XI'AN, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- The scenic area of Mount Huashan has been temporarily closed due to snow, the Huashan tourism group announced.

The management group said the closure is to ensure the safety of tourists.

Mount Huashan, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, is one of China's five most famous scenic mountains and is known for its steep and perilous peaks.

The first snow of the new year hit much of east and central China.