Plan at a glance
Location, entrances and visit time
Dashushan Scenic Area is at 8 Yulan Avenue in Hefei. The main entrances are the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. The East Gate connects with Banbian Street; for a first visit, navigate to the East Gate of Shushan Forest Park. If you plan to descend on the south side and visit Kaifu Temple, you can also start from the South Gate.
Entry through the park gate is free, and no reservation is required. The park and nearby Banbian Street are listed as open around the clock, while the reference opening hours for the main mountain attraction, Kaifu Temple, are 07:00–16:00. Allow 1–1.5 hours to climb from the East Gate and return; allow 2–3 hours if you also descend towards the South or West Gate, visit Kaifu Temple, and stop at Banbian Street for food and a break.
Who this visit suits
The area suits visitors who enjoy urban hikes, nature walks, temple architecture, and city photography. It also works as a half-day outdoor visit for families. The mountain is not high, but the stone steps and slopes still require some effort; when travelling with older adults or children, consider the day’s temperature, everyone’s stamina, and the descent route.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
The summit observation deck and city views
The summit observation deck is about 284 metres above sea level and is the main endpoint of the Dashushan hiking route. In clear weather, you can look over Hefei’s skyline and the buildings around Swan Lake. Sunset light and nighttime views vary with the weather, visibility, and on-site conditions, so stay on the main paths and in open areas.
Kaifu Temple and Banbian Street
Kaifu Temple is at the southern foot of Dashushan and is an important cultural stop, with red walls, yellow roofs, and details such as its upturned eaves. Banbian Street is close to the East Gate and is mainly a Huizhou-style commercial street with restaurants, cafés, and shops selling cultural and creative products. It is a convenient place to rest before or after the climb.
Choosing a route by interest and fitness
Visitors who mainly want city views can make the summit observation deck their focus. Those interested in temple architecture can descend from the summit towards Kaifu Temple. For an easier walk or a family outing, the East Gate steps, the mountain road, and Banbian Street can form the main visit. Photography enthusiasts can choose between the summit, Kaifu Temple, and Banbian Street according to the weather.
Build your day
A 1–1.5 hour summit route
Enter through the East Gate and climb the main stone-step path towards the summit observation deck. It usually takes about 40–50 minutes to reach the top; after visiting the summit, return by the same route or follow the mountain road back to the East Gate. This route suits visitors with limited time who mainly want the city panorama.
A 2–3 hour Dashushan and Kaifu Temple route
Enter through the East Gate and climb the stone-step path. After reaching the summit, descend towards the South or West Gate and visit Kaifu Temple at the foot of the mountain. You can then go straight to Banbian Street beside the East Gate for food, coffee, or a rest. Kaifu Temple has shorter opening hours, so check whether it is open on the day of your visit.
Hiking pace and safety
Climbing in hot summer weather, especially in the afternoon, increases the risk of heat exhaustion. Choose a cooler time of day and carry enough water. Snakes are occasionally seen on the mountain, so stay on the main paths and avoid areas of dense vegetation. If you are walking after dark, go with companions and carry a light. Even though the mountain is not high, take a break if you feel unwell rather than pushing on.
Get there
Metro and bus
Take Metro Line 2 to Dashushan Station, leave through Exit C or D, and walk about 5–10 minutes to the East Gate and Banbian Street. Another option is Metro Line 6 to Kaifu Temple Station, followed by a walk of about 15 minutes to the South Gate. Buses 20, 48, 85, 102, 118, and 234 stop at “Shushan Forest Park.”
Driving and parking
If driving, navigate to the East Gate or North Gate car park of Shushan Forest Park. Spaces may be tight after 09:00 on weekends, so arrive early if possible. Use officially open roads and designated parking areas, and do not stop along the mountain roads.
Know before you go
Free entry and Kaifu Temple hours
Dashushan Scenic Area is free to enter and no reservation is required. The park and Banbian Street are listed as open around the clock; the reference opening hours for Kaifu Temple are 07:00–16:00, and entry to the temple depends on the arrangements for the day. Although the park gate is open around the clock, Kaifu Temple and other mountain services have their own opening hours.
Water, weather, and night hiking
The mountain route is not very long, but the stone steps and slopes still use energy, so bring enough water and a few snacks. The hot summer afternoon is not a good time for a long climb. Snakes may occasionally appear on the mountain; night walking also requires companions and a light. If you feel unwell, rest or head downhill.
Banbian Street and nearby food
After descending, you can eat and rest at Banbian Street, which has snacks, restaurants, cafés, and shops selling cultural and creative products. Options include shrimp-roe noodles and crab-roe buns at Geng Fuxing, or other local snacks at Lei Village. Kaifu Temple is at the southern foot of Dashushan. Hefei Wildlife Park is also nearby. If you still have time after the hike, you can add it as another stop, allowing extra time for transport and opening hours.