Lushan Temple (麓山寺), originally named Huiguang Temple, was established by Lifa Chong, a disciple of the Dunhuang Bodhisattva Lifa Hu, during the fourth year of Emperor Wu of the Western Jin Dynasty (268 AD). Renamed during the early Tang Dynasty, it is one of the oldest temples in Hunan Province. Over its 1,700-year history, the temple has been destroyed by war six times.
Today, Lushan Temple has been restored. Inside the halls, a statue of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin stands with a solemn and compassionate expression. The temple complex consists of the Shanmen (Mountain Gate), Maitreya Hall, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, and the Dining Hall. The Shanmen is designed as a archway, inscribed with “古麓山寺 Ancient Lushan Temple.” The Sutra Library, also known as Guanyin Pavilion, is located at the front of the temple. In front of the pavilion, there are two ancient Luohan pines, believed to have been planted during the Six Dynasties period, earning them the name “Six Dynasties Pines,” which serve as living witnesses to the temple’s long history.
One of the temple’s most precious relics is the Lushan Temple Stele, carved in 730 AD during the Tang Dynasty at the original Lushan Temple site. Covered by a pavilion during the Ming Dynasty and later relocated to the Yuelu Academy during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, the stele is now preserved at Hunan University. Standing 2.72 meters tall and 1.33 meters wide, the stele’s text was composed and written by the famous Tang Dynasty calligrapher Li Yong. The stele’s inscription, titled “麓山寺碑 Lushan Temple Stele,” is written in a mixture of running and regular script, detailing the temple’s history from its founding during the Jin Dynasty to its restoration during the Tang Dynasty. It also describes the scenic beauty of Yuelu Mountain. The stele is renowned for its literary quality, calligraphy, and carving, and is often referred to as one of the “Three Great Steles of Beihai” due to Li Yong’s previous role as the governor of Beihai.
Lushan Temple is located on Yuelu Mountain, where the climate is suitable for tourism during most of the year except for the peak of summer. Spring begins around mid-February, but the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to wear extra layers to avoid catching a cold. By late May, summer arrives, and while the city below may be hot, it remains cool enough in the mountains that a blanket is needed at night, even during the hottest days. Autumn starts in mid-August, with temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 20°C. Winter sets in around late November, with average temperatures around 5°C, and occasional snowfall.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 (1st April – 31st October) 8.30 – 17.30 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0731-88825011 |
Location and Transportation
Lushan Temple is located at No. 58, Denggao Road, Yuelu District, Changsha City, Hunan Province. To reach the temple, you can take bus lines 63, 106, 132, 202, 305, 908, Lishan Line, or Tour Line 1 and get off at the “City Fourth Hospital” stop. From there, enter through the East Gate. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 132, 202, 305, Lishan Special Line, Tour Line 1, or Tour Line 3 and get off at the “Yuelu Mountain South” stop to enter through the South Gate.
