The Five Great Mountains of China

 

Have you ever heard of The Five Great Mountains of China? They play an important role in Chinese religion. Being the place where emperors throughout centuries have used it as a sacrifice ceremony. Let’s takes a closer look at each of these mountains.

 

Why Chinese people name The Five Great Mountains Wuyue (五岳)?

Wuyue (五岳) is the Chinese name of The Five Great Mountains in Chinese Han culture. It is all about the ancient folk reverence to the god, the concept of the Five Elements, and where the imperial used to do the worship.

 

 

The following five mountains are arranged according to the five cardinal directions of Chinese geomancy, which also includes the center as a direction.

 

 

Nowadays, it is still a pilgrimage for many travelers to climb all five mountains. The mountains are popular tourist attractions and are well developed featuring good tourist and transport services.

 

 

Mount Tai (泰山) – Eastern

In Mount Tai, there are more than 7,200 steps leading you to the top of the Jade Emperor Peak which is the tallest peak in the area with 1,545 meters high. Along the way, you can not only find carvings of prayers on the rock but also a number of temples. Watching the sunrise on the eastern top of the mountain while overlooking the surrounding areas is definitely a must.

Elevation: 1545m (5069ft)

Location: Taian City, Shandong Province

Best Travel Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Impression: Enjoy the cultural experience, nice for hiking, breathtaking view

 

 

 

 

Mount Hua (华山) – Western

Mount Hua is a very challenging mountain, it is quite steep on almost every route. Therefore there are some places with iron chains on the two sides of the stairs to keep the climbers safe. Besides, there are over 20 Taoist temples and 72 half-hanging Taoist caves where you can learn Chinese religious culture.

Elevation: 2154.9m (7079ft)

Location: Weinan City, Shaanxi Province

Best Travel Time: Autumn

Impression: Adventure Hike, astonishing landscape

 

 

 

 

Mount Heng (衡山) – Southern

While visiting Mount Heng, you will be enchanted by the beautiful scenery and the magic of nature. At the foot of the mountain stands the largest temple in southern China, the Grand Temple of Hengshan Mountain, which is the largest group of ancient buildings in Hunan Province.

Elevation: 1300.2m (4266ft)

Location: Hengyang City, Hunan Province

Best Travel Time: April – October

Impression: Excellent misty view with fresh air

 

 

 

Mount Song (嵩山) – Center

As the highest mountain among the Sacred Five Mountains of China, the essence of the Mount Song trip is the Shaolin Temple. Besides the mountain, there are many caves, pools, and waterfalls which provides you with a wonderful experience.

Elevation: 1512m (4961ft)

Location: Zhengzhou City, Henan Province

Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn

Impression: Stunning scenery, great combined of hiking and meditation

 

 

 

Mount Heng (恒山) – North

Mount Heng is famous for steep ridges, splendid peaks, exotic-shaped temples, and gushing fountains. Clinging to a crag of Hengshan mountain, in apparent defiance of gravity, it consists of 40 rooms linked by a dizzying maze of passageways.

Elevation: 2016.1m (6615ft)

Location: Datong City, Shanxi Province

Best Travel Time: April – October

Impression: Lots of steps for hiking

 

 

 

Definitely now you know more about the Five Great Mountains of China. Let us visit many destinations during your stay in China. If you have any questions, please feel free to chat with our travel consultants!