Plan at a glance
A cultural hillside visit centred on Yuanshan Temple and Fuxing Pagoda
Xuanwu Mountain is in Jieshi Town, Lufeng. Yuanshan Temple, Fuxing Pagoda, the old opera stage, Qilin Rock, and other historic features can be visited in one hillside circuit. It suits travellers interested in local customs, temple visits, and a cultural stop by Jieshi Bay.
Your choice of south or north gate changes the route and cost
The south gate leads to the free worship area, while the north gate is the paid scenic-area entrance. North-gate and inner-area admission is about CNY 25, with a further CNY 5 to climb Fuxing Pagoda; tickets are available on site and do not require advance booking. The scenic area is open from 8:30 am to 10 pm, with entry ending at 9:30 pm; the south-gate worship area is open all day.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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For a short visit, follow the 1.5-hour temple-and-pagoda route
Enter through the south gate, pass the entrance archway and Dragon Wall, visit the main hall of Yuanshan Temple, then climb Fuxing Pagoda for views over Jieshi Bay before leaving through the south gate. Allow at least 20 minutes for the pagoda climb and descent.
First-time visitors should allow half a day; worshippers can slow the pace
A three-hour route can add Qilin Rock, the old opera stage, Zideju Garden, and food in Jieshi Old Street. If worship is your main purpose, allow time at the temple, the wishing tree, and Fuxing Pagoda. The first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, as well as Chinese New Year, are the busiest periods.
Build your day
Visit the temple core first, then move into the heritage buildings
From the south gate, pass Qilin Rock and continue to Yuanshan Temple, where the red-and-gold architecture, plaques, and local religious customs are central to the visit. The old opera stage is a natural stop as you move from the temple toward Fuxing Pagoda; traditional performances may take place during festivals.
Make Fuxing Pagoda the high point of the route
The three-storey, octagonal stone pagoda overlooks Jieshi Bay and the town, making it the best place to pause on this route. The Dragon Wall is on the way up and can be visited in passing; then continue to Zideju Garden or head directly to Jieshi Old Street for a meal.
Get there
Drivers can navigate directly to either the south or north gate
Search for “Xuanwu Mountain South Gate” or “North Gate.” Parking is around CNY 10, and spaces are tighter on holidays. The south gate is the better choice for worship; the north gate suits visitors following the paid scenic-area route.
Arrange your high-speed-rail connection in advance; buses take longer
From Lufeng East Station, taxis cost about CNY 20–30. Some drivers may try to renegotiate after accepting a ride, so agree on the fare before departure. Alternatively, take the Lufeng–Jieshi bus from Lufeng Yueyun Bus Terminal; it takes about one hour to Jieshi Bus Station, followed by a walk.
Know before you go
Avoid worship peaks and observe temple etiquette
Before 9 am is generally quieter, while 2–4 pm is good for sightseeing. The first and fifteenth lunar days and major holidays are extremely busy. Keep your voice low in the halls, do not step on thresholds, and respect local incense and worship practices.
Budget separately for the pagoda, offerings, and food in town
The south-gate worship area is free, but the north gate, pagoda, and worship items may add to the cost. Food inside the scenic area can be expensive, so Jieshi Town is a more flexible place for a meal. There are many steps, so wear comfortable, non-slip flat shoes and aim to finish the pagoda before late afternoon.