Mountain Huashan Plank Trail
Mountain Huashan Plank Trail
4.5
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4.5
118 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
16
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
7
GrantWalker61
Preston, UK7 contributions
July 2018 • Family
This is a place not to be missed. We stopped in Xi'an and travelled there and back in the day. You can catch the bullet train to Huashan North Railway station, it takes about 40 mins and costs approx 50RMB. Set off early in the morning as it will get busy, we got the 7.30am train and didn't actually get to the plank trail until 12.00pm. When you get to Huashan there are taxi drivers to take you to the park. Ours diverted us to a nearby village to get us to buy our tickets there to avoid the queues. i could tel it was a scam and so told them to take us straight to the park. If they do that to you, do not buy the tickets, I have heard about this before, whilst they look genuine, if you buy them, you will only find out they're fake when the about 15 mins after being dropped off and the taxi will be well away by then. TAKE PLENTY OF CASH it is all pay out on this trip. You have to pay to get into the park, approx 40RMB, then you have catch a bus to the cable car. When you get out of the bus you have to walk up a few hundred steps and pay for the cable car approx 180RMB one way. When you get out of the cable car you have approx 1 hour of walking up steep steps, it seems like a never ending hike up a hill, but it is worth it - please persevere. When at the top you start to queue for the plank trail, it is amazing and a once in a lifetime experience. It is the sort of walk that you will see on a crazy website in a few years and you can say - I did that. When you are done, you pay for the cable car back down, then the bus across the park and then back to the station via a bus or taxi. Its was a long day but i would do it again. You must remember the follow:
WEAR COMFY TRAINERS OR WALKING SHOES
TAKE PLENTY OF CASH
TAKE PLENTY OF WATER IF YOU ARE GOING IN THE SUMMER
SET OFF EARLY UNLESS YOU LIKE LOTS OF QUEUEING
WEAR COMFY TRAINERS OR WALKING SHOES
TAKE PLENTY OF CASH
TAKE PLENTY OF WATER IF YOU ARE GOING IN THE SUMMER
SET OFF EARLY UNLESS YOU LIKE LOTS OF QUEUEING
Written 13 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
St. Andrews, UK1,610 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
It's been on my bucket list since I first saw a photo of it and boy it didn't let me down !
As you go down that ladder to the actual plank it is terrifying. You get down to find there is no plank but just footholds cut out of the sheer rock face. By the time you get to the plank it seems easy !
The next shock for me was that it is a two way path and the first person you pass when you are on the outside scares the living daylight's out of you.
I did it on a beautiful sunny but very cold day so the scenery was absolutely stunning. I didn't wear gloves and it wasn't a problem and made taking photos easier.
I am not convinced those harnesses would save anyone but they do make you feel better !
Good luck - you will remember it forever and you will get more likes on Facebook than you got for the birth of your child :-)
As you go down that ladder to the actual plank it is terrifying. You get down to find there is no plank but just footholds cut out of the sheer rock face. By the time you get to the plank it seems easy !
The next shock for me was that it is a two way path and the first person you pass when you are on the outside scares the living daylight's out of you.
I did it on a beautiful sunny but very cold day so the scenery was absolutely stunning. I didn't wear gloves and it wasn't a problem and made taking photos easier.
I am not convinced those harnesses would save anyone but they do make you feel better !
Good luck - you will remember it forever and you will get more likes on Facebook than you got for the birth of your child :-)
Written 20 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Srikanth P
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia32 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
The plank walk has an amazing views,but this isn't for faint heart. Know that this is about max 1 Km path (Assuming one way is 500 Meters).
