Mount Hua Shan is known as “the most precipitous mountain under heaven.”

Not for the faint-hearted. Photo: Tynan

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and a spectacular view, you might want to consider hiking the Hua Shan Trail in China. This trail is not for the faint of heart, as it involves steep stairs, narrow planks, and sheer cliffs.

But if you are brave enough to take on the challenge, you will be rewarded with stunning scenery, ancient temples, and a sense of accomplishment.

Western summit of the Hua Shan, Shaanxi, China. Photo: Ondřej Žváček

Hua Shan, or Mount Hua, is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China. It is located about 120 km from Xi’an, the ancient capital of China and the home of the Terracotta Army. Hua Shan has five peaks, each with its own name and character.

The highest and most popular one is the South Peak, which reaches 2,160 meters above sea level. The other four are the North Peak, the East Peak, the West Peak, and the Central Peak.

Ready to hike the world’s dangerous trail? Challenge one: stairs. Source

The trail to the South Peak is considered the most dangerous in the world, as it involves climbing steep stairs carved into the rock, walking on narrow planks attached to the cliff face, and holding onto iron chains for dear life.

The trail is so perilous that some say it claims up to 100 lives a year, although there are no official statistics. Some of the sections have ominous names like Thousand-Foot Precipice, Hundred-Foot Crevice, and Black Dragon Ridge.

The infamous plank walk. Photo: newsonline

The trail starts from the village of Huashan at the base of the mountain. You can either hike up the six-kilometer winding path or take a cable car to the North Peak. From there, you can choose to hike to the other peaks or take another cable car to the West Peak.

These guys didn’t tale the cable car but might have regretted it since.

More steepness. Source: Panoramio

The most challenging part of the trail is between the North Peak and the South Peak, where you will encounter the infamous plank walk. This is a series of wooden planks bolted to the cliff side, with only a harness and a chain to secure you.

The planks are so narrow that you have to sidestep along them, and sometimes wait for other hikers to pass by in the opposite direction. The drop below is hundreds of meters, so don’t look down if you are afraid of heights.

Oh, and sometimes there are no planks at all…

At places, there are not even planks to walk on. Photo: masterok

If you make it to the South Peak, you will be greeted by a small Taoist temple and a tea house where you can rest and enjoy the view. The tea house is said to be over a thousand years old and was built by a monk who lived on the mountain.

You can also watch the sunrise or sunset from this peak, which is a breathtaking sight. On a clear day, you can see the other peaks and the surrounding valleys covered in clouds.

View from the North Peak. Photo: chensiyuan

Hiking the Hua Shan Trail is not for everyone, but if you are an adventurous traveler who loves nature and culture, you might find it an unforgettable experience. Just make sure you are well prepared, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, bring enough water and snacks, and follow the safety rules. And don’t forget your camera!