⛰️ Mount Huashan West Peak | “Lotus Flower Summit” – Sacred Beauty in Stone 🇨🇳🌸🗻

📝 1. Overview
West Peak (西峰)—also known as Lotus Peak (莲花峰)—is one of the five iconic summits of Mount Huashan (华山), celebrated for its elegant shape, smooth granite cliffs, and mythological significance. Standing at 2,086 meters (6,843 ft), West Peak is famed for its serene atmosphere, dramatic cliff edges, and ties to Taoist legends. It’s often the starting or ending point for visitors using the West Peak cable car, and a favorite for those seeking beauty with less physical intensity than the main ridge hikes.

🌟 2. Highlights
🌸 Lotus-Like Shape – The peak’s rounded formation resembles a blooming lotus, symbolizing purity and enlightenment
🛕 Cuiyun Palace (翠云宫) – A Taoist temple dedicated to the Immortal Daughter (仙女)
⛰️ Stone-Carved Immortal Bridge (仙人桥) – A narrow natural stone bridge said to be built by immortals
🪷 Peach Garden Ridge Trail – Connects West Peak to the other summits with dramatic drop-offs and scenic ridgelines
🌅 Sunset Views – West Peak’s western face offers one of the best sunset spots on Huashan
🎑 Legend of the Immortal’s Sword – Said to be the place where a deity split the mountain with a blade

💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
📷 At the edge of the lotus rock outcrop facing the sky
📷 Beside the Cuiyun Temple with hanging red prayer ribbons
📷 Looking east from Immortal Bridge toward the other peaks
🕐 Best time:
☀️ Late morning for bright views, or late afternoon for sunset photography
🎫 West Peak is included in Huashan scenic ticket (元160), with additional fee for West Peak Cable Car (元140 one-way)
🎒 Bring layers, water, and sturdy shoes—cliff paths can be narrow and windy
📿 Expect fewer crowds than North/East, and a more meditative vibe

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Rest with a View

1. West Peak Pavilion Teahouse (西峰茶亭)
   🍵 Local tea and instant meals
   📍 Right on West Peak viewing platform
   🕒 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   🌸 Best for sunset sipping
2. Cuiyun Temple Snack Stall
   🥟 Simple buns, boiled eggs, hot water
   📍 Inside temple courtyard
   🕒 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
3. West Cable Car Station Café
   🍜 Noodles, packaged snacks, drinks
   📍 At cable car exit
   🕒 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   🧃 Great refueling stop before hiking onward

🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Around West Peak
🛕 Cuiyun Palace Area – Historical temple, prayer ribbons, scenic viewpoint
🪜 Peach Ridge Path Entrance – Hike north to South or East Peak
🌉 Immortal Bridge Lookout – Narrow, legendary spot with incredible views
🧘 Quiet Meditation Zones – Small stone platforms off main trail for rest and reflection

🚗 5. Access
📍 From Xi’an
🚄 High-speed train from Xi’an North → Huashan North (~35 min)
🚕 Taxi/shuttle to Huashan Visitor Center → West Cable Car entrance
📍 By Cable Car
🚠 Take West Peak Cable Car directly to summit (~20 min)
📍 Hiking Access
🚶 From South Peak or East Peak along connecting ridges (2–3 hrs)
🛏️ Stay at mountain guesthouses (East/West ridges) or Huayin town hotels

West Peak is the flower of Huashan—a place of graceful cliffs, spiritual legends, and sunset serenity, where every breeze feels like the breath of the Tao. 🌸⛰️🌅

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