⛰️ Mount Huashan Central Peak | “Jade Maiden Peak” – Grace, Balance & Skyward Views 🇨🇳👸🗻

📝 1. Overview
Central Peak (中峰)—also known as Jade Maiden Peak (玉女峰)—is the most poetic and balanced summit of Mount Huashan’s five main peaks. Rising to 2,075 meters (6,808 ft), it sits between East and South Peaks like a graceful bridge, named after a legendary jade maiden (immortal) who was said to play the zither here under the stars. With its sweeping views, serene atmosphere, and spiritual aura, Central Peak is often seen as the feminine heart of this otherwise rugged mountain.

🌟 2. Highlights
👸 Legend of the Jade Maiden – A mythical goddess-like figure said to have lived and meditated here
🎼 Zither Rock (琴石) – A stone formation believed to resemble a traditional guqin instrument
🌤️ Panoramic Viewpoint – Offers one of the best 360° perspectives of all four surrounding peaks
🌸 Quiet Vibe – Less crowded than South or East Peak, ideal for reflection and photography
⛩️ Mini Taoist Altars & Shrines – Hidden spiritual spots dedicated to harmony and femininity
🧘‍♀️ Balanced Energy – Believed by Taoists to be a zone of yin-yang balance on the mountain

💡 3. Tips
📸 Best photo spots:
📷 Zither Rock at sunrise or dusk
📷 Overlook of all four surrounding summits
📷 Stone steps leading to the final Jade Maiden altar
🕐 Best time: Midday or golden hour for lighting + peaceful experience
🎟️ No separate ticket—Central Peak is connected via trails from East, South, or West Peak
🎒 Bring water and snacks—few vendors along the route
🌬️ Expect strong wind gusts; bring layers

🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Simple Refueling

1. Zither Stone Snack Stand
   🍜 Noodles, boiled eggs, drinks
   📍 Just before final summit steps
   🕒 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2. East Peak Lodge
   🍱 Hearty meals for overnighters
   📍 ~15 min hike from Central Peak
   🕒 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM
3. South Ridge Tea Point
   🍵 Hot drinks and light snacks
   📍 On the trail between South and Central Peak
   🕒 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Explore by Energy
🎼 Zither Rock Zone – Music, myth, and cliff-edge calm
👸 Jade Maiden Shrine – Small altar and stone-carved poems
🌄 Sky Terrace Path – Best for photography and solitude
🧘 Balance Trail – Flat zone perfect for short meditative stops

🚗 5. Access
📍 From Xi’an
🚄 Xi’an North → Huashan North Station (~35 min) → shuttle to base
📍 Reaching Central Peak
🚠 Option 1: West Peak cable car → hike east via South Peak (~1.5 hrs)
🚠 Option 2: North Peak cable car → hike via East Peak (~2.5 hrs)
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Well-paved mountain trails with safety chains and signage
🛏️ Stay at East Peak Lodge or overnight guesthouses on ridge

Central Peak is the soulful summit of Huashan—a place of music, balance, and mountain mysticism, where stone and sky feel like one. 🎼👸⛰️