麓山寺

Updated April 5, 2026

麓山寺 is a well-regarded tourist attraction located in Changsha, China. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the area.

Location

You can find 麓山寺 at 5WHV+XG2, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, Kina, 410012.

Visiting 麓山寺

Located in Changsha, China, 麓山寺 is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at 5WHV+XG2, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, Kina, 410012. GPS coordinates: 28.179876, 112.943781. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

Places to Stay Near 麓山寺

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

Tucked into the slopes of Yuelu Mountain in Changsha, 麓山寺 (Lushan Temple) claims the title of Hunan Province’s oldest Buddhist temple, with roots stretching all the way back to 268 CE. This place isn’t just old—it’s a living piece of Buddhist history, and if you love temples, it’s kind of a must-see in southern China.

Your first steps here are memorable. The temple is wrapped by ancient camphor trees and towering pines—some of these giants were supposedly planted during the Jin Dynasty.

Yellow-glazed tile roofs catch the light, and the traditional three-courtyard layout has somehow survived wars, reconstructions, and whatever else history threw at it. At the entrance, you can’t miss the intricate stone carvings.

Inside the Guanyin Pavilion, there’s this jaw-dropping 11-meter wooden Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue. Locals point out the “Jin Pines”—these gnarled old trees, maybe as old as the temple itself.

People rate the site pretty high—4.3 out of 5—mostly for the peaceful vibe and the contrast with Changsha’s busy city center. It really does feel like a different world.

麓山寺 isn’t just for photos. Since it’s the headquarters for Hunan’s Buddhist Association, you might catch monks chanting or teaching. The mountain setting means you can tack on a hike or check out nearby springs.

And here’s a little secret: tucked inside is the “Three Perfections Stele” from the Tang Dynasty, famous for its calligraphy, literary flair, and the stone carving itself.

Key Takeaways

• 麓山寺 is Hunan’s oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 268 CE on scenic Yuelu Mountain
• The site features remarkable ancient architecture including an 11-meter Guanyin statue and 1,700-year-old pine trees
• Visitors can explore the active monastery, view Tang Dynasty relics, and enjoy mountain trails in one trip

About 麓山寺

Hidden among the old forests of Yuelu Mountain, 麓山寺 (Lushan Temple) has welcomed people since 268 CE. It’s not just the oldest Buddhist temple in Hunan—it’s earned the nickname “Hunan’s First Buddhist Hall.”

The temple sits at the mountain’s mid-slope, hugged by 清风峡 (Qingfeng Gorge) and 白鹤泉 (White Crane Spring). The setting’s almost cinematic.

History and Significance

麓山寺 was founded in 268 CE during the Western Jin Dynasty by monk Zhu Fachong. This was Buddhism’s first real foothold in Hunan.

It’s endured a lot—most dramatically during the Tang Dynasty’s 845 CE Buddhist persecution, when every building was destroyed. Just two years later, monk Jing Cen rebuilt it and renamed it “Luyuan.”

In 1983, the temple was recognized as one of China’s key national Buddhist sites. The “Three Perfections Stele” is here, carved by Li Yong in the Tang Dynasty. The name comes from the way the writing, calligraphy, and stone carving all hit a sort of perfect trifecta.

Famous poets like Du Fu and Han Yu wrote about this place. During the Sui Dynasty, Zhiyi—the founder of the Tiantai School—taught the Lotus Sutra in these halls.

What Makes It Special

The Guanyin Pavilion is the showstopper—best-preserved and home to that 11-meter Thousand-Armed Guanyin. Contemporary artisans carved it, but it feels timeless.

Two ancient pine trees near the pavilion, dubbed the “Six Dynasties Pines,” are rumored to date back to the temple’s founding. Nearly 2,000 years old? Who knows, but they look it.

You’ll walk through a traditional three-courtyard layout that faces east. Not the usual for Chinese temples.

The entrance gate pops with yellow glazed tiles and a hint of Southeast Asian flair. The Hall of Great Compassion stands out with 42 stone columns and a double-eaved roof.

Here’s something easy to miss: the circular lotus-shaped windows on the Guanyin Pavilion’s walls. Each is nearly a meter across, and the craftsmanship screams Qing Dynasty.

What to See and Do

Lushan Temple rewards you with ancient architecture dating back to 268 AD. The quiet mountain grounds feel like you’ve left Changsha entirely.