Follow the link,You can see me do "The World Most Dangerous Plank Walk in Xi'an,China",this will give fair Idea on what you are about to attempt.
https://youtu.be/d7rayZ5Nl0w
Suggested Route:
a) Book your Bullet Train Tickets Two Ways from Xian North Station to HuaShan (110 RMB Two ways),use below website
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/
b) Once to arrive Huashan Train Station (30 Min).Hire taxi at 20 RMB,diver will help you get
1.Entrance Ticket (Total 180 RMB)
2.Two Way Cable Car to West Peak (Total 280 RMB)
3.Bus from Ticket Office to Cable Car Entrance (Total 80 RMB two ways)
c)Ticket Office to Cable Car Entrance (40 Min)
d)Cable Car Entrance to West Peak Cable Car (30 Min),look for sign board "West Peak" then go "South Peak" summit then "Plank Walk on Sky"
e)West Peak to Plank Walk on Sky takes about 1 Hr 15 Min (Assuming we take good breaks)
f)Plank Walk on Sky one way (max 30 min),return on same path another 30 Min,so max 1 hr for this activity.(40 RMB for equipment Hire)
g)Plank Walk on Sky to West Peak takes about 1 Hr 30 Min (Assuming we take more breaks as you will be tired)
h)West Peak Cable Car to Cable Car Entrance (30 Min)
i)Cable Car Entrance to Ticket Office (40 Min)
j)Ticket Office to Huashan Train Station (10 Min @ 20 RMB Max)
Follow the link,You can see me do "The World Most Dangerous Plank Walk in Xi'an,China",this will give fair Idea on what you are about to attempt.
https://youtu.be/d7rayZ5Nl0w
Suggested Route:
a) Book your Bullet Train Tickets Two Ways from Xian North Station to HuaShan (110 RMB Two ways),use below website
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/
b) Once to arrive Huashan Train Station (30 Min).Hire taxi at 20 RMB,diver will help you get
1.Entrance Ticket (Total 180 RMB)
2.Two Way Cable Car to West Peak (Total 280 RMB)
3.Bus from Ticket Office to Cable Car Entrance (Total 80 RMB two ways)
c)Ticket Office to Cable Car Entrance (40 Min)
d)Cable Car Entrance to West Peak Cable Car (30 Min),look for sign board "West Peak" then go "South Peak" summit then "Plank Walk on Sky"
e)West Peak to Plank Walk on Sky takes about 1 Hr 15 Min (Assuming we take good breaks)
f)Plank Walk on Sky one way (max 30 min),return on same path another 30 Min,so max 1 hr for this activity.(40 RMB for equipment Hire)
g)Plank Walk on Sky to West Peak takes about 1 Hr 30 Min (Assuming we take more breaks as you will be tired)
h)West Peak Cable Car to Cable Car Entrance (30 Min)
i)Cable Car Entrance to Ticket Office (40 Min)
j)Ticket Office to Huashan Train Station (10 Min @ 20 RMB Max)
Written 2 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir249674
Bremerhaven, Germany2 contributions
Mar 2021
No entry for foreigners. Even if it’s by far not the first time it happens in China, it’s still a bad feeling. We tried to talk to the ticket lady as well as called different numbers, no chance and lots of different excuses. Really disappointing.
DO NOT GO THERE!!!
DO NOT GO THERE!!!
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexander S
1 contribution
May 2018 • Friends
!!Attention! The Plank trail is under repairment now.. According to the information we got from the south peak staff, the reconstruction started at may 8th and there is no specific information when it finishes. So call the ticket office to get know if the Plank trail available for visit.. I wish they inform about it on their website and in the ticket office because the Plank trail was our main destination point on the mountain.
