Mount Huashan closes due to heavy, sustained rainfall

Starting from Sunday at noon, the Mount Huashan scenic area in the northwestern province of Shaanxi was partially closed due to heavy, sustained rainfall.

The main peak and Xianyu ("fairy valley") scenic spots will be closed for safety reasons, the management committee of Mount Huashan scenic area said.

Heavy rain started to hit the area Saturday, with total precipitation exceeding 60 mm as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday. The rainfall will last until Thursday and could cause landslides and mudslides, according to local meteorological authorities.

The reopening of the site will depend on weather conditions.

Huashan is one of China's five most famous scenic mountains and is known for its steep and perilous peaks.