Lushan Scenic Area is located in Lushan City, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area, a World Cultural Heritage site, and a World Geopark. The total area of the scenic area is 302 square kilometers, and the main peak, Hanyang Peak, has an altitude of 1,474 meters. It is renowned for its grandeur, wonder, danger, and beauty, and has long been known as "Lushan's extraordinary beauty surpasses that of the whole world". There are 636 villas of various styles in Lushan, among which there are more than 300 Western-style villas, encompassing the architectural styles of 16 countries, and it is hailed as the "Museum of World Architecture".
History and Culture
Lushan has a long history and profound cultural heritage. As early as the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, there were ancestors who lived and engaged in activities here, which was recorded in "Records of the Grand Historian" by Sima Qian in the Western Han Dynasty. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Master Huiyuan established Donglin Temple on Lushan and founded the Pure Land Sect, making Lushan an important Buddhist holy land in China. During the Tang and Song dynasties, literati and poets such as Li Bai, Bai Juyi, and Su Shi left a large number of poems praising Lushan, turning Lushan into a renowned cultural mountain in China.
From the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, Lushan became a summer resort for Western missionaries and diplomats, and gradually a cluster of villas centered around Kuling Town was formed. During the period of the Republic of China, Lushan became the "Summer Capital" of the National Government, and many significant historical events took place here. In 1959, 1961, and 1970, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held important meetings on Lushan three times, giving Lushan a special status in modern Chinese history.
In 1996, Lushan was inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO. In 2004, Lushan was rated as one of the first batch of World Geoparks. These honors highlight the unique natural and cultural values of Lushan.
Main Attractions
Wulaofeng (Five Old Men Peak)
Wulaofeng has an altitude of 1,436 meters and gets its name because the five peaks resemble five old men. The peaks are majestic and precipitous, surrounded by clouds and mist, and it is the most famous mountain landscape in Lushan. Li Bai once wrote the timeless famous line "The five old men peaks in the southeast of Lushan, as if the blue sky has carved out golden hibiscus" here. Standing on the top, you can overlook the panoramic view of Poyang Lake, and it is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise.
Sandiequan (Three-Tiered Spring)
It is the largest waterfall in Lushan, with a total drop of 155 meters, falling in three tiers. The upper tier is like floating snow and trailing silk, the middle tier is like broken jade and crushed ice, and the lower tier is like a jade dragon swimming in the pond, presenting a magnificent momentum. Zhu Xi of the Song Dynasty once built a waterfall viewing pavilion here and inscribed the two characters "Zhuang Guan" (magnificent). It is the most spectacular when the water volume is abundant in summer.
Meilu Villa
It was first built in 1903 and is a British veranda-style building. It was the summer vacation villa of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. In the courtyard, ancient trees soar into the sky, and the environment is tranquil and secluded. Now it is a major national cultural relic protection unit, and a large number of historical photos and cultural relics are displayed inside, serving as an important window to understand the history of the Republic of China.
Huajing (Flower Path)
It was built by Bai Juyi when he traveled to Lushan during his tenure as the Sima of Jiangzhou. It is about 1 kilometer long, with ancient trees towering on both sides, and flowers bloom continuously throughout the four seasons. The two characters "Huajing" at the entrance were written by Bai Juyi himself. It is particularly beautiful when the peach blossoms are in full bloom in spring, and it is one of the most poetic scenic spots in Lushan.
Hanpokou (Mouth Containing Poyang Lake)
It has an altitude of 1,286 meters and gets its name because it looks like it is opening its mouth to contain Poyang Lake. The view here is expansive, and it is the best place to admire the sea of clouds and Poyang Lake. There is often a spectacular sea of clouds in the early morning, and it is praised as "the first wonder of Lushan".
Delicacies
Lushan Stone Frog
It is a specialty of Lushan, a kind of frog that grows among the rocks. The meat is tender and delicious. The traditional cooking methods are braising in soy sauce or stewing. When cooked with Lushan Yunwu Tea, it has a unique tea fragrance, and it is the most representative mountain delicacy in Lushan.