Written 14 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi S
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates612 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Before anything: Check weather conditions, they will close the path and the cable car if you go up by car, if the weather is bad. To me , I think the only scary thing on this walk were the people who panic. The path is not too technical, you can do it without hiking gear. Regular athletic shoes will do. They will ask you to leave your back pack at the entrance. DO NOT leave valuables in there, best is, if in a group, let someone from your group guard it while you're doing the walk (depending on how many people are on there between 20 - 40 minutes). There is also an old man who 'guards' the altar at the entrance who will scream at you if you dare to take a pic (I've found the rules of taking photos of Buddhist temples change depending what country and city you are). Anyhow, he is not acting very Buddhist-like, so stay clear of him. They will put a harness on you once you pay ( in a bit of a rough way , at least in my case) , no English. After a short walk you begin descend down very steep metal stairs hammered into the mountain rocks. There is a good chance, you will be stuck there with several others, literally on top of each other. My hook never locked in properly (made in China ? ;) ) , so I being relatively experienced, I did not mind, but I suggest you test your equipment before heading out there, because there is not much room for error if you make a wrong step. The one part that is unnerving is when people pass you coming the opposite way on the cliff walk, I had a good dozen Chinese men and women squeeze themselves between me and the mountain (not AROUND me) with half of my feet hanging over a steep deep abyss. Some of them were bit nervous, so that s when mistakes happen. At the end of the walk there is a little monastery and more beautiful views. On the way back there was not too much traffic, I did a bit of yoga poses on the path to practice balance and just because it was such a great feeling to be up there with all these brill views and the empty space around me and the mountain breeze blowing. It was the highlight of my trip to China. I highly recommend doing this walk if you're to the adventurous side. If you are afraid of heights, I don't think it's a good idea, as you will literally have a steep abyss few inches away from your feet the entire path.
Written 13 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Worldskarma
181 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
This was one reason why i decided to come to China. The walk was always on my bucketlist and a must do in my life, from the first day as I saw it! After such a long time I went up the Mountain and was so happy about that.
But it was closed! A few days before I went up someone jumped down the plank, I guess thats why they closed the path! It makes me angry even now...but on the other hand no one told us that is closed. Down at the tickets office, was no sign ( they have all multilingual) about that.
Well I will come back again to that place and after that I will change my review of course! Amazing place do the walk! BAD WORK from the administration! Enjoy your walk.
But it was closed! A few days before I went up someone jumped down the plank, I guess thats why they closed the path! It makes me angry even now...but on the other hand no one told us that is closed. Down at the tickets office, was no sign ( they have all multilingual) about that.
Well I will come back again to that place and after that I will change my review of course! Amazing place do the walk! BAD WORK from the administration! Enjoy your walk.
Written 10 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sumit A
Ghaziabad, India331 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Not for the faint hearted. I've done sky diving, rode motorcycle on the highest roads, tracherous roads, done highest passes AND THEN the plank road. This is a MUST DO for all adventurers !!
My legs were shaking at the first glimpse of it. Go as early as possible, to avoid queues. And do carry LOTS OF MONEY ( Im Serious.). You'll have to pay for bus from the city to the mountain bus station,
then another bus from Bust Station to the Cable car station, followed by two way cable cars to reach the top.
Plankroad is a brief 10 minutes walk on an average (one way), Deadly yet fulfilling. One of the best things on the planet to make you feel ALIVE !! Before the start of the plank road: there are too many people lined up only to watch [ they don't walk ;) ]
"AND THE BEST PART" : When I did it! all the people lined up ( at least 80-100) to go next congratulated me with applause, whistles, thumbs up and numerous selfies with them ! I can't forget that! Felt like a Celebrity !! Chinese people are great :) :)
USEFUL TIPS / HACKS :
Leave early in the morning.
Ensure you have too much money for the rest of your itinerary.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes.
Plank road is located on the South Peak, which happens to be the highest peak.
Carry bottled water.
Don't rush to finish the plank road, enjoy it.
CONCLUSION :
I've done it once (Twice technically, since you've to turn around and return) BUT considering HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY it demands, I will think if I want to do this again, Probably NOT.
My legs were shaking at the first glimpse of it. Go as early as possible, to avoid queues. And do carry LOTS OF MONEY ( Im Serious.). You'll have to pay for bus from the city to the mountain bus station,
then another bus from Bust Station to the Cable car station, followed by two way cable cars to reach the top.
