Yuelu Mountain is located in Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province. It is the tail peak of the 72 peaks of Mount Heng, the Southern Sacred Mountain, with an elevation of 300.8 meters and 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 scenery, historical sites, and cultural heritage, with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. It is home to famous attractions such as the millennium-old Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, and Lushan Temple. There are currently 977 species of plants in 559 genera and 174 families on the mountain, including 17 species of nationally key protected wild plants. It is the "natural oxygen bar" and cultural landmark of Changsha's urban area.
Historical Culture
Yuelu Mountain has a long history. Since the Western Han Dynasty, it has been a gathering place for men of letters. Before the Western Jin Dynasty, Taoist priests practiced here. After Buddhism was introduced, Lushan Temple was established, forming a pattern of coexistence of Buddhism and Taoism. In the Song Dynasty, Zhu Xi and Zhang Shi lectured here, and Yuelu Academy became one of the four great academies in the country. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, thinkers such as 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 a large number of historical relics, such as Lushan Temple built in the Tang Dynasty, Yuelu Academy from the Song Dynasty, and Aiwan Pavilion from the Qing Dynasty. These buildings are not only models 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. In 2017, it was listed as a national key scenic spot.
Main Attractions
Yuelu Academy
Located at the foot of Yuelu Mountain, it is one of the four great ancient Chinese academies. It was first built in the ninth year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (976). The existing buildings are in the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, covering an area of 21,000 square meters. The main buildings include the Head Gate, Second Gate, Lecture Hall, and Imperial Library. The academy preserves 13 steles from successive dynasties and more than 10 ancient and famous trees. It is the largest and best-preserved surviving academy architectural complex in China.
Aiwan Pavilion
Located in Qingfeng Gorge of Yuelu Mountain, it was first built in the 57th year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1792). It was originally named Red Leaf Pavilion and was later renamed after the Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu's line "Stopping the carriage to sit and enjoy the maple forest at dusk." The pavilion is double-eaved with eight pillars, green glazed tiles, and upturned corners, covering an area of 50 square meters. Surrounded by maple forest, it is one of the best places in Changsha to enjoy maple leaves in autumn.
Lushan Temple
Located halfway up Yuelu Mountain, it is one of the earliest temples established after Buddhism entered Hunan. It was first built in the fourth year of the Taishi era of the Western Jin Dynasty (268). The existing buildings were rebuilt in 1984, covering an area of about 4,000 square meters. The 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, which is a treasure in the history of calligraphy.
Huang Xing's Tomb
Located below Yunlu Peak of Yuelu Mountain, it is the tomb of Huang Xing, a leader of the Xinhai Revolution. The tomb covers an area of 1,913 square meters and is approached by three levels of stone steps. The tomb mound is hemispherical and about 10 meters high. A tombstone stands in front of the tomb, inscribed with the four characters "Huang Xing zhi mu" (Tomb of Huang Xing). It is surrounded by pines and cypresses and is a key cultural relic protection unit in Hunan Province.
Yunlu Palace
Located at the summit of Yuelu Mountain, it is a Taoist temple. It was first built in the 14th year of the Chenghua era of Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty (1478). The existing buildings were rebuilt in 1973, covering an area of about 5,000 square meters. The main buildings include the Front Hall, Middle Hall, and Rear Hall. In front of the palace is the Feilai Stone, from which visitors can overlook the scenery of downtown Changsha. It is one of the "72 Blessed Lands" of Taoism.
Suggested Tour Route：
Recommended one-day tour route: Enter the scenic area from Dongfanghong Square, first visit Yuelu Academy to learn about the historical origins of Huxiang culture, then walk to Aiwan Pavilion to enjoy the maple scenery, then go to Lushan Temple to experience Buddhist culture, then climb to Yunlu Palace to overlook the panoramic view of Changsha. When going downhill, you can take a sightseeing bus or cable car, and finally go to Lushan South Road to taste local snacks. The entire route takes about 5-6 hours, with a walking distance of about 8 kilometers.
Travel Tips：
In spring (March-May), you can enjoy the sea of azaleas. Autumn (October-November) is the best season to enjoy maple leaves. It is recommended to bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
The scenic area is mostly mountain roads. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter.
There are free guided tours in Yuelu Academy at 9:00, 10:00, 15:00, and 16:00. It is recommended to follow the guide to learn about the academy's history.
There are many snacks on Lushan South Road, but some shops have long queues. It is recommended to avoid peak dining hours.
Precautions：
Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area. Please cherish flowers and trees and protect cultural relics and historical sites.
When taking sightseeing buses and cable cars, please observe order, follow staff instructions, and pay attention to safety.
Please do not make loud noises in Yuelu Academy. Do not use flash when taking photos to avoid damaging cultural relics.
There are many tourists in the scenic area during holidays. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance to avoid congestion.
Some sections of the mountain have no streetlights. Pay attention to safety when going downhill at night. It is recommended to travel with companions.
Transportation：
Metro: Take Changsha Metro Line 4 to Hunan University Station, exit from Exit 2, and walk about 10 minutes to reach the East Gate of the scenic area.
Bus: Take routes 63, 106, 132, 202, 315, 318, 356, 902, 903, or 908 to Yuelu Mountain North Bus Stop, and walk about 5 minutes to reach the North Gate of the scenic area.
Self-driving: There are parking lots around the scenic area, such as the Yuelu Mountain Parking Lot and the Xinmin Society Former Site Parking Lot. The charging standard is 10 yuan/hour. Parking spaces are tight during holidays, so green travel is recommended.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all day. Yuelu Academy is open from 7:30 to 18:00. Sightseeing buses and cable cars operate from 8:30 to 17:30.
Tickets：
Admission is free. Advance reservation is required. Some projects within the scenic area require separate charges.