"I don't know the true face of Mount Lu, only because I am in this mountain."

Here's a detailed Lushan travel guide, covering practical information such as transportation, attractions, accommodation, food, and more, to help you easily plan your trip: ### **1. Transportation Guide** **1. How to Get to Lushan** - **By Air**: - Nanchang Changbei International Airport → Transfer to high-speed rail/bus to Jiujiang (approx. 1.5 hrs) → Transfer to scenic area transportation up the mountain. - Lushan Airport (smaller, fewer flights) → Taxi to Guling Town (approx. 1 hr). - **By High-Speed Rail/Train**: - Jiujiang Station: Take a bus/taxi to Lushan North Gate after exiting the station and transfer to a sightseeing bus. - Lushan Station: Closer to the South Gate, take a taxi to the cable car lower station (10 mins) → Take the cable car up the mountain (7 mins direct to Guling Town). - **By Car**: Navigate to Lushan North or South Gate. During peak season, you'll need to transfer to the scenic area's sightseeing bus (private cars are restricted). **2. Transportation Within the Scenic Area** - **Sightseeing Bus**: CNY 90/7-day pass, covers major attractions, runs approx. every 10 mins during peak season. - **Cable Car**: From Lushan Station to Guling Town, single trip approx. CNY 60, 10 mins direct. - **Hiking**: Recommended trails include Jinxiu Valley and Five Old Men Peak, offering stunning scenery. --- ### **2. Must-See Attractions** **1. Core Attractions** - **Sandiequan Waterfall**: "You haven't truly visited Lushan if you haven't seen Sandiequan Waterfall." The three-tiered waterfall has a total drop of 155m. It requires hiking about 3,000 steps, so pack light. - **Hanpokou**: The best sunrise viewing spot. On clear days, you can see Poyang Lake in the distance. The early morning mist creates a fairyland-like atmosphere. - **Five Old Men Peak**: Five connected peaks, with the third peak offering the best views. Perfect for photos. - **Ruqin Lake/Flower Path**: The lake is shaped like a violin. Peach blossoms bloom in spring. Bai Juyi wrote the poem "Peach Blossoms in Dalin Temple" here. - **Jinxiu Valley**: A 1.5 km precipitous plank road, legendary escape route of Zhu Yuanzhang, ending at "Immortal Cave". **2. Culture and History** - **Meilu Villa**: Former residence of Chiang Kai-shek, Soong Mei-ling, and Mao Zedong. Experience modern Chinese history. - **Lushan Conference Site**: A site of "red tourism," learn about the important meetings held in 1959 and 1961. - **Bailudong Academy**: One of the four great academies of ancient China. Zhu Xi once lectured here. Ideal for culture enthusiasts. **3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences** - **Lulin Lake**: The lake where Chairman Mao once swam. In autumn, the red leaves reflect beautifully in the tranquil water. - **Three Precious Trees**: Millennial ginkgo and fir trees. Make a wish near the Yellow Dragon Temple. --- ### **3. Itinerary Suggestions** - **One-Day Tour** (Compact): Ruqin Lake → Flower Path → Jinxiu Valley → Immortal Cave → Meilu Villa → Lushan Conference Site → Hanpokou. - **Two-Day Tour** (Classic): Day 1: West Route (Ruqin Lake, Flower Path, Jinxiu Valley) + Guling Town night view; Day 2: East Route (Hanpokou, Five Old Men Peak, Sandiequan Waterfall). - **Three-Day Tour** (In-depth): Add Bailudong Academy, Donglin Giant Buddha, Lushan Hot Springs, or winter skiing. --- ### **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Guling Town** (Recommended): - High-end: Lushan Grand Howart Hotel (near the cable car station) - Boutique guesthouses: Yunwuju, renovated guesthouses in old Republican-era villas - Budget-friendly: Express hotels near Guling Street (approx. CNY 200/night) - **Other areas on the mountain**: Lulin Lake area is suitable for quiet vacations, but transportation is less convenient. --- ### **5. Food Guide** - **Must-try dishes**: - Lushan stone chicken (frog), stone ear mushroom chicken soup, cloud and mist tea-smoked duck - Snacks: Tea cakes, glutinous rice balls, Lushan tofu pudding - **Recommended restaurants**: - Guling Street: Stone Bull Restaurant, Zuiyunlu - Farmhouse cuisine: Agritainment restaurants near Sandiequan Waterfall (fresh ingredients) --- ### **6. Important Notes** 1. **Weather**: Mountain weather is changeable. Pack a raincoat, sunscreen, and a light jacket. 2. **Hiking safety**: Wear non-slip shoes. Pace yourself on steep sections like Sandiequan Waterfall. 3. **Tickets**: Lushan entrance ticket is CNY 160 (peak season). Some attractions have separate fees (e.g., Meilu Villa CNY 25). 4. **Environmental protection**: Do not litter. Protect the natural landscape. 5. **Avoiding peak season crowds**: During holidays, it's crowded. It's recommended to start early or travel during off-peak times. --- ### **7. Summary** Lushan combines natural wonders and cultural heritage. A 2-3 day trip allows for an in-depth experience. Whether you're hiking, exploring history, or enjoying the cool mountain air, you'll find something to enjoy. Plan your trip in advance and embark on your "poetic and picturesque Lushan" journey!