Plankroad is a brief 10 minutes walk on an average (one way), Deadly yet fulfilling. One of the best things on the planet to make you feel ALIVE !! Before the start of the plank road: there are too many people lined up only to watch [ they don't walk ;) ]
"AND THE BEST PART" : When I did it! all the people lined up ( at least 80-100) to go next congratulated me with applause, whistles, thumbs up and numerous selfies with them ! I can't forget that! Felt like a Celebrity !! Chinese people are great :) :)
USEFUL TIPS / HACKS :
Leave early in the morning.
Ensure you have too much money for the rest of your itinerary.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes.
Plank road is located on the South Peak, which happens to be the highest peak.
Carry bottled water.
Don't rush to finish the plank road, enjoy it.
CONCLUSION :
I've done it once (Twice technically, since you've to turn around and return) BUT considering HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY it demands, I will think if I want to do this again, Probably NOT.
Written 7 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YEHYA_MAYA
Orlando, FL203 contributions
July 2016 • Friends
Get up early and take north xian station to north huashan station, book a guide for 600 yuwan can make ur trip so fast if u dont much time to read map and stop asking people.. Take south peak direction " the highest 7000 ft; and it will lead u directly to the dangerous plank road, enjoy the climbing take great pictures by afternoon u can catch the train back to xian .see attached photos ;))
Written 26 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle W
5 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
A little big adventure with my 12 years old boy, great memory never had so far, for sure will be more in future.
We took high speed train from Xi'an to Mt. Hua, it took only 30 minutes in regards of 1 hours from hotel Westin to Xi'an train station. It was heavy rain that day, lots of guys tried to convince us not climb because of the weather, probably they would like to recommend some other attractions, which results with stupid money. So, do NOT listen or even talk to them, just follow your plan.
Climb under heavy rain was fun, (with property equipments), gloves is a must have for everyone, but missed certain great views due to heavy fog, just like walk in the heaven (hell). Once we arrived east peak, sun come out, everything turn to great/fabulous view. We feel so exciting and just couldn't express with words. All hard climb work pays back.
In the next morning, we went to the most famous view, Sparrow Hawk's Cliff and the deadly sky path- plank trail. It is unbelievable good, only thing I hate, (I did the same thing), people care more picture taking but enjoy the view and walking.
I strongly recommend you go if you don't scare of height.
In general, it cost a lot of cash, prepare at least 1000 RMB per person.
We took high speed train from Xi'an to Mt. Hua, it took only 30 minutes in regards of 1 hours from hotel Westin to Xi'an train station. It was heavy rain that day, lots of guys tried to convince us not climb because of the weather, probably they would like to recommend some other attractions, which results with stupid money. So, do NOT listen or even talk to them, just follow your plan.
Climb under heavy rain was fun, (with property equipments), gloves is a must have for everyone, but missed certain great views due to heavy fog, just like walk in the heaven (hell). Once we arrived east peak, sun come out, everything turn to great/fabulous view. We feel so exciting and just couldn't express with words. All hard climb work pays back.
In the next morning, we went to the most famous view, Sparrow Hawk's Cliff and the deadly sky path- plank trail. It is unbelievable good, only thing I hate, (I did the same thing), people care more picture taking but enjoy the view and walking.
I strongly recommend you go if you don't scare of height.
In general, it cost a lot of cash, prepare at least 1000 RMB per person.
Written 6 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eamonn
Adelaide, Australia
84 contributions
Hello Mike
Was the Plank walk shut for maintenance or permanently? Thanks
Written 25 September 2019
It was recently shut down but reopened this summer. We were there in mid June and it was open and awesome!
Written 25 September 2019
Can anyone answer when will the plank walk open to the public again?
We will go there in the end of May.
Thank you in advance.
