Huang Jixian's Photographic Art Album of Mount Hua Scenery

Author: Huang Jixian
Photography/Compiler: China Huashan Administration
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-01-01
Features:
Mount Hua is one of China's famous Five Great Mountains, historically known as Xiyue, with an elevation of 2,160.5 meters. Located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, it dominates the eastern part of the Guanzhong Plain, with the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Yellow River and Wei River to the north, approximately 120 kilometers from the ancient capital of Xi'an. Mount Hua is renowned for its "breathtaking grandeur and majestic beauty" and is hailed as the "most extraordinary and perilous mountain under heaven." It is a product of tectonic movements millions of years ago, a magnificent creation of nature. "Breathtaking grandeur and majestic beauty" not only embodies its unique character bestowed by Mother Earth but also reflects the charm and elegance bestowed by generations of scholars and connoisseurs. This harmonious blend forms the distinctive allure of Mount Hua.
Mount Hua consists of five peaks, with the Zhong Peak and Bei Peak complementing each other, surrounded by over seventy smaller peaks like layers of petals. Among the five peaks, the highest is the Nan Peak, and the lowest is the Bei Peak. The five peaks stand tall and imposing, piercing the clouds like knife-sharpened blades. Standing at the summit, one is struck by the feeling that "only heaven lies above, and no other mountain can rival its height."
Located in Huayin County, Mount Hua is known as the Western Mountain among the Five Great Mountains. Its perilousness is unmatched, earning the saying, "Mount Hua has always had only one path." The mountain trails are both extraordinary and perilous, with breathtaking scenery. Along the path from Yuquan Yuan to Canglong Ridge, numerous scenic wonders can be seen. From the base of Mount Hua to Qingkeping, the scenery is tranquil, with lush valleys, melodious birdsong, fragrant flowers, cascading streams, and a sense of serenity that uplifts the spirit.
Beyond Qingkeping lies the true beginning of the climb. Here stands a massive "Turnback Stone," from which one looks up at the perilous cliffs and the "Thousand-Foot Gorge," a vertical chasm that dares the timid to turn back. Only the fearless and determined can ascend to experience the even more stunning vistas of Mount Hua's perilous peaks.
The narrow and steep stone steps of the Thousand-Foot Gorge accommodate only one person at a time, with over 370 steps. Without the support of iron chains, the climb would be nearly impossible. Beyond the Thousand-Foot Gorge lies the "Laojun's Plowing," a narrow path sandwiched between sheer cliffs, featuring over 570 steps. At its end is the "Monkey's Worry," a name that speaks for itself—monkeys even find it daunting, indicating the sheer steepness of the cliff.
After passing the Monkey's Worry, one arrives at Mount Hua's Bei Peak.