Yuelu Mountain rises on the west bank of the Xiang River, directly across from Orange Island, and provides Changsha's best escape from the city. At 300 metres the summit is modest, but the trails through mixed forest past Buddhist and Daoist temples, memorial pavilions, and cemetery monuments to historical figures make it more interesting than its height suggests. Lushan Temple (founded 267 AD) is one of the oldest Buddhist institutions in Hunan; the Autumn-Admiring Pavilion offers the classic view celebrated in Tang dynasty poetry.
The mountain has several ascending routes. The easiest is via cable car from the base near the Yuelu Academy (¥30 up, ¥30 down); the main hiking trail takes 45 minutes to an hour on foot. At the summit, views extend across the city on clear days. The forested slopes are at their most beautiful in mid-autumn (October-November) when the maple and ginkgo trees turn. The mountain is within Yuelu Scenic Area; entry is free. Combine with the Yuelu Academy, which sits at the mountain's foot.