Written 5 May 2019
Does anybody know what is the situation in May ? Is the plank road already gone for good ? wanted to do this next week
Written 4 May 2019
It's open it must have been closed for new cable layout first time.i seen on YouTube was 2 clips now is 1 cable loop clip on at start top line it loops back at end onto the lower cable may 16th 2019
Written 21 May 2019
Had any one done the planks recently? Apparently it’s closed so we want to check
Written 19 March 2019
Hi, is it easy enough to get around and find? How much would you also recommend taking for cable car/taxi/enterance and plank walk? Is it worth going or would you recommend going elsewhere? Thank you
Written 9 September 2018
Once you arrive off the cable car/gondola, it’s very well signposted. I would take plenty of money say 750 rmb each. You may not spend all this but there are no cash machines. I would highly recommend going as there is nothing else like this in the world. It’s amazing and you can get some fantastic photos. Just remember to get there early as there will be a lot of queues later in the day
Written 9 September 2018
My wife and I are planning to spend the day hiking at Mount Huashan in late September and we have a few questions.
Here is our planned itinerary-
High Speed Train from Xi’an to Huashan [Shaanxi] North (Leaves @6:26 Arrives @7:04)
Board Green Tourist Bus to Park Entrance
Purchase Tickets for Shuttle and Cable Car to North Peak
Hike from North Peak to Middle Peak to East Peak
Hike Chess Pavilion
Hike Plank Walk (hope there isn’t a huge wait or we would have to skip it)
Hike to South Peak to West Peak
Ride Cable Car Down from West Peak and Shuttle to Visitor Center
Ride Tourist Bus back to Train Station
Take Train from Huashan [Shaanxi] North to Beijing (Last Train Leaves @18:39 Arrives @23:29)
My wife and I both experienced hikers in good shape and we are looking for a full and challenging day on the mountain. However we have a few questions from those who have experience in the area:
#1 - Are there lockers at the Huashan North Train center to leave our bags at? We travel light with just a pack pack and would prefer to leave them there if possible.
#2 - We realize that this is a lot to do in one day, but do you think it’s possible given our train timetable?
#3 - Based on the above plan are there any changes or advice that you would give?
Thanks in advance for all of your insight and help!
Safe and Happy Travels,
~Shaun
Written 30 July 2018
My wife and I are planning to spend the day hiking at Mount Huashan in late September and we have a few questions.
Here is our planned itinerary-
High Speed Train from Xi’an to Huashan [Shaanxi] North (Leaves @6:26 Arrives @7:04)
Board Green Tourist Bus to Park Entrance
Purchase Tickets for Shuttle and Cable Car to North Peak
Hike from North Peak to Middle Peak to East Peak
Hike Chess Pavilion
Hike Plank Walk (hope there isn’t a huge wait or we would have to skip it)
Hike to South Peak to West Peak
Ride Cable Car Down from West Peak and Shuttle to Visitor Center
Ride Tourist Bus back to Train Station
Take Train from Huashan [Shaanxi] North to Beijing (Last Train Leaves @18:39 Arrives @23:29)
My wife and I both experienced hikers in good shape and we are looking for a full and challenging day on the mountain. However we have a few questions from those who have experience in the area:
#1 - Are there lockers at the Huashan North Train center to leave our bags at? We travel light with just a pack pack and would prefer to leave them there if possible.
#2 - We realize that this is a lot to do in one day, but do you think it’s possible given our train timetable?
#3 - Based on the above plan are there any changes or advice that you would give?
Thanks in advance for all of your insight and help!
Safe and Happy Travels,
~Shaun
Written 30 July 2018
Hi Shaun,
I'd put in my two cents. Though I'd definitely ask you to keep open ears to any suggestions others might have.
#1. I found a person providing harness @Plank walk ; keeping luggage with him. He doesn't charge as it is not organised in any way by the govt or authorities. So, people leaving for plank walk kept their luggage with him & collected on the way out.
#2. Yes, it is a lot. Though I met an english couple who stayed at the top for the night; started their day with the sunrise & kept hiking throughout the day hence were able to complete it in a night & a day technically.
#3. Please consider staying in Mount Huashan, though they stay is a little expensive but it will be easier to achieve your objective, this way.
Hope this helps, Travel safe :)
Written 12 August 2018
Hey
How much it cost per person and do I needto bring hraness or I get there?
Thanks
Written 30 June 2018
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