Mount Hua- Once again to the top of something high!

Part of the other highlight of the trip to Xi'an (although every day pretty much had lots of things to rejoice about), was the trek up to Mount Hua. Now... there are at least two ways to get up- you can take the thousands of steps, or you can take the cable car. When finally faced with the car, the steps started to look really good.

Not wanting to be left behind by my party and risk missing out on some general hilarity or something really cool, I got in the tin bucket strung on the wires. I have no photos of the ascent, because I was concentrating on the floor of the bucket while breathing and not talking to anyone. This also happens to me on ski lifts near the end of the day. I know it's not rational, but damn, that lift rose awfully high.

Mount Hua is one of the "Five Sacred Mountains" of China and located in the Shaanxi Province, about 100 kilometres east of the city of Xi'an, near the city Huayin. ( the other four mountains are Mt. Taishan in Shandong, Mt. Hengshan in Hunan, Mt. Hengshan in Shanxi, and Mt. Songshan in Henan- in case you wanted to know- I did- it might be a goal to get to the top of the other ones too!! right).

Hua was historically the location of several influential Taoist temples, and was known as a centre for the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts. In ancient times, Mt. Huashan was called Mt. Taihuashan. From a distance the five peaks seem to form the shape of a 'flower' (hua in Chinese), hence the name 'Huashan'. It is famous for its natural vistas of steep and narrow paths, precipitous crags, and a high mountain range. It is home to several influential Taoist temples where emperors of past dynasties made pilgrimages, making Mt. Huashan the holy land of Taoism.

Pilgrims tie red ribbons to the trees outside of the taoist temple. Others tied the same cloth strips to their heads while hiking. Others bought medals to acknowledge their ascent on the venerable and important mountain. Recently-married locals will climb to the summits to add a lock the chains to symbolize their everlasting love. A similar practice is done on the Great Wall. In the middle of a climb, we found a small Taoist temple- just sitting there. Not exactly a place of peace, but the incense and altar provided the perfect place to say a prayer or two (for sure footedness, for safe travel back down, world peace....whatever).

Pilgrim culture- the website listed below for more information talks about what to wear (rubber soled shoes, nylon gloves and a walking stick) and to bring food. Many of the stores down at the bottom of the lift had sweet potatoes, cucumbers, water for sale as well as the recommended gloves, shoes and sticks.

The link listed below does not make any reference as to when pilgrims and fighters started coming to the mountain, but they come in droves today. We were there on a bright and sunny day, and the numbers were high I thought (especially in those tight spots where the ledge seems awfully close), but we were told by Jenny that on important Chinese holidays, a person can wait in line as much as two hours in order to get on the cable car. Like climbing mt. Fuji, one of the ultimate experience of climbing Mount Hua is being able to do so to see the sunrise while at the summit. There is a guest house where you can stay if you don't want to start climbing the stps in the darkness the night before.

Another great day with splendid views and fresh air (a great change from Shanghai!). If you want to read more about Mount Hua, go here.


Here's a small slide show for you...