Yuelu Mountain Maple Viewing Guide | Miss it and you'll have to wait another year!

Yuelu Mountain in Changsha has long been a cultural mountain, rich in history and natural charm. Currently, the maple leaves on the mountain have not yet completely turned red, and are in the process of changing from green to yellow, orange, red, and purple. The plants in the scenic area are a mix of five colors, making it the perfect time to enjoy the "colorful maple scenery." As December approaches, Yuelu Mountain is about to usher in its annual maple viewing season. Why not visit in person and capture this beauty and splendor? ⛰Yuelu Mountain Opening hours: 6:00 am–10:00 pm Free admission, reservation required Address: No. 58, Denggao Road, Yuelu District, Changsha Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 or 4 to "Hunan University Station"; take bus No. 1, 6, 106, 315, or Lishan Special Line to "Hunan University Station" "Looking at the red mountains, the forests are all dyed." As one of China's four major maple viewing spots, Yuelu Mountain is best visited from late November to mid-December. The maple leaves here are colorful and unique, with charm and character, like a magnificent natural painting that is intoxicating. Recommended maple viewing spots: 🔸Aiwan Pavilion: "Stop the car and sit in love with the maple forest in the evening, the frost leaves are redder than the February flowers." Aiwan Pavilion behind Yuelu Academy is a famous red leaf viewing spot at home and abroad. The maple forest here is connected, red like flames, and the maple leaves here turn red earlier and cover a larger area. 🔸Yunlu Palace: Standing at Yunlu Palace and looking towards the TV tower, you can see the red maples all over the mountain and feel the world described in "the red mountains." 🔸Chuanshi Po Lake: At Chuanshi Po Lake, the red maples are accompanied by pavilions and towers, hidden in the clear lake water, like a poem or painting. 🔸Sightseeing Corridor: Along the mountain sightseeing corridor, the sunlight penetrates the red leaves through the gaps between the trees, allowing you to deeply appreciate the poetic realm of "the forests are all dyed." 🗺Recommended maple viewing routes: 🔹Recommended maple viewing route 1: Enter from the east gate of Yuelu Mountain, take the cable car up the mountain, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and overlook the entire city of Changsha from the top of the mountain, feeling like you are on top of the world. Go down the mountain from the south gate, and don't miss the maple viewing spots of Yunlu Palace, Lushan Temple, Aiwan Pavilion, and Yuelu Academy along the way. 🔹Recommended maple viewing route 2: First pay homage to Chairman Mao at Dongfanghong Square, enter from the south gate, turn right to visit Aiwan Pavilion, and then hike up the mountain to visit Lushan Temple and reach Yunlu Palace according to your physical strength. If you are tired of climbing, you can choose to take the slide down the mountain and exit from the east gate. It is recommended to bring more water. 🔹Recommended maple viewing route 3: Enter from the entrance of Yuelu Academy, visit Aiwan Pavilion, Lushan Temple, and Yunlu Palace in turn, and exit from the south gate after going down the mountain. Maple viewing at Yuelu Mountain is not only a visual feast, but also a journey of historical and cultural exploration. In this red maple forest, you can not only appreciate the wonders of nature, but also feel the tranquility and beauty brought by the passage of time.