Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area

(Photo source: Changsha Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, and Television)

The Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area is an urban mountainous scenic area, renowned both at home and abroad not only for its unique natural landscape of "mountains, waters, isles, and city," but also for its profound historical and cultural heritage. It serves as a hub for Huxiang culture and revolutionary culture, embodying the rich cultural essence of Changsha City. Huxiang culture, characterized by the spirit of "concerning for the world, daring to be a pioneer, being unyielding and inclusive," along with the cultural legacy of great figures like Mao Zedong and Cai Hesen, and a religious culture that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, all converge and flourish here, complementing one another and exerting a profound influence.

In 1952, the Aiwan Pavilion on Yuelu Mountain was fully restored. Li Da, then president of Hunan University, wrote a special letter requesting Chairman Mao Zedong to inscribe the pavilion's name. Out of his deep affection for Yuelu Mountain, Chairman Mao gladly agreed. The three characters "爱晚亭" (Aiwan Pavilion) displayed on the pavilion today, in gold on a red background, originated from this request.

During his student days in Changsha, the young Mao Zedong often discussed current affairs with Luo Xuezan, Zhang Kundi, Cai Hesen, and others on Yuelu Mountain. They slept under the open sky in the mountain and lived in the Banxue Studio of the Yuelu Academy, seeking truths to save the nation and its people at Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion, Orange Isle, Yunlu Palace, Yinxin Stone House, and Cai Hesen's home. They founded the Xiangjiang Review magazine and conducted rural social surveys at the foot of the mountain.

Aiwan Pavilion in spring (Photo source: yuelu.gov.cn)

Aiwan Pavilion in summer (Photo source: yuelu.gov.cn)

Aiwan Pavilion in autumn (Photo source: yuelu.gov.cn)

Aiwan Pavilion in winter (Photo source: yuelu.gov.cn)

Travel Tips
Address: No. 58, Denggao Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City
Telephone: +86 731-88825011
Key attractions: Aiwan Pavilion, Lushan Temple, Yunlu Palace, Cai E's Tomb, Huang Xing's Tomb
Getting there:
Take Metro Line 4 to Hunan University Station and enter the scenic area through the South Gate; or, take Metro Line 2 to Yingwanzhen Station and enter the scenic area through the East Gate.

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn