Fuzhou, Fujian Province

Gushan Mountain

鼓山History & Culture · Temples · Waterfront · Nature

Since ancient times it has been praised with the saying: “Qishan to the right, Gushan to the left: the two wonders of all Fujian.” Yongquan Temple on the mountain takes advantage of the terrain with…

Gushan Mountain, Fuzhou

Key facts

Admission
¥40 (includes Gushan Scenic Area and Yongquan Temple; hiking Gushan alone requires no ticket). Gushan cable car: ¥50 one way, ¥70 return, going directly to the viewing platform with panoramic views of Fuzhou. The Eighteen Caves (十八洞) scenic spot beside the viewing platform requires an extra ¥10 ticket.
Time needed
2–3 hours
Getting there
Close to Gushan Bus Terminal and Gushan (Metro) station.
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1505. Open in Google Maps

About Gushan Mountain

Since ancient times it has been praised with the saying: “Qishan to the right, Gushan to the left: the two wonders of all Fujian.”

Yongquan Temple on the mountain takes advantage of the terrain with a distinctive layout, and is described as “entering the mountain you don't see the temple, entering the temple you don't see the mountain.” It has remained a popular destination since the Song dynasty.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Gushan Mountain cost?

Admission to Gushan Mountain is ¥40 (includes Gushan Scenic Area and Yongquan Temple; hiking Gushan alone requires no ticket). Gushan cable car: ¥50 one way, ¥70 return, going directly to the viewing platform with panoramic views of Fuzhou. The Eighteen Caves (十八洞) scenic spot beside the viewing platform requires an extra ¥10 ticket., as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

How do I get to Gushan Mountain?

Close to Gushan Bus Terminal and Gushan (Metro) station.

How long should I spend at Gushan Mountain?

Plan on 2–3 hours for Gushan Mountain.

Where is Gushan Mountain?

Gushan Mountain is in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, in the East China of China.

More places in Fuzhou

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys (Sanfang Qixiang)

Shan Jixiang, former director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, once remarked: “One stretch of Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is half a history of modern China.” “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys” is an old residential district of historic buildings in the city centre, referring collectively to ten lanes and alleys. The “Three Lanes” are Yizhi Lane, Wenru Lane and Guanglu Lane; the “Seven Alleys” are Yangqiao Lane, Langguan Lane, Ta Lane, Huang Lane, Anmin Lane, Gong Lane and Jibi Lane. Because its architecture fully reflects the character of the ancient Min-Yue city, it has become a must-visit when travelling in Fuzhou. Langguan Lane is the most worth seeing. Three Lanes and Seven Alleys is somewhat like Beijing's Qianmen Street or Hangzhou's Wushan Square.

Advance reservation is required for entry. Some interior sights charge separate fees: Former Residence of Yan Fu ¥15, Xiaohuang Building ¥20, Shuixie Opera Stage ¥20. A combined ticket for these three sights costs ¥55. · 2–4 hours

Fuzhou National Forest Park

Fuzhou National Forest Park is home to many precious tree species from China and abroad, such as the “living fossil” Dawn Redwood (水杉), which once made headlines worldwide when a single leaf was said to be worth 5 tons of steel; the Dove Tree (珙桐), known as “China's dove tree” and acclaimed around the globe; the Giant of the Forest (望天树), which is rare in number; and the Golden Camellia (金茶花), the “Queen of the Tea Clans.” The park has several hiking trails where visitors can enjoy clear waters and green mountains, waterfalls and strange rocks, and ancient banyan trees and stone inscriptions.

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Qingyunshan Mountain

Located within Yongtai County, Fuzhou City, Qingyun Mountain takes its name from peaks that rise abruptly from the flat ground and tower into the clouds. The mountains are high and forested, with mist drifting through, cliffs and caves of strange shapes, and emerald springs. Its flora and fauna are rich, with rare species such as tree ferns, antelopes and macaques. The Cloud Top Heavenly Pool (云顶天池) at the summit is the highest point of the scenic area: an oval lake formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. Around the pool stretches a 10,000-mu alpine meadow with gentle slopes and pleasant scenery, ideal for photography.

Qinglong Waterfall Scenic Area ¥35; Jiutian Waterfall & Shuilian Palace Scenic Area ¥32; Baima Gorge Scenic Area ¥32; Yunshi Stone Corridor Scenic Area ¥25; Thorny Cyathea Divine Valley Scenic Area ¥27. · 1 day

Mawei

Mawei sits on the north bank of the lower Min River. It is a military and commercial port of Fujian and the water gateway to Fuzhou. Legend says a rock here resembles a horse, with its head toward Luoxing Pagoda and its tail toward the town, hence the name Mawei (“horse tail”). There are several worthwhile sights: the thousand-year-old Luoxing Pagoda on the riverbank, the gateway landmark of the Min River, praised as “China's Pagoda”; Jingang Leg (金刚腿) Scenic Area, one of the Seven Scenes of the Min River; and old forts along the riverbanks. The smoke of past battles has long cleared, but visitors can pay respects at the Zhaozhong Shrine to the martyrs who gave their lives for the nation, and can also visit nearby Qingzhi Temple.

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Baishuiyang

The most distinctive natural landscape among the five major scenic areas of Yuanyang Stream, celebrated as “the finest scenery on earth, a mystery of the universe” for its extraordinary geology and landforms. Here lies the world's largest rare shallow-water plaza, where the water is only ankle-deep and glitters with ripples. It is also the world's only natural reserve for the Yuanyang macaque.

Entrance + sightseeing shuttle ticket ¥70; Baishuiyang & Yuanyang Stream combo ticket ¥90 (includes the Baishuiyang sightseeing shuttle). · 1 day

Meizhou Island

Meizhou Island is famous as the hometown of Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. Lush forests, numerous coves and fine beaches are not the main reason it draws crowds. Across the open sea, white gulls skim the sky and boats dot the water; in the hearts of fishermen, Meizhou Island and Mazu hold a supreme place. On Mazu's birthday, the 23rd day of the third lunar month, and on her death anniversary, the 9th day of the ninth lunar month, the temple is packed inside and out and incense burns fervently. Behind the temple, rock carvings bear inscriptions such as “Ascension Relic” and “Watching the Waves.”

Island entry ¥65; passenger boat ¥10; yacht ¥14.