Mt. Yuelu

Mt. Yuelu, which means the foot of Mt. Hengshan (Southern Mountain), is located on the west bank of Xiangjiang River and lies in the west of Changsha City. Its East Gate is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from from Orange Isle. It's a highly reputable scenic area in Hunan Province, an area that enables you to have a much clearer understanding of Changsha City once you have paid a visit to Mt. Yuelu.

Mt. Yuelu is noted for its picturesque scenery. The towering trees that provide dense shade emerge through heavily planted foliage around the mountains and provide an instant sense of refreshment and vitality to the environment. The full-blown azaleas in spring, the tranquility and coolness in summer, the flamboyant maple leaves in autumn and the silver-colored trees covered with snow and frost in winter make it a delightful spot all year round.

Besides the natural scenery, Yuelu Mountain abounds with cultural landscape as well. Many literati, ideologists, and hierarchy once visited here and left their tracks. The coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism is the most unique culture in this mountain. The representative buildings are the Yuelu Academy, the Lushan Temple, the Sarira Tower, the Yunlu Palace, and the Aiwan Pavilion. Additionally, Mt. Yuelu is an excellent education base for patriotism. So many revolutionists, patriots and great people with high ideals like Huang Xing, Cai E and Jiang Yiwu, who were dedicated to the democratic revolution of the old type, were buried here. And the monuments, graves and cemeteries built for those martyrs make a solemn and stirring scene on the mountain.

With Lushan being the core, Mt. Yuelu is made up of other scenic areas like Juzizhoutou, Tianma, Taohualing and Shijialing and two separate sights: the Old Site of The New Citizen's Academic Association and Tuchengtou Site. The most renowned attractions on the mountain are the Yuelu Academy, the Lushan Temple and the Aiwan Pavilion, etc.
 

Yuelu Academy

The academy is situated at the east foot of Mt. Yuelu and was built in 976 during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It used to be one of the 'Four Academies' at that time. Later it was changed into a college for higher learning and in 1926, it was named Hunan University. The history of the academy is considered to be the epitome of the development of Chinese higher education.
 

Lushan Temple

Halfway up the mountain you will discover the Lushan temple, which was built in the Jin Dynasty (265-420) and is the earliest Buddhism temple in Hunan Province.
 

Aiwan Pavilion

The Aiwan Pavilion was built during the reign of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was first called the Hongye Pavilion and then was renamed the Aiwan Pavilion because of a poem written by a famous poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). After several expansions and renovations, it appears as we see it today. It is also a place of revolutionary significance. When Mao Tse Tung (Mao Zedong), the first chairman of PRC, was studying in a normal school, he used to come to the pavilion with several friends and they often discussed current affairs. The pavilion name was inscribed by Chairman Mao in 1952 when it was rebuilt. The Aiwan Pavilion is one of 'Four Famous Pavilions' in China.

The permanent charm of Mt. Yuelu remains for all to witness, as no matter what the season it appears to exude natural beauty whilst still remaining a highly valued cultural site. It's certainly a highlight of Changsha City.
 

How to get to Mt. Yuelu

Take metro line 2 or line 4 to Yingwanzhen. Get out from exit 1 and walk west for 5 minutes to the mountain. Or take Bus 106, 202, 358, 360, 407, 902, 908, 913 or Tourist Bus Line 1 to Lushan Nanlukou and walk north for 10 minutes to the entrance of the mountain.

Entrance Fee Free for the mountain area;
CNY 50 for Yuelu Academy.
Cable Car CNY 30 (upword);
CNY 25 (downword);
CNY 50 (round-trip).
Sightseeing Bus CNY 20 (one-way);
CNY 30 (round-trip).
Opening Hours Mountain area: all day;
Yuelu Academy: May - Oct.: 7:30 - 18:00; Nov. - Apr.: 8:00 - 17:30.

 See also Top 10 Things to Do in Changsha
- Last updated on Apr. 25, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Mt. Yuelu
Asked by Liedje from UK | Oct. 16, 2018 19:42Reply
What is the closest metro station to the entrance to Yuelu mountain?
Answers (1)
Answered by Terra from USA | Oct. 16, 2018 23:49
00Reply


The closest station is Yingwan Town Station, about 12 minutes' walk to the mountain.
Asked by BALAJI PRABHU from INDIA | May. 12, 2018 11:48Reply
Does this Yuelu mountain rope way is in use now? What is this Sledge down the mountain?
Answers (1)
Answered by Tom from CANADA | May. 18, 2018 04:27
00Reply


Yes, it’s still in use.
Asked by Deejays from INDONESIA | May. 05, 2018 22:11Reply
How do I get to Yuelu Mountain from Intercontinental Changsha Hotel?
and what are the routes for tourism bus Line 1?
Answers (1)
Answered by Kim from GERMANY | May. 10, 2018 20:42
00Reply


In fact, the bus line 106 is more convenient for you. Walk south from the hotel about 800m to get Liangguan Yiting Station and take the bus line 106 to Yuelu Mountain South.
Asked by Ryan Bautista from PHILIPPINES | Jun. 22, 2017 22:11Reply
I'm staying in meixi lake hotel, a luxury collection hotel in Changsha.
I have one day to check tourist destination of this city. There is a suggestion that Yuelu mountain which is near my hotel is the best place to go. How can I go to Yuelu mountain from my hotel and what are the best route if I'm going for a walk to see most of the scenic spot in area? Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Linda from IRELAND | Jun. 27, 2017 03:52
00Reply


You can walk about 800 meters to Meixi Lake Bus Stop and take bus no.908 to Xinminxuehui Old Site Bus Stop. Upon arrival, you can see the scenic spot directly. I am sorry that I cannot find the detailed route of the scenic spot.
Asked by Wong Pek Piau from MALAYSIA | Mar. 11, 2016 00:16Reply
Distant from Changsa town centre to Mt. Yuelu
Takes how much time?
Answers (1)
Answered by Roise from USA | Mar. 11, 2016 02:33
20Reply


Well, what do you mean the town center?
Take the Main Railway Station as an example, the distance to the scenic area is about 5 miles (7.5 kilometers).
You can take subway line 2 to get to Yingwan Town Station, Exit 3. The duration is 20 to 25 mins. Then walk southwest around 0.6 miles (1km) to arrive at the destination.
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