Classic 3-Day Independent Travel Guide to Lushan Mountain

Walk along Dalin Road to Flower Path, and you will pass the Flying Stone on the way. After exiting the scenic area, follow the stone steps on the left from Heavenly Bridge into Splendid Valley, a beautiful valley stretching about 1.5 kilometres. Be sure to stop at Immortal’s Stone to overlook the valley with sheer cliffs and jagged mountain ridges. In the afternoon, take the west-line sightseeing bus to the Power Station Dam, then head west to Black Dragon Pool to admire the Longtan Waterfall. Continue your trip to the Three Treasure Trees and Lulin Lake. If time permits, pay a visit to the Lushan Museum. Afterwards, tour the former site of the Lushan Conference and Meilu Villa. In the evening, walk to the Lushan Cinema to watch the classic movie Romance on Lushan Mountain, and stay overnight in Guling Town.

Shaped like a violin, Ruqin Lake is actually a reservoir and a necessary stop en route to Flower Path and Splendid Valley. You can reach it directly by sightseeing bus. Paired with Flower Path, it boasts gorgeous scenery. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: All day

This site has a long history. It is said to be the very place where the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote his poem Peach Blossoms in Dalin Temple. The whole area is filled with strong literary charm. Even without blooming peach blossoms, it maintains a quiet and romantic atmosphere, perfect for lovers. No wonder the hero and heroine in Romance on Lushan Mountain read poems here in the early morning. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: All day

This classic scenic section covers the 1.5-kilometre mountain trail from Heavenly Bridge to Immortal’s Cave. Walk through the mountains and enjoy sea of clouds and steep peaks of Lushan. You will pass Heavenly Bridge; with the right shooting angle, the cliff looks extremely precipitous in photos. Duration: 60–90 minutes Opening Hours: All day

Immortal’s Cave sits right next to Splendid Valley. Normally visitors tour the valley first and then follow the mountain path to the cave. The cave itself is rather ordinary — you will regret visiting it, yet you will also feel regretful if you skip it. However, the folk legends related to it make the spot quite interesting. Duration: 1 hour Opening Hours: All day

Originally a release pond of Heavenly Pool Temple, this is just a calm pool with few highlights. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: All day

Travel Tips: The cliff is extremely steep with tall green pines standing upright. It is the best viewpoint for sea of clouds and sunset. The precipitous charm of Lushan is fully displayed here. Standing on the dangerous cliff and looking far into the distance brings an indescribable feeling. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: All day

The Water Curtain Cave scene in Journey to the West was shot here. The waterfall is not huge, yet the gurgling water creates a unique peaceful scene with fantastic mountains and waters. In my opinion, it is more beautiful than Yellow Dragon Pool with fewer crowds. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: All day

It is a small pool where Romance on Lushan Mountain was filmed. The waterfall is short and not very high, yet it blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape and makes an excellent photography spot. Locals say washing hands here brings good luck, so tourists line up one after another. Duration: 1 hour Opening Hours: 6:00–20:00

Three ancient towering trees with a history of more than 1,000 years stand here, thick and tall. It is an ideal place to escape the summer heat. Yellow Dragon Temple is located beside the trees. Duration: 1 hour Opening Hours: 6:00–20:00

The temple is secluded with relatively few tourists and pilgrims. Duration: 1 hour Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00

Lulin Lake is a drinking water reservoir with calm and beautiful water. Sightseeing buses usually cross Lulin Bridge above the lake, offering a quick view of the waterscape. One of Lushan’s greatest charms is its mountain lakes, and Lulin Lake is a prime example. Stroll along the bank and fully appreciate the mountain scenery. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: 8:30–18:00

Located beside Lulin Lake, this villa-style building combines Chinese and Western architectural styles with a strong historical atmosphere. It houses fine furniture from Sino-Western villas as well as exquisite ancient porcelain wares from different dynasties. Duration: 1 hour Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30

This site bears profound historical significance. It preserves precious cultural relics, old photos, documents and documentary videos for visitors. However, it charges an extra admission fee of 50 yuan alone for this solemn historical site, which is overpriced. Duration: 2 hours Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30

A distinctive building full of historical stories. Constructed mainly with stone, it looks magnificent and grand rather than quiet and secluded. It is perfect for portrait photography and recreating the artistic style of the Republic of China era. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30

This high-altitude mountain town serves as the shopping centre of Lushan. You can stay in a hotel here or buy souvenirs along this long street. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: All day

Get up early to watch the sunrise at Hanpo Pass. Surrounded by three mountain ridges, this is the best viewing point for Hanyang Peak, Five Elders Peak and Poyang Lake. Looking afar, you will see five towering peaks piercing the sky. Then walk down to Three-Tiered Spring. The three-tiered waterfall plunges down with a drop of over 155 metres, creating a spectacular view.

Reputed as a top sunrise viewing spot, it depends heavily on the weather. Thick fog often covers the area. On clear days, you can enjoy a broad distant view. Duration: 2 hours Opening Hours: 6:00–20:00

The five peaks take different shapes when viewed from different angles: some look like an old fisherman angling, others resemble a monk sitting cross-legged. The scenery is especially stunning at sunrise. Climbing the mountain demands great endurance, yet the sea of clouds on the summit is absolutely breathtaking. Duration: 3–5 hours Opening Hours: All day

Travel Tips: This is the most powerful and largest waterfall on Lushan Mountain, an unmissable highlight. There is a local saying: You cannot call yourself a true Lushan visitor without seeing Three-Tiered Spring. Duration: 3 hours Opening Hours: 7:00–18:00 Ticket: ¥64

Take a coach from Jiujiang Long-distance Bus Station to Xingzi County, then transfer to a local minibus or Tourism Bus No.1 to reach Xiufeng Peak. The main attractions are the Mawei Waterfall and Huangya Waterfall. Incense Burner Peak, featured in the famous poem Viewing the Lushan Waterfall, stands right here. In the afternoon, head north of Xiufeng Peak to White Deer Cave Academy and admire the No.1 ancient academy in the whole country.

The peak is extremely elegant. Shrouded in mist, it looks just like an ink wash Chinese painting. The line Of Mountain Lu we cannot make out the true face, For we are lost in the heart of the very place perfectly describes this scene. Duration: 2–4 hours Opening Hours: 6:00–17:00 Ticket: ¥63

As one of China’s Four Great Ancient Academies, it remains well-preserved among lush green trees. The surrounding mountains and rivers are beautiful, and the tranquil scholarly atmosphere appeals greatly to young literary travellers. Duration: 1–2 hours Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00 Ticket: ¥40