Three Sacred Mountains of China to Visit in October
China's Golden Week offers seven days of vacation. Chinese and expatriates who wish to make the most of these days off can then discover at least three of China's great sacred mountains.
China's Golden Week offers seven days of vacation. Chinese and expatriates who wish to make the most of these days off can then discover at least three of China's great sacred mountains.
October remains a very mild month in China and highly favorable for mountain hiking. You will appreciate the scent of pines, the orange rainbow that paints the trees in autumn hues, and the song of birds. With a bit of luck, you might spot a few wild species hurriedly preparing their winter homes. Autumn in China is a wonderful season that offers mountains an entirely different nature to explore.
Mount Taishan (泰山), Shandong Province
Mount Taishan has long been a place of meditation and inspiration for Chinese artists and writers. The sacred Mount Tai houses artistic masterpieces in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Taishan is among the most famous mountains in China and has long been the symbol of ancient China's beliefs. Nearly 72 emperors are said to have climbed to the summit to receive "heavenly" authority to rule their people.
A legend says that those who climb to the summit of Mount Taishan will live to be 100 years old.
Taishan is today a sacred site that houses nearly 22,000 temples across its 25,000 hectares. While preserved and protected, Mount Taishan offers visitors a cable car and a staircase of 6,600 steps to reach the summit. This unveils one of the most beautiful panoramas in China.
How to get there: Take the train from Beijing or Nanjing to Tai'An (approximately 2 hours travel time). From the station, take a taxi to the base of the mountain (approximately 45 minutes drive).
Mount HuaShan (华山), Shanxi Province
Considered the highest of China's five sacred mountains, Mount HuaShan has been an important pilgrimage destination. Located east of Xian, Mount HuaShan is primarily known as "the dangerous mountain".
The ascent can be done in different ways. A cable car has been installed to allow quick access to the various peaks. For the more daring, there are two trails with kilometers of hiking to the summit. These trails present fairly dangerous sections that can now be bypassed with easier access and more secure facilities.
Many tourists prefer to climb at night to watch the sunrise in the early morning. It is possible to stay overnight in hotels or under tents. The accessible viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas, and the soldier's trail offers an unforgettable experience.
How to get there: Located just over 120 km from Xian, you can take the bus for approximately 22 yuan per person for 2 hours of travel. The first bus departs at 7 a.m. By train, it takes approximately 30 minutes to Hua Shan station. The mountain is accessible by taxi for approximately 20 yuan.
Mount Song (嵩山), Henan
Mount Song is composed of several mountains in Henan province. Legendary home of the Shaolin temple, birthplace of kung fu, many students come to practice this martial art. Unlike other sacred mountains, no specific itinerary is designated, and most tourists come to see Shaolin temple and watch students in action.
A "pagoda forest" emerges outside the temple and constitutes one of the important tourist attractions of this site. This cemetery, where nearly 245 pagodas stand, will immerse you in a particular atmosphere.
Climbing the mountain is not difficult and can even be very pleasant. The views may not be as impressive as those from Mount Taishan and Mount HuaShan, but the hike is very enjoyable, especially for couples with children. The vegetation is very lush and will allow you to get some fresh air after days spent in the city.
Note that it is possible to descend Mount Song by rappelling or rock climbing for the more adventurous among you.
How to get there: The mountain is somewhat difficult to reach, located between the cities of Luoyang and Zhengzhou. A bus or taxi (300-400 yuan round trip) can take you to the city of Deng Feng (登封).
From Zhengzhou, a bus departs every 25 minutes to Deng Feng. Then you can take a bus or minivan that will take you directly to Shaolin in 30 minutes.
From Luoyang, you can take a bus opposite the station that goes directly to Shaolin in 2 hours of travel. From Beijing or Xian, there is a night train that stops in Zhengzhou. Be aware that these destinations can be popular with Chinese tourists during the Golden Week period... If you wish to avoid crowds, discover our article on places to visit to avoid crowds during the Golden Week.
Frequently asked questions
Autumn, and particularly October, is ideal for visiting China's sacred mountains. The temperatures are mild, the vegetation takes on magnificent orange tones, and hiking conditions are optimal. However, be mindful of Golden Week (October 1-7) when sites are heavily frequented by Chinese tourists.
Mount HuaShan is regarded as one of the most perilous hikes in the world, particularly its famous soldier's trail (wooden planks fixed to the cliff face). Safety measures (mandatory harnesses on the most exposed sections) have been implemented. Inexperienced hikers can opt for the cable car or standard trails, which are less risky but equally spectacular.
Yes, absolutely. Shaolin temple is directly accessible without requiring the full ascent of Mount Song. A bus from Zhengzhou or Luoyang will drop you at the site entrance. You can enjoy kung-fu demonstrations, the forest of 245 pagodas, and the temple's historic buildings without any strenuous effort.
Golden Week (October 1-7) is the busiest time of year at Chinese tourist sites. To avoid crowds, prioritize early morning hours or the last days of the holiday week. Another option is to visit lesser-known alternative sites. Check our dedicated article on places to visit to avoid crowds during Golden Week.
Entrance fees vary by site and change regularly. As a rough guide, Mount Taishan entrance was around 125 yuan and HuaShan around 180 yuan (excluding cable car). It is advisable to check current official rates before your visit, as these amounts may have changed since this article was written in 2014.
