Yuelu Mountain is located in Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province. As the terminal peak of the 72 peaks of Nanyue Hengshan, it stands at an altitude of 300.8 meters and covers a total area of 35.20 square kilometers. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national key scenic spot. The scenic area integrates natural landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage, with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. It features renowned attractions such as the thousand-year-old Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, and Lushan Temple. The mountain is home to 977 plant species belonging to 559 genera and 174 families, including 17 national key protected wild plant species, making it a "natural oxygen bar" and cultural landmark in urban Changsha.
Historical Culture
Yuelu Mountain has a long history. Since the Western Han Dynasty, it has been a gathering place for literati. Before the Western Jin Dynasty, Taoists practiced here. After Buddhism was introduced, Lushan Temple was established, forming a pattern of coexistence between Buddhism and Taoism. In the Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi lectured here, making Yuelu Academy one of the four great academies in China. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, thinkers like Wang Fuzhi and Wei Yuan were active here. In modern times, revolutionary martyrs such as Huang Xing and Cai E were buried here, making Yuelu Mountain an important carrier of Huxiang culture and revolutionary history.
The scenic area preserves numerous historical relics, such as Lushan Temple built in the Tang Dynasty, Yuelu Academy in the Song Dynasty, and Aiwan Pavilion in the Qing Dynasty. These buildings are not only examples of ancient Chinese architecture but also witness the development of Huxiang culture. In 1983, Yuelu Mountain was announced as a key scenic spot in Hunan Province. In 2012, it was rated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction, and in 2017, it was listed as a national scenic spot.
Main Attractions
Yuelu Academy
Located at the foot of Yuelu Mountain, it is one of the four great ancient academies in China. Founded in 976 (the 9th year of Kaibao in the Northern Song Dynasty), the existing buildings feature Ming and Qing architectural styles, covering an area of 21,000 square meters. The main buildings include the Front Gate, Second Gate, Lecture Hall, and Imperial Book Tower. The academy preserves 13 ancient inscriptions and more than 10 rare ancient trees, making it the largest and best-preserved academy complex in China.
Aiwan Pavilion
Situated in Qingfeng Gorge of Yuelu Mountain, it was first built in 1792 (the 57th year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty), originally named Hongye (Red Leaf) Pavilion. It was later renamed after the poem "I stop my carriage to admire the maple woods at dusk" by Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu. The pavilion features double eaves, eight columns, and glazed green tiles, with upturned eaves, covering an area of 50 square meters. Surrounded by maple forests, it is one of the best spots for autumn maple viewing in Changsha.
Lushan Temple
Located halfway up Yuelu Mountain, it is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Hunan. Founded in 268 (the 4th year of Taishi in the Western Jin Dynasty), the existing buildings were reconstructed in 1984, covering an area of about 4,000 square meters. Main buildings include the Mountain Gate, Maitreya Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Guanyin Pavilion. The temple preserves the "Lushan Temple Stele" written by Li Yong of the Tang Dynasty, a treasure in calligraphy history.
Huang Xing's Tomb
Located at the foot of Yunlu Peak in Yuelu Mountain, it is the tomb of Huang Xing, a leader of the 1911 Revolution. The tomb covers an area of 1,913 square meters, accessed by three layers of stone steps. The tomb mound is hemispherical, about 10 meters high, with a tombstone inscribed with "Tomb of Huang Xing". Surrounded by pine and cypress trees, it is a key cultural relic protection unit in Hunan Province.
Yunlu Palace
Perched on the summit of Yuelu Mountain, it is a Taoist temple founded in 1478 (the 14th year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty). The existing buildings were reconstructed in 1973, covering an area of about 5,000 square meters, including the Front Hall, Middle Hall, and Rear Hall. In front of the palace is Feilai Stone, offering a panoramic view of Changsha. It is one of the "72 Blessed Lands" in Taoism.
