🚗 Transportation Guide: Take the high-speed train to Huashan North Station (华山北站). From there, you can take a taxi for around 15 CNY (approximately $2 USD) or a free shuttle bus to the visitor center. I visited in late April, took the high-speed train from Guangzhou (广州) to Huashan North Station (华山北站), and arrived around 7 PM. I stayed in a nearby hotel and started my Huashan tour the next day.

🎫 How to Buy Tickets: Buy tickets online in advance. It's best to get a combo ticket that includes both the entrance fee and the cable car ride for convenience and savings. On the day of your visit, you can enter the park by scanning your ID. We chose a Huashan tour package from Ctrip for 420 CNY (approximately $58 USD) per person. The package included:

1. Huashan scenic area entrance ticket
2. Shuttle bus from the visitor center to the West Peak (西峰) cable car station (returning from North Peak (北峰) requires an additional 20 CNY (approximately $3 USD) bus ticket)
3. Cable car up to West Peak (西峰) and down from North Peak (北峰)

🎫 Ticket Prices:

• Peak season: 160 CNY (approximately $22 USD) per person (March 1st to November 30th)
• Off-season: 100 CNY (approximately $14 USD) per person (December 1st to February 28th)
• Student tickets are half price. Mandatory insurance is 10 CNY (approximately $1.50 USD).

🚡 Cable Car Prices:

• North Peak: Peak season 80 CNY (approximately $11 USD), off-season 45 CNY (approximately $6 USD)
• West Peak: Peak season 140 CNY (approximately $20 USD), off-season 120 CNY (approximately $17 USD)
• Shuttle bus from West Peak cable car station to the visitor center: 40 CNY (approximately $6 USD)

🧗 Hiking Routes:

1. North Up, West Down (about 6 hours):

   • Take the cable car to North Peak, then hike from North Peak to Central Peak (中峰), East Peak (东峰), South Peak (南峰), and finally to West Peak. Take the cable car down from West Peak.
   • Suitable for those with good physical fitness as the trail is quite steep.

2. West Up, North Down (about 8 hours):

   • Recommended for a one-day tour. This is the most popular route.
   • Visitor center → shuttle bus to West Peak cable car station → cable car up to West Peak → hike to South Peak, East Peak, Central Peak, North Peak → cable car down from North Peak.
   • The route is mostly downhill after South Peak, so it's easier on the knees. Consider wearing knee pads.

3. Hiking (about 10 hours):

   • Start at Yuquan Yuan (玉泉院) and hike up the ancient Huashan trail.
   • This route is about 10 hours and is often done overnight to catch the sunrise. It’s a challenging route, requiring good endurance and fitness.

🌟 Essential Items:

1. Gloves, hat, and sunglasses - great for photos!
2. Snacks and hot water - though food is available along the way.
3. High-energy foods like chocolate, energy bars, and beef jerky.
4. Warm clothing for night hikes as it can get windy.
5. Comfortable shoes for hiking.

Tips: 1️⃣ Each peak has many "Huashan Sword Debate" (华山论剑) inscriptions. Don't wait in line at one spot; just move to the next. 2️⃣ The famous Changkong Plank Trail (长空栈道) is between South Peak and East Peak, and the Yaozi Fanshen (鹞子翻身) is on East Peak. Both are thrilling and not to be missed by adventurers. 3️⃣ Check the weather before your trip as it’s crucial for a good hiking experience.

💦 Xi'an City 1-Day Itinerary: 📍Huashan North Station (华山北站) > Xi'an North Station (西安北站) > hotel > Bell Tower (钟楼) > Drum Tower (鼓楼) > Xi'an City Wall (西安城墙) > Muslim Quarter (回民街) (Food Street). We skipped the Terracotta Army due to the crowd.

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

• Tickets and cable cars: 420 CNY (approximately $58 USD) per person
• Accommodation: 400 CNY (approximately $56 USD) for 1 night
• Food: 200 CNY (approximately $28 USD) for 2 days
• Transportation: 100 CNY (approximately $14 USD)

Total Estimated Cost: 1,120 CNY (approximately $156 USD)

Note: Costs may vary depending on meals, accommodation, and travel time.