Lushan Yunwu Tea
It is one of the top ten famous teas in China and gets its name because it grows in the environment shrouded in clouds and mist on Lushan. The tea soup is clear and bright, the aroma is lofty and long-lasting, and the taste is fresh, brisk, sweet, and mellow. It was a tribute during the Song Dynasty and was recorded in "The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu.
Poyang Lake Silver Fish
It is a specialty of Poyang Lake, with a body length of 3 to 5 centimeters and a transparent body. It can be stir-fried with eggs, made into soup, or deep-fried. It has a tender taste and rich nutrition. The best season to taste it is from May to June every year.
Jiujiang Tea Cake
It is a traditional pastry in Jiujiang, made from refined flour, sesame seeds, osmanthus, etc. It is crispy, sweet, and has a strong tea aroma. Su Shi of the Song Dynasty once praised it as "Small cakes are like chewing the moon, with crisp and sweet fillings inside".
Ticket Information
Lushan Scenic Area implements different ticket prices for the peak season (April 1st - November 30th) and the off-season (December 1st - March 31st of the following year). The peak season ticket is 160 yuan per person, and the off-season ticket is 135 yuan per person. The sightseeing bus ticket in the scenic area is 80 yuan per person (valid within 7 days). Seniors over 60 years old, students, etc. can enjoy a 50% discount, and children under 1.2 meters are free of charge. For some scenic spots such as Meilu Villa, an additional ticket needs to be purchased (30 yuan per person).
Itinerary Recommendations
A recommended two-day itinerary: On the first day: Climb the mountain via Beishan Highway → Visit Huajing and Ruqin Lake → Visit Meilu Villa → Walk to Hanpokou to admire the sea of clouds → Check in at Kuling Town; On the second day: Get up early to watch the sunrise → Visit Wulaofeng → Sandiequan Waterfall → Go down the mountain via Nanshan Highway. If you have enough time, you can add one more day to visit the scenic spots on the west line, such as Datianchi and Longshouya.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Nanchang, take the Fuyin Expressway to the Lushan Toll Station, and then follow the mountain-ringing highway to the scenic area.
- By train: Take a high-speed train to Lushan Station or Jiujiang Station, and then transfer to the scenic area bus.
- By plane: The nearest airport is Jiujiang Lushan Airport, which is approximately 40 kilometers away from the scenic area.
- Transportation within the scenic area: The sightseeing bus covers the main scenic spots, and for some scenic spots, you need to walk or take a cable car.
Must-visit Attractions
- Wulaofeng - The iconic peak of Lushan, with an altitude of 1,436 meters, praised in Li Bai's poem.
- Sandiequan - A magnificent three-tiered waterfall with a drop of 155 meters.
- Meilu Villa - A historical building from the period of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek's summer residence.
- Hanpokou - The best viewing spot for the sea of clouds, with an altitude of 1,286 meters.
- Huajing - Written by Bai Juyi, the most poetic path in Lushan.
Tour Tips
- The best tourist season is from April to November, and July to August is the best time for summer retreat.
- Prepare comfortable hiking shoes, as you need to walk for a long time at some scenic spots.
- The temperature difference on the mountain is large, so even in summer, you should bring a coat.
- Purchasing a sightseeing bus ticket can save your energy, as the distance between scenic spots is relatively far.
- Book accommodation in Kuling Town in advance, as accommodation is in short supply during the peak season.
- Get up early to watch the sea of clouds and the sunrise to experience the most beautiful moments of Lushan.
Notes
- The mountain road is slippery, so pay attention to safety when walking, especially after rain.
- Protect cultural relics and buildings, and do not make loud noises in the villa area.
- Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area, and pay attention to fire prevention.
- Do not pick plants or catch wild animals casually.
- The signal is weak in some areas, so it is recommended to download an offline map in advance.
- There are many tourists during the peak season, so it is recommended to visit popular scenic spots at off-peak times.