Lushan West Sea Travel Guide

Lushan West Sea, a sparkling gem in Jiujiang, Jiangxi, is composed of over 1,600 islands, earning it the nickname "China's Thousand Island Lake." With crystal-clear waters, scattered islands, and picturesque landscapes, it offers a romantic water highway, thrilling water sports, and serene Zen-inspired mountains—making it an ideal destination for leisure vacations, family trips, and photography. Here’s your travel guide:

Transportation Guide

- **Self-drive**: From Nanchang/Wuhan, take the G45 Daqing–Guangzhou Expressway and navigate to "Lushan West Sea Sima Tourist Dock." From Jiujiang/Hefei, take the G70 Fuzhou–Yinchuan Expressway and pass Yongwu Highway to reach Jinkou Dock.
- **Public transport**: Take a high-speed train to Yongxiu Station, then transfer to the Lushan West Sea tourist shuttle to Sima Dock. For flights, choose Nanchang Changbei Airport, take an airport shuttle to Jiujiang downtown, then transfer to a scenic area direct bus.

Attractions

- **Sima Dock Core Islands Area**: Features "A Lone Tree in the Vast Sea," a solitary tree standing on an isolated island, creating a fairy-tale scene in the morning mist; the West Sea Star Glass Viewing Platform offers panoramic island views; and Goddess Island, Golden Monkey Island, and Yunju Island showcase diverse landscapes.
- **Jinkou Dock Water Sports Area**: The Zhelin Lake Water Sports Center offers jet skiing, diving, sailing, and more for water sports enthusiasts.
- **Nearby Attractions**: Yunju Mountain Zhenru Temple for Zen culture immersion; West Sea Grand Canyon for hiking and scenic views; Zhelin Old Town for night light shows and local delicacies.

Accommodation Recommendations

- **Luxury Resorts**: COB Lushan West Sea Resort with pools and beaches; West Sea Hot Spring Holiday Hotel for private hot springs in winter.
- **Boutique Stays**: "Carefree Roaming" Homestay with 2,000㎡ lakeside lawn; "Floral Luxury·Cloud Water Retreat" for camping, BBQ, and fishing.
- **Budget Options**: Farm stays near Sima Dock offering clean rooms and meals.

Food Recommendations

- **Lake Delicacies**: Steamed mandarin fish, silver fish omelet, and braised white fish—all fresh and flavorful.
- **Zhelin Old Town Snacks**: Xiushui Shaozhi (dumplings) and Ai Mi Guo (mugwort rice cakes), authentic local treats.
- **Other Must-Tries**: Yijiahe citrus wine and stone-ear stewed free-range chicken.

Itinerary Suggestions

- **One-Day Adventure**: Boat from Sima Dock to West Sea Grand Canyon and Canghai Island, then head to Jinkou Water World for afternoon water sports before returning by 18:00.
- **Two-Day Highlights**: Day 1—Island-hopping from Sima Dock (Fishing Village Islands, Sangtian Island, Canghai Island, West Sea Star); evening at Zhelin Old Town. Day 2—General Gorge Rafting and Jinkou Water World.
- **Three-Day In-Depth**: Day 1 as above; Day 2—West Sea Grand Canyon and General Gorge Rafting, overnight at West Sea Hot Spring Resort; Day 3—Jinkou Water World followed by a citrus feast at Yijiahe Village.