Aiwan Pavilion
Among the maples.
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A green mountain on the west bank of the Xiang River opposite central Changsha, its highest peak about 300 metres; it is covered in woods holding more than 900 plant species and venerable trees from many eras, and it is the city's favourite place for an outing. Its best-known sight is the Aiwan, or «Love the Evening», Pavilion at its foot in a valley full of maples; built in 1792, it takes its name from a line by the Tang poet Du Mu saying that maple leaves after the frost are redder than spring flowers, and in autumn the valley turns red and gold. Paths through the woods and a cable car climb to the summit, the mountain holds springs, carved rocks and the tombs of several figures of the republican revolution, and the top looks out over the river, Orange Isle and the city, with the ancient Yuelu Academy at its foot. Entry to the mountain is free with a real-name booking up to three days ahead; electric carts cost about CNY 20 and the cable car about CNY 30 up and 25 down, per visitor guides. Late autumn, when the maples turn red, is the loveliest time.
Among the maples.
River and city.
900 plant species.
West bank of the Xiang River, Yuelu District, Changsha
Late autumn, when the maples around Aiwan Pavilion turn red; entry is free with a real-name booking, per visitor guides.