Delicacies
Stinky Tofu
Lushan South Road at the foot of Yuelu Mountain is a famous snack street in Changsha. The stinky tofu here is crispy outside and tender inside, with rich sauce. "Black Classic" and "Luo Ji Stinky Tofu" are recommended. The former uses a secret family recipe for pickling, while the latter's sauce is made from more than 20 spices, priced at about 10 yuan per serving.
Sugar Oil Baba
Another specialty snack on Lushan South Road, made from glutinous rice, fried and coated with sugar syrup, featuring a soft and sweet taste. "Li Gongmiao Sugar Oil Baba", with a century-old production process, is recommended, priced at about 5 yuan per serving.
Yuelu Mountain Braised Pork
A signature dish at restaurants around the scenic area, such as "Yuelu Mountain Restaurant", made from local free-range pork and paired with Douchi (fermented soybeans) from the Liuyang River. Slowly stewed, the meat is fatty but not greasy, melting in the mouth, priced at about 58 yuan per serving.
Rice Noodles
A breakfast staple for Changsha people. "Heji Noodle Shop" on Lushan South Road is a time-honored brand. Its beef noodles use yellow beef, with soup bases boiled from beef bones for over 8 hours. The noodles are smooth and chewy, priced at about 15 yuan per serving.
Tickets
Free admission, requiring advance reservation. Some projects in the scenic area require separate fees.
Search for the official WeChat public account "岳麓山 橘子洲旅游区" to get the latest updates or make online reservations.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24/7. Yuelu Academy is open from 7:30 to 18:00. Sightseeing buses and cable cars operate from 8:30 to 17:30.
Tour Route
Recommended one-day tour route: Enter the scenic area from Dongfanghong Square. First visit Yuelu Academy to understand the historical origin of Huxiang culture, then walk to Aiwan Pavilion to enjoy the maple scenery, proceed to Lushan Temple to experience Buddhist culture, climb to Yunlu Palace to overlook the panoramic view of Changsha, take a sightseeing bus or cable car downhill, and finally taste specialty snacks on Lushan South Road. The entire route takes about 5-6 hours with a walking distance of about 8 kilometers.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Changsha Metro Line 4 to Hunan University Station, exit from Gate 2, and walk about 10 minutes to the east gate of the scenic area.
- Bus: Take buses 63, 106, 132, 202, 315, 318, 356, 902, 903, 908 to Yuelu Mountain North Bus Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the north gate of the scenic area.
- Self-driving: There are parking lots around the scenic area, such as Yuelu Mountain Parking Lot and Xinmin Society Former Site Parking Lot, with a charging standard of 10 yuan per hour. Parking is tight during holidays, so green travel is recommended.
Must-See Attractions
- Yuelu Academy: One of the four great ancient academies in China, preserving numerous Ming and Qing buildings and ancient inscriptions, a must-visit to understand Huxiang culture.
- Aiwan Pavilion: One of the four famous pavilions in China. In autumn, the maple leaves turn red, making it a landmark of Changsha and a popular photo spot.
- Yunlu Palace: Located at the summit of Yuelu Mountain, offering a bird's-eye view of Changsha. It is an important place for Taoist culture and a great spot for mountain climbing and sightseeing.
Tour Tips
- In spring (March-May), you can enjoy azalea blossoms; in autumn (October-November), it's the best time for maple viewing. Bring a camera to capture the beauty.
- The scenic area has many mountain paths, so wear comfortable sports shoes. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter.
- Yuelu Academy offers free guided tours at 9:00, 10:00, 15:00, and 16:00. It is recommended to follow the guide to learn about the academy's history.
- Lushan South Road has many snacks, but some shops have long queues. It is recommended to dine off-peak.
Notes
- Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area. Protect flowers, trees, and cultural relics.
- When taking sightseeing buses and cable cars, follow the order, listen to staff arrangements, and pay attention to safety.
- Do not make loud noises in Yuelu Academy, and do not use flashlights when taking photos to avoid damaging cultural relics.
- There are many visitors during holidays. Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid congestion.
- Some mountain roads have no streetlights. Pay attention to safety when going downhill at night, and it is recommended to travel in groups.