Who would've thought! Got rained on for 3 days at Mount Lu but was so mesmerized I wanted to move there

As someone cursed by weather forecasts to be the "Rain God incarnate", I thought this trip would be ruined. But the sea of clouds in rain and misty waterfalls... were even more stunning than sunny days!
This mud-splattered authentic guide covers all the pitfalls, hidden photo spots, and rainy-day survival tips. Trust me, follow this and you won't regret it👇

🌫️ Must-visit magical spots in rain (with exclusive angles)

❶ Sandiequan Waterfall | Rain-fed waterfalls reign supreme

- My experience: Climbed 1,420 steps in moderate rain, legs shaking like leaves, but froze in awe seeing the waterfall—3 times more powerful than in sunshine, mist spraying like a facial spa, rainbows flickering in fog, beauty undimmed even through water-droplet covered phone lens!
- Hidden angle: At the 800th step, find a recessed viewing platform (no railings! Be careful) capturing all three tiers, with mist rising beneath your feet like standing on clouds💦
- Rain essentials: Long raincoat (no umbrellas! Wind will flip them), buy extra-thick shoe covers (¥10/pair at entrance)—my friend's thin ones left her "drenched like a drowned rat"

❷ Hanpokou | Where cloud seas "flow" from valleys

- 5am surprise: Went for sunrise but got rolling clouds instead! First wisps emerged between Five Old Peaks, then flooded like milk over Hanyang Ridge, completely obscuring distant Poyang Lake—just clouds moving underfoot, making me truly believe in "fairy realms"🌥️
- Best photo spot: Right of Wangpo Pavilion on stone piles (locals call them "Grain-Drying Rocks"), where clouds drift past your knees for "floating in clouds" shots (super slippery when wet!)
- Money saver: Skip flimsy ¥5 disposable ponchos—bring reusable ones that double as picnic mats later

❸ Guling Street | Rain adds stories to old villas

- My discovery: When pouring, hide in "Lushan Library"! Vintage windows draped with pothos, raindrops sliding down glass, watching red rooftops across the street like a Ghibli film scene
- Must-eat treats: "Auntie's Baked Sweet Potato" (¥8) at street end—molten honey-like insides from metal drum ovens; nearby "Fermented Rice Balls" (¥6/bowl) with strong rice wine warmth

❹ Riqin Lake | Rain shatters the lake into mirrors

- 3pm magic: During rain breaks, mist floats over water where dawn redwood reflections blur reality. Walk 10 minutes to "Nine-Bend Bridge" (locals' "Lovers' Bridge")—shoot from center as mist gradually swallows the far end like entering ink wash painting🎨
- Pitfall: Don't rent ugly ¥20 umbrellas—buy ¥10 clear ones at Guling convenience stores (photogenic too!)

🍲 Rainy day comfort food! Locals' secret spots

- 「Xiao Wang Farmhouse」: Hidden alley joint with just 3 tables! Must-order "Lushan Stone Ear Chicken Stew" (¥58)—sizzling claypot with slippery mushrooms and soul-warming broth, comes with free ginger tea (chase away chills)
- 「Old Street Noodles」: Opens 7am for locals' favorite "Preserved Radish & Bacon Noodles" (¥12)—alkaline noodles with chewy bite, add poached egg (¥2) for hiking energy
- 「Corner Steamed Buns」: 3pm-only "Brown Sugar Fa Gao" (¥3)—steamed cakes fluffy as clouds, sweet warmth for pockets and hiking snacks

🏡 Smart stays for rainy days! 3 gems

- 「Guling Hostel」: ¥40 dorm with drying room! Free clothes drying plus shared medicine kit. Nightly fireplace chats feel like friends' gathering
- 「Riqin Lake Homestay」: ¥120 lakeview room—wake to rain sounds and misty views, includes free bedtime ginger soup
- 「Five Old Peaks Farmstay」: ¥80 with meals! Grandma's pumpkin congee + free veggie-picking with grandpa. Mountain mist views beat crowded spots

📝 3D2N rainproof itinerary (tested!)

Day1: Waterfall chase
- AM: Arrive → Guling check-in → Preserved radish noodles
- PM: Shuttle to Sandiequan (raincoat on!) → Descend with waterfall views → Cable car return
- Night: Chicken stew → Hostel drying → Fireplace chats

Day2: Clouds & old streets
- Dawn: 5am Hanpokou cloud hunt (thermos of ginger tea) → Fairyland photos
- AM: Riqin Lake stroll → Nine-Bend Bridge → Library rain shelter
- PM: Buy clear umbrella → Fa Gao snack → Lotus-in-rain park views
- Night: "Romance on Lushan" movie (¥10) → Warm rice ball drink

Day3: Culture & departure
- AM: Meilu Villa (empty in rain!) → Soong May-ling's vanity → Historic site
- Noon: Final noodle bowl → Crispy rice candy souvenirs
- PM: Cable car down → Leave (clothes dry!)

💡 Rain survival (learned the hard way)
1. Shoes: Never sneakers! Rent hiking shoes (¥30/day)—I slipped 3 times in sneakers, bruised knees
2. Clothes: Quick-dry fabrics + light jacket, avoid cotton (stays wet), pack extra socks
3. Camera: Use phone seal bags (¥1)—friend's lens got water-damaged
4. Mindset: Embrace rain! You might find magic—sunny-day visitors envied my cloud seas

On departure day, sunlight turned clouds gold—suddenly understood Su Shi's "True face of Lushan" poem. Its beauty lives in rain-sunshine transitions! Tag someone who'd brave rain for these views—next rainy trip to Lushan awaits!