The main halls show off classic Buddhist design. The forest paths around the temple? Perfect for a peaceful stroll through layers of history.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The Guanyin Pavilion is the highlight. Inside, you’ll come face-to-face with that 11-meter Thousand-Hand Guanyin, carved with so much detail you’ll want to just stand and stare.

Look up at the doorway—there’s calligraphy by Ouyang Xun, one of China’s four great calligraphers. It’s a nice touch.

Don’t skip the Main Buddha Hall. Inside are three gilded Buddha statues and wall carvings of a thousand smaller Buddhas. The hall’s 42 stone pillars and yellow glazed roof give it a stately feel.

The “Six Dynasty Pines” flank the entrance, and honestly, they’re as much a part of the experience as the buildings.

The Three Perfections Stele—written by Tang Dynasty scholar Li Yong—is another must-see. The name says it all: writing, calligraphy, and carving, each at its best. The stone even holds the original 268 AD text about the temple’s founding.

Wander the temple grounds and you’ll find trails leading into Yuelu Mountain’s forest. Somewhere along those paths is the spot where monk Zhiyi once taught the Lotus Sutra.

Best Time to Visit

Early mornings—think 7-9 AM—are magic. You’ll hear monks chanting, and the tour groups haven’t arrived yet. Plus, the air’s cooler, which is a blessing in Changsha’s sticky summers.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the sweet spots for weather and hiking. Summer gets hot and humid, with sudden rain, but the thick trees keep the area shady.

Winter’s quieter, but Changsha’s damp cold can seep into your bones. If you want to avoid crowds, skip major Chinese holidays like National Day and Spring Festival. Buddhist festivals draw more people, but if you’re curious about local religious life, that’s the time to come.

Visitor Information

Lushan Temple sits on Yuelu Mountain’s slopes, about 20 minutes west of downtown Changsha. Getting here is pretty straightforward, but a few tips can make your trip smoother.

Location and How to Get There

You’ll find Lushan Temple inside the Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area on the Xiang River’s western bank. It’s squarely in Yuelu District, and you’ve got options for getting here.

Public transport is reliable and cheap. Take Metro Line 2 to Juzizhou Station, then it’s a 15-minute walk west through leafy paths. Just follow the Yuelu Mountain signs at the exit.

Buses 202 and 305 from Wuyi Square drop you at the Yuelu Mountain stop. From there, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the entrance.

If you want comfort, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are easy. Tell your driver “Lushan Si, Yuelu Shan” or just show them 麓山寺. The fare from downtown is usually 20-30 RMB and takes about 15-20 minutes if traffic’s light.

Driving yourself? Head west on Furong Road, then turn onto Yuelu Mountain Road. Parking fills up fast on weekends and holidays, so get here before 9 AM if you want a spot near the entrance.

Tips for Visitors

The gates at 麓山寺 swing open at 8:00 AM from April to October, and at 8:30 AM during the chillier months. Closing times change with the seasons—expect to be ushered out by 6 PM in summer, or 5:30 PM if you’re visiting in winter.

If you’re after a peaceful stroll, show up right when they open. Trust me, the temple feels almost meditative before the tour groups roll in mid-morning.

Entry’s 30 RMB for adults. Students and seniors get in for 15 RMB, but you’ll need to flash a valid ID. Kids under 1.2 meters? They’re free. Don’t forget your passport if you’re aiming for that discount—staff do check.

Here’s what I’d pack: sturdy shoes with decent grip (the old stone paths get slick after rain), a light jacket for those surprise mountain breezes, a bottle of water, and your camera. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes in some meditation halls, so maybe skip the holey socks.

Most main halls are wheelchair-friendly, though a few side trails have steps. Restrooms are right by the entrance and near the dining hall—easy to find, thankfully.

Weekends between 10 AM and 2 PM? That’s peak crowd time. If you can, aim for spring (mid-February to April) or autumn (late September to November). These seasons bring mild weather and fewer people. The Red Leaves Festival in autumn draws a crowd, but honestly, the fiery views from the temple are something you shouldn’t miss.

Inside the halls, keep your voice low, silence your phone, and absolutely don’t touch the statues or relics. Pictures are fine outdoors, but always check for those little red restriction signs before snapping away inside.