Walking Among the Clouds, Savoring Lushan—A Encounter with Poetry and Mist

Day 1: Blending Cultural Landscapes with Natural Scenery Morning: Arrival at Lushan & West Route Exploration Transport Tip: Drive/take high-speed rail to Jiujiang, then transfer to Lushan sightseeing bus (or cable car) uphill (Ticket: ¥160/person). **Like Qin Lake**: Picturesque lakeside views, perfect for photos. **Flower Path Park**: Inspiration for Bai Juyi’s poem "When all flowers fade in late spring," especially stunning in spring. **Jinxiu Valley**: 1.5-hour hike featuring bizarre rocks and cliffs, ending at "Immortal Cave" (legendary site of Lü Dongbin). Lunch: Guling Town restaurants (must-tries: Lushan stone frog, rock ear omelet, misty tea shrimp). Afternoon: Historical Journey **Meilu Villa**: Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling’s summer residence, showcasing Republic-era history. **Lushan Conference Site**: Key modern historical events. **Lulin Lake & Bridge**: Where Chairman Mao once swam, offering serene views. Evening: Stroll Guling Town: Enjoy the "cloud-kissed mountain town" nightscape, with Lushan misty tea as a souvenir. Day 2: Natural Wonders & Sunrise Spectacle Dawn (Optional): **Hanpo Pass Sunrise**: Arrive by 5:00 AM for misty Poyang Lake vistas (breathtaking in clear weather). Morning: East Route Highlights **Five Old Peaks**: 1-2-hour climb; Peak 3 has the best panoramic views of mountains and Poyang Lake. **Three-Step Waterfall**: "No true Lushan visit without seeing it" (3-hour round trip, steep steps; cable car available). Lunch: Light meals onsite or back in Guling Town. Afternoon: Leisurely Wrap-Up **Botanical Garden (Optional)**: China’s earliest subalpine garden, famous for autumn foliage. **Small Heavenly Pool & Nonna Pagoda**: Tibetan Buddhist white pagoda overlooking Jiujiang. Departure: Descend by 4:00 PM; allow extra time for transit. 📌 Pro Tips Transport: 7-day sightseeing bus pass (¥70) is essential; cable car takes ~10 minutes uphill. Stay: Prioritize Guling Town (e.g., Lushan Jiahao Huaihai International Hotel or boutique B&Bs). Attire: Summer requires jackets; winter demands anti-slip shoes. Avoid: Low water at Three-Step Waterfall (winter); pack rain gear. 🍜 Food Recs Must-tries: Steamed stone fish egg, braised pork with bamboo shoots, Poyang Lake fish head. Snacks: Tea cakes, osmanthus candy. May this guide help you embrace Lushan’s "majesty, wonder, thrill, and elegance"! Customize with hidden gems (e.g., Donglin Temple, White Deer Grotto Academy) upon request. 🌄