 🏯🏞️. Why Visit? 🌄 Stunning Peaks – Five main peaks with incredible views, including sunrise at East Peak and the thrilling South Peak (2,154m), the highest. 😱 Plank Walk in the Sky – A world-famous, narrow wooden walkway attached to a cliffside, perfect for daredevils! 🧘♂️ Taoist Heritage – Home to ancient temples and a long history of Taoist culture. 🪨 Geological Wonder – Formed from solid granite, its sharp ridges were shaped over millions of years. How to Get There? 🚡 Take a cable car (easier) or 🚶♂️ hike up (4-6 hours). Best time to visit? Spring & autumn for great weather 🍂🌸. #travel #china #mountain

#favouriteitinerary Huashan Geopark, located in Shaanxi, China, is famous for Mount Hua (Huashan, 华山), one of China’s Five Great Mountains. It is known for its dramatic peaks, steep cliffs, and breathtaking views. Main Peaks of Huashan: 1. South Peak (2,154m) – Highest Peak Home to the Plank Walk, one of the world's most thrilling trails. Offers stunning sunrise views. 2. East Peak (2,096m) – Best for Sunrise A popular spot for early-morning hikers. Features the famous "Immortal Palm Cliff" rock formations. 3. West Peak (2,082m) – Most Scenic Has a unique giant rock shaped like a lotus flower. Considered one of the most picturesque spots. 4. North Peak (1,614m) – Entry Point The starting point for most visitors. Accessible via cable car or hiking. 5. Middle Peak (2,042m) – Central Location Known as Jade Maiden Peak, with links to Taoist legends. Must-Do Experiences: Plank Walk on South Peak – A thrilling wooden walkway hanging off a cliff. Hiking the “Heavenly Stairs” – Steep, carved stone steps leading up the mountain. Stay Overnight for Sunrise – Many hikers stay in mountain lodges to catch the sunrise. We managed to only finish West Peak just to see the Sunrise ✨ #china

It is truly therapeutic and tranquil as you take in the cold air and observe the trees, mountains and houses sprawling beneath you at Huashan Mountain. What a view and what an experience. The #huashanmountain #china itinerary is to visit the Huashan Mountain (华山) for the entire day. To call the journey to there itself as arduous is simply an understatement. The mountain is located about 120km east of Xi’an, and it took a two hour bus ride to reach the village of Huashan. After we had collected our tickets, we had to take another coach ride to the cable car ride entrance, which lasted 40 minutes. We stopped for a short food break before climbing up about ten flights of steep stairs to reach the cable car station. Thereafter, it was a final 30-minute cable car ride to reach the North Peak Cableway Upper Station, in which we were treated to the spectacular sight of the sprawling neighbouring snow-covered mountains and valleys beneath our feet.