The Soldiers' Trail is the traditional full ascent of Mount Huashan, climbing more than 6,000 stone steps from the Yuquan Yuan gate at the mountain's base to North Peak, gaining roughly 1,500 m over 8–10 km. The path is entirely stone-cut, winding through narrow gorges and past the historic Thousand-Foot Precipice and Hundred-Foot Crevice sections, where the steps steepen sharply and iron chains bolted into the rock provide hand support. There is no technical scrambling required, but the sheer number of steps and the exposed, near-vertical sections make it a genuinely demanding climb rather than a casual walk. Most hikers budget four to six hours for the ascent and three to four for the descent, though many choose to walk up and take the North Peak cable car back down to save time and knee strain. Small vendors sell water, snacks, and basic supplies at intervals along the lower and mid sections, but these thin out higher up, so carrying enough water for the full climb is essential. The trailhead is reached via a roughly 30–40 minute high-speed train ride from Xi'an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station, followed by a shuttle bus to the scenic area gate. Climbing before dawn to catch sunrise from one of the upper peaks is a popular but physically demanding option that requires a flashlight or headlamp and careful footing on the dark stone steps.
| Distance | 8–10 km (~5–6 miles) one-way, gaining roughly 1,500 m over 6,000-plus stone steps to North Peak |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–6 hours up, 3–4 hours down |
| Difficulty | expert |
| Trailhead | High-speed train from Xi'an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station (about 30–40 minutes), then a shuttle bus to the scenic area entrance and Yuquan Yuan trailhead |
| Best season | April–June, September–November |
| Address | Yuquan Yuan Trailhead, Huashan Scenic Area, Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi 714299 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yuquan Yuan trailhead, Huayin, Shaanxi
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Gloves for the chain-assisted steep sections
- Trekking poles
- Plenty of water (limited vendors along the ascent)
Weather through the year in Shaanxi
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Shaanxi.
Location
Yuquan Yuan Trailhead, Huashan Scenic Area, Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi 714299
34.4830, 110.0830 View on map
Highlights
- The traditional 6,000-plus stone-step ascent to North Peak
- Thousand-Foot Precipice and Hundred-Foot Crevice, the trail's steepest historic sections
- Option to combine the climb up with a cable car descent to save time
- Fast high-speed rail connection of about 30–40 minutes from Xi'an North Station
Tips for visiting
- Carry more water than seems necessary; vendors thin out on the upper sections
- Consider hiking up and taking the North Peak cable car down to reduce knee strain
- Wear gloves for the chain-assisted steep stretches near the Thousand-Foot Precipice
- Start early to avoid the midday heat and the heaviest crowds on the narrow stone steps
- Bring a headlamp if attempting a pre-dawn climb for sunrise at the peaks
When to visit
Weekday mornings in April–June or September–November offer the clearest conditions; a pre-dawn start suits those aiming for a sunrise summit.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; the entire route is stone steps with significant elevation gain.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Soldiers' Trail?
It is physically demanding — over 6,000 stone steps gaining roughly 1,500 m — but not technical; fitness and stamina matter more than climbing skill.
Can I take the cable car instead of hiking the whole way?
Yes, many hikers climb the Soldiers' Trail up and take the North Peak cable car back down, or vice versa, to shorten the physical demand of a full round trip.
How do I get to the trailhead from Xi'an?
A high-speed train from Xi'an North Railway Station to Huashan North Station takes about 30–40 minutes, followed by a shuttle bus to the Yuquan Yuan trailhead.