Gushan Mountain Travel Guide Best Hiking Trails Cable Car and Yongquan Temple in Fuzhou

Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese travel writer who has spent many years exploring destinations around the world. Over the past decade, I have traveled through many historic cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In this guide, I’ll introduce Gushan Mountain in Fuzhou, one of the city’s most iconic natural landmarks. From the thousand-year-old stone hiking trail and famous cliff inscriptions to Yongquan Temple—known as the “No.1 Buddhist temple in Fujian”—and the viewpoint overlooking the entire city of Fuzhou, this guide draws on my own travel experience to provide a clear and practical Gushan Mountain travel guide for travelers who enjoy deeper cultural exploration.

Introduction to Gushan Mountain

Gushan Mountain is a AAAA-rated scenic area in China and one of the most famous natural attractions in Fuzhou. The mountain consists of more than a dozen peaks and carries a long and rich history. The plaque above the gate of Yongquan Temple was personally written by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing periods, this area served as one of the main places in China for publishing Buddhist texts.

The Gushan Mountain Scenic Area includes several peaks such as Lize Peak, Baiyun Peak, Lion Peak, and Boyu Peak. Among them, Lize Peak reaches 998 meters, making it the highest point of the mountain. Standing beside the Minjiang River, Gushan Mountain rises in a dramatic and majestic landscape and represents the classic mountain scenery and cultural heritage of historic Fuzhou.

• Address: No.1000 Fuma Road, Jin’an District, Fuzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours, though attractions and the cable car usually operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Suggested Visiting Time: 4–5 hours
• Best Season to Visit: All year round
• Ticket Price: The scenic area is free; the cable car and some attractions inside the park charge an entrance fee.

Gushan Mountain Map

Why You Should Visit Gushan Mountain

Gushan Mountain features rich vegetation and impressive biodiversity. Around 1,000 plant species grow here, along with more than 1,600 ancient trees, including protected species such as Cyathea spinulosa and Rhododendron latoucheae. Visitors can also spot birds like the Chinese hwamei and red-billed blue magpie. At the same time, the mountain holds remarkable historical landmarks such as the thousand-year-old stone hiking trail, Bodhidharma cliff carving, ancient cliff inscriptions, and Yongquan Temple. In addition, the summit viewpoint offers one of the best places to enjoy the night skyline of Fuzhou. Walking slowly through Gushan Mountain and exploring its scenery is truly a relaxing experience.

• Ancient Stone Hiking Trail: This historic trail stretches about 3.5 km and includes more than 2,000 stone steps. Seven traditional pavilions appear along the path, making the climb comfortable for hikers of all ages. Visitors can also admire cliff inscriptions along the way.
• The “Eighteen Scenic Spots” and Natural Rock Formations: Natural rock formations such as Bodhidharma Facing the Wall, Monkey Guarding the Gorge, and Peach Valley create a landscape often described as a massive “earth-carved sculpture garden.”
• Cliff Inscriptions Known as the “Southeast Forest of Steles”: There are 653 cliff inscriptions dating from the Northern Song Dynasty to modern times. The calligraphy includes seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script, and cursive script. Famous historical figures such as Cai Xiang, Zhu Xi, Li Gang, and Lin Zexu contributed works here. The site is now a nationally protected cultural heritage area.
• Yongquan Temple: Founded in 783 during the Tang Dynasty, Yongquan Temple is often called the “First Temple of Fujian.” The temple gate bears the imperial calligraphy of Emperor Kangxi. Inside the temple are three treasured relics: a thousand-year-old cycad tree, a rare Jisi wood altar table, and a handwritten Buddhist scripture written in blood.
• Summit Viewpoint and Night Views: From the top of Lize Peak at 998 meters, visitors can overlook the entire city of Fuzhou. At sunset, the city lights begin to sparkle like stars, creating a remarkably poetic view.

