Mt Huashan tour from Xian: Choose your own route

Four different routes mean you hike as much or as little as the mountain allows.

A private, customizable Mt Huashan tour from Xian with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, entry ticket and cable car included. You choose one of four routes (each combining a different ascent and descent), and decide on the day how many peaks to climb based on your condition. The guide points out Buddhist and Taoist temples, Gold Lock Pass and other landmarks along the way. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mt. Huashan and return

• Pick up from hotel in Xian
• Drive two hours to Mount Huashan
• Choose preferred hiking route on mountain
• Climb mountain and visit temples and passes
• Hike according to physical condition and interest
• Return to hotel in late afternoon

The experience

Your guide and driver pick you up from your Xian hotel around 8am for a two-hour drive to Mt Huashan. The mountain has four distinct routes, each pairing a different way up with a different way down. The first uses cable car and shuttle bus at the north peak for both ascent and descent: the longest hiking option, suited to strong hikers who want to cover all the peaks. The second goes up from the west peak and down from the north peak, splitting the effort between more uphill and less downhill. The third takes the cable car up to the west peak (the highest point and most scenic) and descends via the north peak: a choice that favors views over knee strain on the way down. The fourth is a round-trip cable car route to the west peak with minimal walking, built for older travelers and children.

Once on the mountain, you move at your own pace and decide how many peaks to summit based on how you're feeling. The guide tells you what temples, passes and viewpoints lie ahead on your chosen route and lets you set the rhythm. Along the way you'll pass Buddhist and Taoist temples, Gold Lock Pass and other well-known spots. Bring lunch with you (there are no restaurants on the summit), and wear comfortable shoes for the terrain you pick.

In the late afternoon, your driver brings you back to your hotel. The tour includes one bottle of mineral water per person, all transfers in an air-conditioned car, the guide's full attention, entrance fees and cable car or shuttle bus rides according to your route. If you book the cable car round-trip option at the north peak, those costs are covered. If you want a different route arranged in advance, contact the operator to customize.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned car.
• private English-speaking guide for the full day.
• entrance ticket to Mt Huashan.
• cable car and shuttle bus rides according to your chosen route.
• one bottle of mineral water per person.
• all fuel, tolls, parking and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private transfer and tour guideGuide in English or Chinese · 07:00 and 08:30Includes a private transfer with hotel pickup and drop-off, plus an English-speaking tour guide. Admission fee is not included. Pickup is included.

Round-trip cable car to North PeakGuide in English or Chinese · 07:00 and 08:30Private tour that includes cable cars up and down North Peak; pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (7 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by China Travel Service

Is this one for you?Pick this tour if you want to decide your own route and pace on the mountain rather than follow a fixed itinerary. The four-route system means you can match the hike to your fitness level on the day itself, and the guide adjusts what you see based on which peaks you choose to climb.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What are the four Mt Huashan routes and which one should I pick?

North Peak up and down uses cable car and shuttle bus for both ascent and descent, with the most hiking and best for strong hikers. West Peak up and North Peak down requires more uphill hiking than downhill. West Peak up and North Peak down via cable car gives you the highest peak and best views but involves more downward hiking. West Peak round-trip cable car has the least walking and suits older travelers and children.

Do I have to hike all the peaks, or can I turn back early?

You decide on the day how many peaks to climb based on your physical condition and how you're feeling. The guide helps you understand what each route covers and what lies ahead, so you can choose your own pace and stopping point.

Is lunch included on the Mt Huashan tour?

No restaurant operates on the mountain, so you need to bring food for lunch. Pack something you can carry and eat at the summit or along the way.

What's included in the Mt Huashan tour price from Xian?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the English-speaking guide, entrance fees, cable car or shuttle bus rides on your chosen route, one bottle of mineral water per person, and all fuel and tolls are included. If you book the cable car round-trip option at North Peak, that's covered. Other routes can be arranged by contacting the operator in advance.

How early do I need to be ready for the Mt Huashan pickup?

Your guide will call or message your hotel the night before to confirm the pickup time, which is around 8am. The operator contacts hotels within Xian's 2nd ring road. If your hotel is beyond that zone, additional transfer fees may apply.