Magnificent landscapes—discover the true face of Mount Lu, a place resembling a fairyland

Mount Lu Travel Guide: The poetic charm and magnificence of a paradise on earth Mount Lu, a "sacred mountain of culture" lying between the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake, is a spiritual symbol of Chinese culture and a miracle of nature. As a World Cultural Heritage Site, a World Geopark, and a National 5A Scenic Area, Mount Lu combines grandeur, wonder, peril, and beauty, offering stunning scenery in all four seasons and boasting a rich cultural heritage. This in-depth and practical travel guide covers six aspects: attractions, transportation, accommodation, cuisine, photography, and seasonal activities, to help you plan your trip to Mount Lu. I. Core Attractions: A Feast of Nature and Culture 1. Five Old Men Peaks · Features: Five peaks resembling five old men sitting side by side. The third peak offers the best view, overlooking the entire Poyang Lake. · Activities: It is recommended to climb to the top early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds. The hike takes about 3 hours and passes by glacial relics, ancient pines, and grotesque rocks. · Photography Spots: The platform below the Hanpo Pass Suspension Bridge is perfect for capturing stunning photos of "walking in the clouds." 2. Sandie Spring Waterfall · Highlights: "One who hasn't been to Sandie Spring hasn't truly visited Mount Lu." The three-tiered waterfall has a drop of 155 meters. The water volume is immense during the rainy season (May-July), and the frozen waterfall is crystal clear in winter. · Tips: You need to descend 2,600 steps. You can take the scenic sightseeing bus to the trailhead. The round trip takes about 2.5 hours. Hiking poles are recommended. 3. Guling Town · Cultural Significance: A "mountain city in the clouds" at an altitude of 1,167 meters, with over 600 century-old villas (such as Meilu Villa and the former site of the Lushan Conference), which together tell the story of the Republican era. · Night Tour Recommendations: Stroll along the Ruqin Lake boardwalk, where the lights reflect like a starry river. Every Friday night, the Lushan Love Cinema shows the classic old movie "Romance on Lushan Mountain." 4. Splendid Valley - Fairy Cave · Route: A 1.5-kilometer cliffside trail that passes by "Tianqiao" (Sky Bridge), where Zhu Yuanzhang is said to have escaped, and the Fairy Cave, where Lü Dongbin cultivated Taoism. · Best Time to Visit: After rain, when the clouds and mist linger, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. 5. White Deer Grotto Academy · Historical Significance: One of the four great academies of ancient China, where Zhu Xi once lectured. The academy is filled with ancient trees and stone inscriptions, making it a perfect spot for Hanfu photography. II. Transportation Guide: Efficient Connections, Time-saving Tips · Main Transportation · High-speed Rail: Lushan Railway Station (near the south gate of the scenic area) or Jiujiang Railway Station (near the north gate). Both stations have shuttle buses to the scenic area (ticket price: CNY 15-20). · Self-driving: Navigate to the north/south gate transfer center of Mount Lu. Private cars are not allowed to enter the scenic area (parking spaces need to be reserved in advance during holidays). · Transportation within the Scenic Area · Sightseeing Bus: CNY 90 for a 7-day pass, covering the core attractions on the east and west lines, with buses every 10-15 minutes. · Cable Car: Mount Lu Cable Car (7 minutes direct to Guling Town), one-way CNY 60, offering stunning views of the mountains, forests, and sea of clouds.