A Comprehensive Guide to Climbing Yuelu Mountain in Changsha and Must-Visit Attractions

—— A 25-minute easy hike from the south to the east, capturing photos and stamina all at once

I always thought Yuelu Mountain was a place you needed to spend two hours climbing, so for my first few visits, I just stuck to taking pictures at the Aiwan Pavilion.
But last weekend, a local friend told me, “You can reach the top in just about twenty minutes from the south gate,” and that prompted me to give it a try.
From my experience, I just want to say: if you choose the right route, reaching the top really is quick! The way down lets you hit all the key spots without any backtracking.
I’m sharing the exact route I took that day, so you can just copy it and follow along.

Let’s Talk Gear, Super Simple

• Clothes: Spring and summer in Changsha can be humid, so a short-sleeved shirt plus a light jacket will do; the mountain breeze can be a bit chilly.
• Water Bottle: There are small stalls at the south gate but they charge a lot; just bring a 500 ml bottle of mineral water.
• Charge: Take lots of photos and use navigation, so it’s best to start with a full battery. The wind is strong at the top, and a charging cable can easily blow away.
• Cash: Yuelu Academy only accepts cash for admission (40 yuan), so be sure to prepare in advance.

A Direct and Fast Route to the Top

Starting at the south gate, you’re met with neatly arranged granite steps—pretty friendly incline. You start sweating within five minutes, but it’s not all that hard.
To your right, there’s a dense forest along the stairs, while looking down to your left reveals the old red-brick rooftops of Hunan University, which look quite vintage.

Key Point: Don’t attempt to start from the east gate; I saw folks coming up from there looking flushed, and when I asked, they said it took them almost 90 minutes! They were soaked with sweat as if they’d just taken a shower.

Five Must-Stop Spots for Photos

1. Chair Statue

Just 100 meters left after exiting the Hunan University exit 2, there’s always a line at the statue for heart-shaped selfies; to get a clean shot, it’s best to arrive before 9 AM.
I just passed by and snapped a couple of warm-up photos—it had good lighting, no editing needed.

2. Back Entrance of Yuelu Academy

I didn’t buy a ticket for the main entrance. I took a small path from Aiwan Pavilion to peek through the back entrance and saw the white walls, gray tiles, and ancient trees fitting together perfectly; the colors look really upscale.
If you have time, buy a ticket; the old trees in the academy are way bigger than people. Walking around takes about ten minutes—very peaceful.
Opening Hours: 7:50 AM – 5:30 PM, cash only, 40 yuan, no cards or QR payments.

3. Aiwan Pavilion

The pavilion is smaller than I imagined, but it’s surrounded by maple trees, which should look even better in autumn.
There are stone benches by the stairs to sit. I snacked on a piece of bread to recharge, and the breeze was refreshing.

4. Old Lushan Temple

Follow the stairs up from Aiwan Pavilion and take a right turn for three minutes to get there.
The yellow gate, stone lions, and aromatic incense immediately transport you back to a historical drama.
Note that it closes at 5 PM, and they start ushering people out by 4:30, so arrive early.

5. Scenic Corridor

The corridor itself is like a platform with a row of red columns and white railings, perfect for capturing a view of the city from above.
When I reached the top at around 4:30 PM, the light was hitting the tall buildings across the river—a beautiful blue and orange contrast.
There's a small snack shop nearby with a few “Changsha” neon signs on the wooden table, perfect for a trendy shot.
If you want to catch the sunset, just find a nice corner in the corridor by 5 PM and wait.

How to Enjoy the Descent?

After you’re done at the Scenic Corridor, head to the East Gate for the sightseeing car; it’s about a 15-meter walk to the ticket spot.

By the time I got on the car, my legs were shaking, but I could still continue taking photos of the downhill view—it was quite fun.
At the East Gate, the Metro Line 2 Yewanzhen Station is just to your left, so it only takes about ten minutes to get back to the city center, no detours at all.

Here’s a Walkthrough of the Metro and Hiking Steps

1. Take Metro Line 4 → Hunan University Station Exit 2
2. Upon exiting, turn right and walk straight for 300 meters → Chair Statue
3. Follow the scenic signage towards the “South Gate” for 200 meters to the ticket entrance
4. Once inside, follow the main steps up; no need to veer left or right, just follow the “Scenic Corridor” signs
5. Once you reach the corridor, take photos and enjoy the view → Walk 100 meters to the sightseeing car platform → Buy a ticket down to the East Gate

A Few Pits I’ve Fallen Into That You Can Avoid

• Bus Up the Mountain: Right at the entrance of the south gate, you’ll see a bus stop; one-way is 20 yuan. If you want to save your energy, you can take the bus up and walk down—it’s also a nice experience.
• Restrooms: There are restrooms at the south gate, Aiwan Pavilion, and scenic corridor; best to use them when you see them since there are no toilets on part of the downhill path.
• Prices at the Stalls: Water costs 4 yuan at the south gate, 6 yuan at the top, and 8 yuan at the east gate. Don’t complain about the weight; it’s safer to carry two bottles.
• Renting Electric Bikes: There are shared e-bikes in the scenic area, but they can get blocked since there are a lot of people and narrow paths, so it’s better to walk.
• Photo Spots: Use the railing in the corridor plus a portrait standing at a diagonal to capture both the skyline and red columns—it’s a great backdrop for wide-angle portraits.
  

With the routes, times, and prices laid out, you can just copy and paste this info.
If the weather is good tomorrow, just go for it—don’t wait.