Huashan Mountain is surrounded by clouds and fog. [Photo/Xinhua]

Historical documents show that many celebrated personages have left their footprints on the mountain. More than 4,000 years ago, the Yellow Emperor and sagely kings Yao and Shun all offered sacrifices to Mount Hua. Rulers of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties of 3,000 years ago would pray on Mount Hua every year.

Although Mount Hua has two cable car lines, visitors are advised to climb the mountain on foot. Most of its scenic spots can be seen along the popular Huashanyu (Huashan Gorge) hiking trail, an expansion of the path that was for millennia the sole trail up the mountain.