South Peak, also known as Nanfeng or Luoyan Peak, is the highest point of Mount Huashan, rising to 2,154.9 metres above sea level. It lies in the Huashan area of Huayin City, Weinan, in Shaanxi Province, China, and it is the summit that most visitors to the mountain set out to reach.
What the visit is like
The peak is known above all for its sunrise views. Many people make the climb in the dark so that they reach the top before dawn, and watching the light spread across the surrounding peaks is the reason for much of the journey. Because the summit sits so high, the views stretch well beyond the immediate ridges, and the moment of first light is a memorable one.
The route to the top is not an easy walk. The most talked-about part of the climb is the Changkong Plank Walk, a path that is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world. It is a demanding and exposed section, and it suits visitors who are comfortable with heights and steep, narrow ground.
Planning a trip
- Who it suits: experienced walkers and those drawn to dramatic mountain scenery and early starts.
- Where it is: Huashan, Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province, in north-central China.
- What to expect: a strenuous climb with exposed sections, rewarded by sunrise views from the highest point of the mountain.
Visitors who come to Huashan usually build their day around the mountain, and the town of Huayin is the practical base for reaching it. If you are considering South Peak, allow time for the climb and for the descent, and go prepared for steep, exposed ground.
