Yuelu Mountain

岳麓山

The last of the 72 peaks of Mount Heng, the Southern Sacred Mountain. Yuelu Academy, Lushan Temple and the tombs of revolutionary martyrs are all on this one mountain. Climbing at night to see the sunrise and the city lights from the river's east bank is a local ritual.

Yuelu Mountain stands on the west bank of the Xiang River. Its main peak is 300 metres above sea level. It is the last of the 72 peaks of Mount Heng, the Southern Sacred Mountain. The mountain brings together Confucian, Buddhist and Daoist sites, as well as the tombs of martyrs of the 1911 Revolution. It is a national 5A-rated scenic area, and the mountain itself is free to visit.

Highlights include: at the foot of the mountain, Yuelu Academy (separate admission, see its own entry). Aiwan Pavilion is one of the four great pavilions of the Qing dynasty, named after Du Fu's line 'I stop my carriage to love the maple woods at dusk'. Its maple leaves turn red in late autumn and it is the symbol of Yuelu Mountain. Lushan Temple is an ancient temple from the Western Jin dynasty, known as 'the first scenic spot of the Han and Wei dynasties and the first sanctuary of Hunan'. There is also Yunlu Palace, a Daoist temple, and the tombs of Huang Xing, Cai E, Jiang Yiwu and other martyrs of the 1911 Revolution. From the summit viewing platform, you can see the Xiang River, Orange Isle and the eastern city. This is also a popular spot for climbing at night to see the sunrise and city lights. At the foot of the mountain are the old campuses of Hunan University and Hunan Normal University, where the old red-brick buildings, the old library and the ginkgo trees are worth a stop.

Ways up: walk from the East Gate (next to Hunan University) past Aiwan Pavilion to the summit, about one hour. Or take a sightseeing bus (about 20 yuan) or the cable car (about 30 yuan one way from the South Gate to the summit).

'Climbing Yuelu Mountain at night' is a regular activity for young people in Changsha. The paths are lit, and people set off at 3 or 4am to see the sunrise. There is a convenience store and a rest area at the top.

Getting there: take Metro Line 4 to Hunan University station, then walk about 10 minutes to the East Gate. Or take Metro Line 2 to Liwan Town station and transfer to a bus to the South Gate.

Suggested plan: spend half a day here. In the morning visit Yuelu Academy, then climb past Aiwan Pavilion to the summit, and come down to eat in the university district. Weekends in autumn are crowded.

Tips: go night hiking in a group, and bring a torch and a jacket. Open flames are not allowed on the mountain.

Yuelu Mountain

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby