China's spectacular mountain landscapes attract the professional climber and wide-eyed adventurer alike. Serious climbers are drawn to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to scale the challenging summit of Mt. Everest -known as Mt. Qomolongma in China- the tallest peak in the world. Pilgrims naturally gravitate to China's Five Sacred Mountain Peaks, which Han Emperor Wu Di declared sacred in the 2nd century BC.

China's Five Sacred Mountain Peaks

? Tai Shan, mountain of the east, Shandong province, 1545 meters.
? Heng Shan Bei, mountain of the north, Shanxi province, 2017 meters.
? Hua Shan, mountain of the west, Shanxi province, 1997 meters.
? Heng Shan Nan, mountain of the south, Hunanprovince, 1290 meters.
? Song Shan, mountain of the center, Henan province, 1494 meter

The most famous mountains in China

MT. TAISHAN: 43 miles south of Jinan, Shangdong Province and 354 miles south of Beijing. The easternmost East Sacred Mountain -5,068 feet above sea level- offers a challenging climb, somewhat aided by thousands of ancient carved steps. Rich in historic relics and steale, ancient pine stands highlight the magnificent scenes.

MT. HUASHAN: Mt. Huashan is 75 miles east of Xian in Shaanxi Province. The West Sacred Mountain -7,216 feet above sea level- is famous for its steep and risky ascent - a climb known to traditional China as the -most perilous under heaven-.

MT. HENGSHAN: South of Datong in Shanxi Province. This North Sacred Mountain is rich in historic sites. The most spectacular attraction is the breathtaking 1,400-year-old Hanging Temple, built clinging to the edge of a precipice that overlooks a valley far below.

MT. HENGSHAN: Located 225 miles south of Changsha in Hunan Province. Famous for its marvellous scenery and magnificent Buddhist temples, many regard Hengshan as the most beautiful mountain in South China.

MT. SONGSHAN: Located 47 miles southwest of Zhengzhou in Henan Province. The Middle Sacred Mountain -4,959 feet above sea level- is famous for the 72 temples on the 72 slopes. The Shaolin Temple, apart from being the cradle of the Chan -Zen- Sect of Buddhism in China, is popular for its historic role in the development of Chinese martial arts known as Wu Gong.

MT. HUANGSHAN: Located 750 miles south of Beijing in Anhui Province. The only mountain that is listed in China’s Top Ten Scenic Spots is Mt. Huangshan, which has been worshipped since ancient times for its unique beauty. Declared by the World Tourism Organization as a -Cultural and Natural Heritage- of the world, it offers an ideal place for seekers of antiquity as well as for novelty explorers. Some peaks reach up to 5,900 feet high. The scenery is renowned for its dramatic changes from hour to hour and through the seasons. There is a cable-car service, and the paved paths are well maintained. And there is an airport serving the tourist to this scenic spot.

MT. LUSHAN: Mt. Lushan is a unique mountain resort located in the eastern province of Jiangxi. Hanyang Peak, towering majestically above the Yangtze River and Boyang Lake, is perpetually shrouded in mist. Caves, floral paths, waterfalls, cliffs and gardens all present lyrical wonders. Villas and hotels of various architectural styles built over the past century promise a comfortable stay.

THE JINGGANG MOUNTAINS: The Jinggang Mountains, also in Jiangxi, are admired as a historic locale, famous as the starting point for Mao’s Long March in 1934. Now a scenic mountain resort, the mountains offer beautiful views with bountiful waterfalls and countless caves.

WUYI MOUNTAIN: Wuyi Mountain lures rafting enthusiasts. Located in north-western Fujian Province, the scenery here has been compared to that of Guilin. The place has been developed into a National Tourist Resort.

THE CHANGBAI MOUNTAINS: Skiers may opt for the snowy slopes of the Changbai Mountains amidst the Korean-populated eastern region of Jilin Province.

MT. MOGAM: Mt. Mogam, a well-known summer resort Hangzhou, offers acres of waterfalls, bamboo-laced forests, and dozens of caves for exploring.
XIQIAO MOUNTAIN: Xiqiao Mountain in Quangdong Province has become a popular resort for vacationing Hong Kong families.

WUDANG MOUNTAIN: Wudang Mountain, in Hubei Province near Wuhan, has been an important Taoist centre since the Ming Dynasty. Eight palaces and dozens of temples decorate its winding mountain path, leading to the glittering Golden Hall.