Plan at a glance
Location and entrance
Magu Mountain Scenic Area is in western Nancheng County, Fuzhou, about 4 km from the county seat. The visitor center is the main entrance. The natural paths and mountaintop cultural sights are spread out, so first-time visitors can combine the waterfall path with the sightseeing shuttle.
Admission and the internal shuttle
The current online reference price for admission is about CNY 35, although the on-site price may differ. Residents registered in Nancheng County can enter free with an ID card, and some Jiangxi or Nanchang cultural-tourism cards may include admission. The current reference price for a sightseeing-shuttle return trip is CNY 22, and a one-way downhill ride is about CNY 14–17; admission and the internal shuttle are separate charges.
How much time to allow
Allow 2–3 hours to take the sightseeing shuttle up and see Xiandu Temple and the Magu statue. Add the streamside waterfall path and halfway-up sights and allow 4–5 hours. The scenic area is open from 08:00 to 18:00, while the last shuttle, especially in summer, may be around 17:30; do not leave the descent until the final minutes before closing.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Xiandu Temple and the Lu Gong Stele Pavilion
Xiandu Temple is the Taoist heart of the scenic area and is associated with the story of Magu attaining immortality. The Lu Gong Stele Pavilion preserves the stele of Yan Zhenqing's *Record of the Immortal Altar on Magu Mountain*, making it a particular stop for visitors interested in calligraphy. These two sights belong naturally in the mountaintop section, separate from the waterfall walk.
Waterfalls, the halfway pavilion, and Shengong Spring
The Yulian Twin Waterfalls follow the stream, with about 3 km of path and several water views along the way. The Halfway Pavilion looks toward the lower mountain and, in suitable weather, the sea of clouds. Shengong Spring is a mountain spring feature; the Magu statue stands near the summit, and the Longevity Stairway is a stepped connection between the mountaintop sights.
Who it suits
Visitors interested in Taoist culture, steles, and local legends can focus on Xiandu Temple, the Lu Gong Stele Pavilion, and the Magu statue. Visitors who enjoy light hiking can add the streamside waterfall path in the earlier part of the day. Families and relaxed sightseers can take the shuttle to the middle or summit area, but parts of the path have steps, fallen branches, and no guardrails, so prepare for more than a flat urban park.
Build your day
A 2–3-hour short route
From the visitor center, take the sightseeing shuttle directly to the summit. See Xiandu Temple first, pass the Longevity Stairway to the Magu statue, follow the open route, and take the shuttle down. This suits visitors short on time or those who do not want the waterfall path; arrange the return around that day's shuttle departures.
A 4–5-hour highlights route
After entering, turn left onto the streamside waterfall path. Walk about 3 km to see the Yulian Twin Waterfalls and the stream, then turn back at a suitable point or connect with the main road and take the sightseeing shuttle uphill. At the summit, visit Xiandu Temple, the Lu Gong Stele Pavilion, the Magu statue, and the Longevity Stairway in that order before taking the shuttle down.
A halfway stop and the return
If you have time, stop along the waterfall path or at the Halfway Pavilion, then decide whether to continue to the summit based on the shuttle schedule. For sea-of-cloud views, the Halfway Pavilion is best considered after rain clears in the morning or evening, but light and weather change quickly; the last shuttle still determines the return.
A photography sequence
Use the Yulian Twin Waterfalls for water and stream views, the Halfway Pavilion for the lower-mountain panorama, and the Magu statue and Longevity Stairway for wide-angle images with height and depth. Stay on walkable sections of the path, and do not approach an unguarded edge for a better angle.
Get there
From Fuzhou Railway Station and Nancheng County
Take a bus from Fuzhou Railway Station to Nancheng County, then transfer by taxi or public bus to Magu Mountain; the final ride takes about 20 minutes. You can also take a taxi or shared ride directly from Fuzhou Railway Station, which saves a transfer when you have luggage.
Driving and parking
Navigate to the Magu Mountain Scenic Area Visitor Center Parking Lot. Parking is free and capacity is usually ample. After entering, first check the sightseeing-shuttle boarding points and last departure, then decide whether to walk the waterfall path before going uphill or on the way back down.
Know before you go
Confirm prices and discounts for the day
The online admission reference price of about CNY 35 and the sightseeing-shuttle return reference price of about CNY 22 are current guides only. Confirm the on-site price, the Nancheng resident discount, cultural-tourism card eligibility, and shuttle ticket separately. A cultural-tourism card generally does not automatically include the internal shuttle, so check admission and transport as separate items.
Path conditions
The final section of the streamside waterfall path includes steps and fallen branches, and some sections have no guardrails. Stone paving can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. Food and shops inside the scenic area are limited; bring water and snacks before entering the waterfall path.
Last shuttle and weather
The last shuttle changes with the season, and the summer reference of around 17:30 does not replace the day's notice. Heavy rain or wet paths can change the waterfall route. If you choose the longer itinerary, note the downhill shuttle stop before walking so the hike does not cut into the return.
Check before setting out
Opening hours, online and on-site prices, resident and cultural-card discounts, shuttle departures, one-way tickets, and the opening of individual sights may change. If you plan to walk the waterfall path or take the shuttle uphill, confirm the day's prices, departures, and open areas before leaving.