Gushan Scenic Area
Gushan Scenic Area, a captivating natural and cultural treasure located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, is celebrated for its lush landscapes, ancient temples, and rich historical heritage. Covering an expansive area, the mountain’s peaks rise majestically, offering breathtaking vistas and a tranquil retreat from urban life. With a history spanning over a millennium, Gushan has long been a pilgrimage site and a source of inspiration for poets and artists. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exploring this enchanting destination.
Historical Background
Gushan’s history dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when it became a center for Buddhism and Taoism. The mountain was named "Gushan" (Drum Mountain) due to the echoing sounds resembling drumbeats when winds sweep across its valleys. Over the centuries, it evolved into a sacred site, with numerous temples and monasteries built by emperors and devotees. The most renowned is the Yongquan Temple, founded in 783 AD, which remains a vibrant spiritual hub today.StructuralLayout
Gushan’s layout blends natural beauty with architectural marvels. The mountain is divided into several zones:Lower Slopes: Home to the Yongquan Temple complex, featuring halls, pavilions, and ancient stone inscriptions.
Mid-Mountain: Dotted with scenic spots like the Drinking Water Pavilion and the Cloud-Piercing Pavilion.
Summit: Offers panoramic views of Fuzhou City and the Min River, accessible via stone steps or cable car.
Major Attractions
Yongquan Temple: A UNESCO-listed site, the temple houses the "Three Treasures"—a 1,300-year-old Bodhi tree, a 1,000-year-old iron-cast bell, and a stone tablet inscribed by Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty.
Drinking Water Pavilion: A hexagonal pavilion built during the Song Dynasty, known for its crystal-clear spring water and poetic inscriptions.
Cloud-Piercing Pavilion: Perched on a cliff, it offers a dramatic viewpoint for sunrise and sunset.
Guanyin Rock: A natural rock formation resembling the Bodhisattva Guanyin, revered by locals.
Cultural Highlights
Gushan is steeped in cultural significance:Religious Heritage: The mountain hosts annual Buddhist ceremonies, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
Poetry and Calligraphy: Over 200 stone inscriptions from Tang to Qing dynasties adorn the cliffs, including works by renowned poets like Li Bai and Du Fu.
Festivals: The Drum Mountain Cultural Festival in autumn features traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-DayTour
Morning: Visit Yongquan Temple → Explore the Drinking Water Pavilion → Hike to Cloud-Piercing Pavilion.
Afternoon: Ascend to the summit via cable car → Enjoy the panoramic view → Return to the base.
Full-DayTour
Morning: Start at Yongquan Temple → Hike to Guanyin Rock → Visit the Tang Dynasty stone inscriptions.
Afternoon: Lunch at a mountain restaurant → Explore mid-mountain trails → Attend a Buddhist chanting session.
Evening: Watch the sunset from the summit → Return via cable car.
Ticketing and Access
EntranceFee: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
CableCar: Round-trip ¥70, one-way ¥40.
OpeningHours: 6:30 AM–5:30 PM (summer), 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (winter).
FreeEntry: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.
Transportation Options
ByBus: Take routes 7, 29, 36, or 40 to the Gushan Scenic Area stop.
BySubway: Line 2 to Nanyuan Road Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus.
ByTaxi: Direct to "Gǔshān Fēngjǐngqū" .
Parking: Available at the base (¥10/day).
Best Timeand Tips
AvoidCrowds: Visit early morning or weekdays.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures.
Essentials: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking → Bring water and snacks → Respect religious customs → Photography allowed (no flash in temples).
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Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
