Drum Mountain and Yongquan Temple
Fuzhou’s sacred mountain: a 925-meter peak with an ancient stone trail, a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple, and forest walks above the Min River.
Drum Mountain — Gushan — rises 925 meters above sea level on the north bank of the Min River, roughly eight kilometers east of central Fuzhou. It is the city’s most important natural and spiritual landmark, combining a half-day hike with one of Fujian’s most significant Buddhist temples.
The classic route follows an ancient trail of over 2,000 stone steps through seven historic pavilions to Yongquan Temple, founded in 783 AD. The temple’s three treasures are a 1,300-year-old Bodhi tree, a thousand-year-old bronze bell, and a Tang dynasty stone tablet. The vegetarian lunch served inside the temple grounds is a well-known local tradition.
Beyond the temple, the Eighteen Scenic Spots trail continues through rock inscriptions, cliff-face calligraphy, and forested ridgelines. A cable car offers an alternative for those who prefer to save energy for the temple and upper trails.
Practical Tips
Start early to avoid afternoon heat
The stone trail is mostly shaded but the climb is sustained. Morning starts are more comfortable, especially in spring and autumn.
The vegetarian lunch is part of the experience
Yongquan Temple serves a simple vegetarian meal that is worth building into the schedule rather than rushing past.
Cable car is a valid option
Entry to the mountain is free. Cable car is CNY 50 round trip or CNY 35 one way. Yongquan Temple entry is CNY 40.
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