Yuelu Mountain National Scenic Area

Historical Overview
Yuelu Mountain’s legacy dates to the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 CE), when monks built the Lushan Temple. In 976 CE, the Yuelu Academy was founded, becoming China’s “Four Great Academies” and a hub for Confucian learning. During the Ming Dynasty, it became a strategic military site. In 1910, revolutionaries launched the Changsha Uprising here, overthrowing the Qing Dynasty’s local rule. Mao Zedong frequented the mountain as a student, and in 1955, he inscribed the four-character motto “Yuelu Academy” on its gate. Today, it symbolizes Hunan’s intellectual and revolutionary spirit.

Structural Layout
The mountain is divided into four zones:

• Academic Zone: Centered on the Yuelu Academy, featuring the Aiwan Pavilion (where Mao wrote his poem) and the Four-Aided Library (China’s oldest academic archive).
• Religious Zone: Includes the Lushan Temple (628 CE), Yunlu Palace (Taoist), and the Bird’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff.
• Revolutionary Zone: Honors Mao Zedong with the Memorial Gateway and Changsha Uprising Museum.
• Natural Zone: Features the Phoenix Rising Peak, Half-Buddha Trail, and Xiangjiang River View Platform.
  Key structures include the Xiangjiang River Bridge, Maozedong Statue, and Strange Stone Forest.

Major Attractions

1. Yuelu Academy: China’s oldest university (976 CE), housing the Confucius Statue and Xunzi Garden.
2. Aiwan Pavilion: A Ming Dynasty pavilion where Mao Zedong wrote his poem, with calligraphy carvings by 12th-century scholar Zhang Shi.
3. Lushan Temple: A Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple with a 1,400-year-old gingko tree and 72-meter-tall Arhat Statue.
4. Cloud Palaces: A complex of Taoist halls, including the Juyuan Palace and Wenchang Pavilion.
5. Changsha Uprising Museum: Exhibits artifacts from the 1910 revolution, including rifles and propaganda posters.
6. Phoenix Rising Peak: A 300-meter summit offering 360-degree views of Changsha and the Xiangjiang River.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (3 hours):
   East Gate → Yuelu Academy → Aiwan Pavilion → Lushan Temple → Xiangjiang View Platform → East Gate.
   Highlights: Core cultural sites and river views.

2. Cultural Route (5 hours):
   East Gate → Yuelu Academy → Aiwan Pavilion → Four-Aided Library → Changsha Uprising Museum → Lushan Temple → Juyuan Palace → Phoenix Rising Peak.
   Highlights: Academia, revolution, and Taoist culture.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   East Gate → Yuelu Academy → Aiwan Pavilion → Bird’s Nest Monastery → Strange Stone Forest → Half-Buddha Trail → Phoenix Rising Peak → Xiangjiang Bridge → West Gate.
   Highlights: Nature, history, and panoramic vistas.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via the official website (www.yuelu.com) or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Purchase at East Gate or West Gate ticket offices.
• Prices:
  • Peak Season (March–November): ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (December–February): ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

• By Subway: Line 4 to Yuelu Mountain Station (Exit 2), 10-minute walk to East Gate.
• By Bus: Routes 132, 202, 305, or 908 to Yuelu Mountain East Gate Stop.
• By Taxi: Direct to East Gate (address: 2 Lushan Road, Changsha) or West Gate.
• Self-Drive: Use Yuelu Mountain Tunnel and park at designated lots (¥10/day).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:00 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
• Crowds: Weekends and April–May (azalea bloom season) are busiest; weekdays in winter are quieter.
• Weather: spring (March–May) for azaleas; autumn (October–November) for maple leaves.
• Essentials:
  • Wear hiking shoes (15,000+ steps possible).
  • Bring water and snacks (limited vendors on trails).
  • Photography allowed (no drones without permission).
  • Prohibited items: Outside food, smoking, and open fires.