We're Here!
Congratulations, you've made it to your destination! What is it? An ancient tea house so beautifully well preserved that it's worth the journey.
The Most Dangerous Trail on Earth
Yes, it's possible to risk your life and take this trail. Read on
The Journey Begins
This trail starts with "The Heavenly Stairs" so named because they go up far enough to get you to heaven -- or at least part way up Mount Huashan, the Chinese mountain where our journey begins.
Look Around
Need a breather? Stop and look at the towns that sprung up around the trail -- probably to take in tired tourists.
Up And Up
You'll need more than a few breaks on the way up.
Up Up And Away
Then, right when you can't climb anymore, there's a death-defying gondola ride. It's a good place to catch your breath -- clinging on for dear life doesn't require much energy.
Wall Hug
Speaking of clinging, you better hold tight once you get off the gondola. This rickety wall-hugging trail is the only way forward from here.
Be Careful
The only way to pass someone coming the other way is to back up to the nearest landing, step off (hang on) and let the other person by.
Don't Get Lost
Not only is this path treacherous, it's confusing. There are tons of forks and branches so it's super easy to get lost -- on the side of a mountain -- thousands of feet up -- in the middle of China.
Up Some More
Thought the horizontal path was terrifying? Now it's time to go up -- with only toe holds and chains to keep you hanging on.
More Stairs
Hope you still have some energy left. There's lots more stairs: so steep and dangerous that you'll start to miss the "Stairway to Heaven".
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