Lushan~ Experience a refreshing and peaceful journey that your heart longs for!

Mountain city in the clouds, a millennium of poetry—explore China’s most artistic famous mountain for just 800 RMB per person!

"Not recognizing the true face of Lushan, only because one is in the mountain." The Lushan in Jiangxi, as described by Su Shi, is not only a cultural mountain but also a summer resort and a natural wonder. This majestic mountain range lies along the southern bank of the Yangtze River, with an elevation of 1,474 meters and an average summer temperature of only 22°C. It is renowned as "Kuanglu, the most beautiful and unique in the world." Here you will find waterfalls and streams, seas of clouds, international architectural complexes, and revolutionary historical sites. Every step offers a new scene, every ten steps a poem. It is one of China’s rare 5A-level mountains combining nature and culture.

🌸 Best months to visit: April - June, September - November
Early May to early June is ideal! Late spring to early summer, pleasant temperatures (15-25°C), rhododendrons bloom across the hills, San Die Spring has abundant water, and mist swirls like a fairyland;
September to October offers crisp autumn air and colorful forests, perfect for hiking and photography;
❌ July to August is peak season: crowded tourists, rising prices, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms;
December to February is cold and damp, some attractions close, but you might catch the rare frost phenomenon (a hidden gem recommendation).

✅ Recommended timing:
Photographers should choose mid-May early mornings to capture the sunrise at Hanpoukou and the sea of clouds;
Art lovers can join the annual spring "Lushan Poetry Festival."

🕐 How many days to stay? A 3-day, 2-night in-depth trip is recommended.

Lushan is vast with scattered attractions, requiring sightseeing buses to connect spots. Staying at least two nights helps avoid crowds and cover the highlights.

✅ Suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Ascend the mountain + Huajing & Ruqin Lake
Take the high-speed train to [Jiujiang Station], then taxi or bus to Nanshan/Beishan Gate (about 40 minutes, 10 RMB);
Buy tickets to enter the mountain (160 RMB entrance, 80 RMB sightseeing bus for 7 days, half price for students);
Stay in an economy hotel or guesthouse in Guling Town (standard room about 200 RMB/night);
In the afternoon, visit [Huajing Park], [Ruqin Lake], [Jinxiugu Valley], hike to [Xianren Cave], and experience the "April flowers fading on earth" described by Bai Juyi;
In the evening, stroll along [Guling Street] and taste stone chicken, stone ear mushrooms, and tea cakes.
Day 2: Wulao Peak + San Die Spring
Early morning watch the sunrise at [Hanpoukou] (a must-see!);
Morning hike [Wulao Peak] (about 2 hours), five peaks stretch like a screen with excellent views;
Afternoon focus on [San Die Spring]: "If you haven’t been to San Die Spring, you’re not a true Lushan visitor." Descend 1,500 steps into the deep valley to see the three-tiered waterfall, magnificent and powerful (round trip about 3 hours);
Return to rest in the evening.
Day 3: Cultural tour + descend the mountain
Morning visit [Meilu Villa], [Lushan Conference Site], and [Museum] to learn about modern history;
Descend before noon and return.

✅ If you have more time, add a day to explore Donglin Temple or Longshou Cliff.

💰 Budget for an ordinary traveler (per person):
Round-trip transport: High-speed train to/from Nanchang ≈ 200 RMB; local bus + taxi ≈ 60 RMB
Accommodation: Economy guesthouse × 2 nights = 400 RMB
Meals: 60 RMB per day × 3 days = 180 RMB
Tickets: Entrance 160 RMB + sightseeing bus 80 RMB = 240 RMB
Extras: Cable car (optional), souvenirs, etc. ≈ 20 RMB
Total: About 800 RMB, can be reduced to under 750 RMB in the off-season

📌 Tips:
Buy a 7-day unlimited sightseeing bus ticket for great value;
Comfortable shoes are a must! The San Die Spring steps are steep;
Avoid expensive restaurants inside the scenic area; Guling Street snacks are more affordable;
Many free attractions: Hanpoukou, Guling Street, and the exteriors of international buildings are all freely accessible!

✅ Must-see highlights:
San Die Spring Waterfall: 155 meters drop, thunderous and breathtaking;
Hanpoukou sunrise and sea of clouds: stand on the ridge to greet the first light;
Jinxiugu Valley cliff walkway: walk along the cliff with a deep valley below;
Guling Town at night: thousands of lights hidden in the mist, like a celestial market.

🔚 Conclusion:
Lushan is not just a mountain,
It is an open book of Chinese poetry.
Three days and two nights, 800 RMB per person,
For a deep journey blending mountains, history, and poetry.
Come, in the misty clouds,
Find the refreshing peace your heart desires.

Post by Turner Katherine Kath | Oct 23, 2025

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