The western mountain of the Sacred Mountains of China, Mount Huashan is believed to be the home of the god of the underworld. Because of its inaccessible cliffs, the mountain was not as popular within China for pilgrimages, but local and imperial pilgrims from as early as 100AD still visited this mountain to pay their respects.

The mountain has been known as one of the world's most dangerous hikes. However, owing to the surge of tourists, the local government has made many modern upgrades along the way, with rougher routes being closed off now. The mountain was also very popular for those in search of immortality, as many rare and potent medicinal herbs were said to be found here.