Drum Hill (Gushan Mountain)

The basics

Sprawling across 18 square miles (48 square kilometers), Drum Hill is an easily accessible, half-day outing for those visiting Fuzhou, with plenty of scenic overlooks offering panoramas of the river and city below. You can ascend the hill by bus, by cable car, or by hiking up the 2,000-step Ancient Path of the Hill, which leads to the storied Yongquan Temple and is flanked by carved inscriptions. Be sure to look out for waterfalls, ancient trees, and characteristic rock formations as you go.

As one of the city’s top tourist destinations, Drum Hill is a highlight of Fuzhou tours. Thanks to its proximity to the city center, it’s also easy to visit independently.

Things to know before you go

• Owing to its many stairs and uneven ground, the park may not be easily accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

• Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes with good tread, and weather-appropriate gear.

• At the Overlooking Stand area, you can purchase tea and local fare to go with the view.

• It’s free to climb the mountain, but cable cars and some attractions are ticketed separately.

How to get there

Drum Hill is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of central Fuzhou. A number of bus lines link the two, though going by car or taxi—or booking a tour that includes transportation—is the simplest way of getting there.

When to get there

Drum Hill is open to visitors daily. The best time of year to visit is from October through February, when the weather in Fuzhou is generally cool and clear, with optimal visibility. Visit on a bright, good-weather day to best enjoy the park and the views.

Yongquan Temple

One of Drum Hill’s key cultural attractions is the Yongquan Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple whose origins go back more than 1,000 years (although much of its current structure dates back to the Ming dynasty). Today, the temple is a sprawling site featuring more than 25 halls—its central Great Budda’s Hall is a key highlight.