Mt. Lushan National Park
Mount Lu (Lushan) is situated about 20 kilometers due south of the city of Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, in southeastern China, not far from the borders of Hubei and Anhui Provinces. Mount Lu holds a special place in the hearts of the people of China, since it has a history as one of the country's original spiritual centers, being revered especially by Taoists and Buddhists.
Highlights of the Mt. Lushan
Mount Lu is a typical a horst-style block mountain. With its 12 scenic sites, its 37 special attractions, and its 370 various other noteworthy sites, Mount Lu is a popular tourist destination, thanks in no small part to its many spectacular natural features that result from the mountain's horst origin, such as ravines, grottoes, rock outcroppings, mountain streams, waterfalls, etc.
1. Peaks
Mount Lu's highest peak is Dahanyang Peak, at roughly 1500 meters above sea level. Another renowned peak on Mount Lu is Five Old Men Peak, so named because the five peaks in question all sit side by side, as it were, forming an almost straight line.
2. Waterfall
The most famous waterfall on Mount Lu is Three-Step Waterfall, which name is a reference to the fact that the waterfall spills over three glaciation-formed, natural terraces, en route to the pool below. Zhao Ziang, a painter in the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), recorded the following description of Three Step Waterfall:
Flowing like a jade curtain,
it falls a thousand feet.
The crescent moon is the curtain hook,
hanging high in the night sky.
Countless writers, artists, calligraphers, and other famous personages have written similar poems in homage to Mount Lu, or to specific sites on the mountain, just as there are over 900 cliff inscriptions and over 300 stelae on Mount Lu with poems and couplets in praise of this famous mountain.
3. Hanpo Pass
Another popular site on Mount Lu is Hanpo Pass (含鄱口), which lies between the Five Old Men Peak ridge and another famous Lushan peak, Nine Wonder Peak. The deep natural depression called Hanpo Pass - though it is in fact a lower-level mountain range itself - has a series of stone steps carved into the face of one of its slopes, atop which stands Hanpo Pavilion.
Hanpo Pavilion offers the best panoramic view of the entire area, given its central location, from whence one can also see Poyang Lake glimmering in the distance. It is also THE venue to observe the rising sun as it clears the highest mountain peaks east of the pavilion and floods the lower mountain ranges, valleys, and gorges below with bright light that catches reflective surfaces here and there, and casts deep shadows on the leeward side of trees, rocks, and even entire canyon walls. It is said to be a very tonic experience.
4. Guling Town
Guling Town (牯岭镇) is located in the heart of Mount Lu, at about 1200 meters above sea level. Gu Ling, whose name stems from the Chinese name for a bull, since the city is supposed to be in the shape of said animal (the city's symbol is of course a bull, a large statue of which occupies a prominent place in the village), has a number of hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, souvenir kiosks, coffee- and tea houses, and also dance halls.
But Gu Ling is not just asphalt, bright lights, and merrymaking; a meadow full of colorful, fragrant flowers surrounds the village, with pathways that wind among trees and which will eventually lead one to a cozy, quiet pavilion.
Mt. Lushan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit the Park
You can visit Lushan National Park any time of the year, as the park is open year-round. Different seasons offer different views of the park, of course.
Food to Eat in the Mountain
Mount Lu is famous for its delicious and nutritional food. The area is especially famous for its stone-baked "Lushan San Shi" (Lushan "Three Stone"): stone-baked fish, stone-baked agaric (mushrooms), and stone-baked chicken.
Where to Stay in the Mountain
There are a number of star-rated hotels on Mount Lu. Prices vary with the amenities offered, from standard accommodations at 100 Yuan per person to luxury accommodations at 1000 Yuan per person. There are also exclusive villas for rent here that range in price from 1000 to 10,000 Yuan per night. These prices are subject to seasonal pressures, with prices rising during the peak season (April to November).
What to Pack
Remember to bring an umbrella or perhaps a good, light raincoat as well as sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and windbreakers for a layered effect. Bring any special medicines you may require, as this is a remote region. Be sure to carry a picture ID with you in the event that local merchants require additional proof of identity in connection with credit card purchases. However, there are a number of commercial Chinese banks in the area where one can obtain cash, cash cards, and traveler's checks.
How to Get There
From the city of Jiujiang, you can take the regular bus to Lushan National Park Scenic Area. If you are already in the area of Mount Lu, there are local taxis that can take you to almost any particular destination within the parking area you desire. Moreover, the local taxi drivers are very knowledgeable about the park and can offer invaluable advice.