Top Things to Do in Gushan Mountain

Main Attractions

Shibajing Scenic Area (Eighteen Scenic Spots Garden)

The Shibajing Scenic Area is one of the most iconic natural sections of Gushan Mountain and one of the places visitors explore most often after entering the scenic area. This area gathers the core landscapes of the traditional “Eighteen Scenic Spots” of Gushan Mountain. Most of these sights formed naturally through unique rock formations, including famous scenes such as Bodhidharma Facing the Wall, Monkey Guarding the Gorge, and Peach Valley. From a distance, these rocks look like massive sculptures carved by nature itself. Because of this, people often describe the area as a giant “natural earth sculpture gallery.”

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Ticket Price: 10 CNY, available for purchase on site

Meili Plum Valley

Meili is a well-known plum blossom viewing area on Gushan Mountain and one of the most popular winter landscapes in Fuzhou. From late winter to early spring, the valley gradually transforms into a sea of blooming plum blossoms. Pink, white, and pale green flowers appear across the hillsides, creating a beautiful contrast with the stone paths and surrounding forest. As a result, the entire valley fills with the fresh atmosphere of early spring.

• Ticket Price: Free
• Best Viewing Period: Early January (Green Plum Blossoms), Late January–Early February (Palace Pink, Vermilion, Green Calyx, and White Plum Blossoms), Mid-to-Late February (Beauty Plum Blossoms)

Yongquan Temple

Yongquan Temple stands as one of the most important cultural landmarks on Gushan Mountain and one of the most influential Buddhist temples in Fujian Province. The temple was founded in 783 during the Tang Dynasty, which means it carries more than 1,200 years of history. People often refer to it as the “No.1 Buddhist Temple in Fujian.”

The temple complex sits along the mountainside, and its buildings rise layer by layer following the natural slope. Ancient trees surround the entire complex, which gives the temple a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. At the entrance gate, visitors can see the plaque with the characters “Yongquan Temple,” written by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Inside the temple, three precious relics known as the “Three Treasures of the Mountain” are preserved, including a thousand-year-old cycad tree, a rare Jisi wood altar table, and a handwritten Buddhist scripture written in blood.

• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Ticket Price: 40 CNY, available for purchase on site

Gushan Mountain Cable Car

The Gushan Mountain Cable Car was recognized by National Geographic China as one of the “Most Beautiful Urban Sunset Cable Cars in China.” As the cable car slowly climbs up the mountain, lush green forests spread out below while the wide Minjiang River and the skyline of Fuzhou appear in the distance. When the golden sunset light fills the cabin, the entire landscape turns warm and dreamy. Without a doubt, this is one of the most romantic travel experiences in Fuzhou.

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Service pauses from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Please note that the cable car may close temporarily for maintenance.
• Cable Car Ticket Price: One-way 50 CNY, round trip 70 CNY. Children between 1.25 m and 1.4 m receive half-price tickets. Tickets are available on site.

Recommended Routes to Explore Gushan Mountain

Visitors can drive directly up Gushan Mountain, but most people choose to explore the area by hiking or by using the cable car and shuttle bus. The mountain offers both easy and more challenging hiking routes. At the same time, travelers who prefer a relaxed experience can simply take the cable car or bus up and down the mountain. Here are several recommended routes:

