The Yuquan Courtyard (Jade Spring Temple, or Yuquanyuan) sits at the base of Hua Shan, just beyond the park's main entrance on Yuquan Road. It is the traditional starting point for the climb up the North Trail and one of the most atmospheric temple complexes on the mountain — its buildings partially shaded by ancient trees, with the sound of the spring audible throughout the grounds. The complex includes multiple courtyards, halls dedicated to various Taoist deities, and stele pavilions with inscriptions going back to the Song Dynasty.
The temple is an active Taoist monastery with resident monks. Morning and evening liturgical ceremonies are held in the main hall. Visiting early in the morning, before the main hiking traffic, gives you the temple in something close to its normal state — incense, chanting, the creak of the wooden buildings. The spring water is cold, clear, and, according to tradition, beneficial for eyesight.