• Cable Car Up / Bus Down: A popular and relaxed option. Take the cable car from the base station to the viewing platform, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Fuzhou. After that, walk to the Shibajing Scenic Area and Yongquan Temple, then take the shuttle bus down the mountain. Overall, this route requires very little physical effort.
• Hiking – Easy Level: The classic Gushan Ancient Trail represents this level. The trail is about 1,800 meters long and features a gentle slope. Along the route, the traditional Seven Li Seven Pavilions provide places to rest. The trail is wide and popular, and it usually takes around one hour to reach the viewing platform. Both beginners and families with children or seniors can complete this hike comfortably. The section from Rainbow Road to Baiyun Summit also belongs to this level because it has almost no elevation gain and works well for family-friendly walks.
• Hiking – Intermediate Level: The main route at this level is the Songzhilian Hiking Trail. It measures about 1,500 meters, which is roughly 300 meters shorter than the ancient trail. However, the slope is steeper, and only two rest pavilions appear along the way. Continuous stone steps make the climb more physically demanding. At the same time, the trail passes through beautiful pine forests, so it suits hikers who want a mild challenge while enjoying quieter scenery. The hiking time to the summit is usually similar to or slightly shorter than the ancient trail.
• Hiking – Advanced Level: This category includes the Brave Trail and the Baiyun Cave – Sky Ladder Dragon Ridge Route. The Brave Trail stretches about 2,100 meters. The second half becomes very steep, with narrow steps and sharp inclines that require strong stamina. Reaching the top in 27 minutes already counts as a good result. The Baiyun Cave route is around 12 kilometers in total. The Sky Ladder section reaches slopes between 45 and 70 degrees. The steps are extremely narrow and climbers must hold iron chains for support. In addition, the Lover’s Valley route includes cliffs, loose rocks, and rope-assisted sections. Rainy weather can make these trails dangerous, so they are only suitable for experienced hikers who seek adventure and have strong physical fitness.

Recommended Food Near Gushan Mountain

Along the hiking paths on Gushan Mountain, small vendors sell water and fruit. Near the cable car upper station, several restaurants and small supermarkets are available. Most restaurants serve local Fuzhou dishes, such as meat swallow dumplings and Fuzhou-style meatballs. Prices are slightly higher than in downtown Fuzhou, but they are still reasonable for a scenic area.

Recommended Hotels Near Gushan Mountain

There are not many other attractions around Gushan Mountain, so staying in downtown Fuzhou is usually a better choice. A convenient area is near Dongjiekou Metro Station, which sits in the center of the city. Shopping malls and food streets are right outside the station, and Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is also located here. From this area, the metro provides easy access to Shangxia Hang Historical Street, Yantai Mountain, and Gushan Mountain.

Fuzhou Juchunyuan Hotel

• Location: 2 minutes walk from Dongjie Kou Metro Station
• Price Range: 398 RMB
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 4.7 stars
• Special Amenities: Family rooms, Quadruple rooms

Fantastic location in the city center, a well-established hotel, conveniently located across from the Dongbai Center Mall, with various renowned local food options available. Less than a ten-minute walk to Sanfang Qixiang and Daming Food Street, directly accessible by elevator from Exit A of Metro Line 1.

Rooms are spacious with quality bedding and well-maintained cleanliness. Noteworthy is the hotel’s breakfast, which varies daily, offering a wide variety and great taste.

AtourHotel Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Fuzhou

• Location: 4 minutes walk from Dongjie Kou Metro Station
• Price Range: 477 RMB
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 4.7 stars
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, Gym, Robot delivery service

Great location, directly across from Sanfang Qixiang and Dongbai Center Mall, just over 200 meters to Dongjie Kou Metro Station. Convenient metro travel to Fuzhou Station, Fuzhou South Station, and Pingtan.

Rooms are small but well-equipped, clean, and comfortable. Offers disposable towels and a rich breakfast, a standard for mid-range chain hotels.

Fuzhou Dongbaifang Alley Hotel

• Location: 3 minutes walk from Dongjie Kou Metro Station, 8 minutes walk from Ximen Metro Station
• Price Range: 499 RMB
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 4.8 stars
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, Gym, Children’s playground, Family rooms

Excellent location, directly leads to Ta Lane in Sanfang Qixiang, close to the metro station, located behind the Dongbai Center.

Rooms are spacious with good bedding, offering views over the entire Sanfang Qixiang. Notable also for its breakfast, which features a wide range of local Fuzhou snacks.

How to Get to Gushan Mountain from Downtown Fuzhou

Taking the metro is the most convenient option. Fuzhou Metro is easy to use, and there is a direct line to Gushan Mountain.

Metro

Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Gushan Station. Exit from Exit B, and you will arrive directly at the entrance of the scenic area.

Taxi / Ride-Hailing

Fuzhou is not a large city, so taking a taxi from downtown to Gushan Mountain usually takes about 30 minutes, and the fare is around 25 CNY.

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