The Ultimate Travel Guide to Lushan Mountain! Discover the Majestic Beauty of Kuanglu

🌄 Lushan Mountain, renowned as the "Most Spectacular Mountain Under Heaven," attracts countless visitors to explore its wonders. Here, you’ll find not only breathtaking natural scenery but also a rich historical and cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking a cool retreat during the scorching summer or yearning to witness nature’s artistry, Lushan is the perfect destination. Below is a super-detailed travel guide to help you plan your trip! 🚗 Transportation Guide - **Self-Driving**: Navigate to the North or South Gate Visitor Center. Note that during peak seasons (May Day, National Day, summer vacation), private cars are not allowed uphill, and vehicles with more than seven seats are prohibited. Cars can only reach mountain hotels and the main street; to visit attractions, transfer to the scenic area shuttle. Reserve your parking spot (¥45 per car) in advance via the "Yiji You Lushan" mini-program. - **Cable Car**: A great option to avoid motion sickness and save time. Take a bus from Jiujiang Station or Lushan Station directly to the cable car station, or drive there. The round-trip cable car costs ¥120 (valid for 7 days, one trip up and down). After reaching the summit, purchase a ¥70 scenic area shuttle pass (unlimited rides for 7 days) to access all mountain attractions. - **Train**: From Jiujiang Station, take Bus 86 to the North Gate Transfer Center; from Lushan Station, head to the South Gate Visitor Center. Alternatively, take a taxi (¥90) to the shuttle point, which includes round-trip mountain transport and unlimited scenic area rides for 7 days. - **Hiking**: For fitness enthusiasts, navigate to Haohanpo at Lianhua Cave (take Jiujiang Bus 58). The 9 km hike takes about 3–4 hours to reach the summit. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations Stay in Guling Town, the heart of Lushan, with a wide range of hotels and guesthouses (¥200–500/night). Options like Lushan Xindi·Yunjing Hotel and Lushan Shuguang Wei Hotel offer comfort and convenience. Book early during peak seasons! 🍱 Food Highlights - **Lushan Stone Frog**: Tender frog meat cooked with spices, deep yellow in color and rich in flavor. - **Lushan Stone Fish**: Transparent, scaleless fish with delicate texture, perfect for stir-frying or stewing. - **Lushan Stone Ear**: A nutrient-rich fungus grown on cliffs, often steamed with chicken for a clear, flavorful broth. - **Lushan Cloud Tea Fried Eggs**: Eggs stir-fried with local tea leaves for a unique aroma. - **Lushan Tea Cake**: Crispy, mildly sweet pastries with a tea fragrance—ideal as souvenirs. 📅 One-Day Itinerary - **Morning**: From Guling Town, take the shuttle to Flower Path Station. Visit **Riqin Lake** (1 hour), named for its violin-like shape, then explore **Flower Path**, where poet Bai Juyi once wandered (1 hour). - **Noon**: Try local specialties like Stone Frog near **Immortal Cave**. - **Afternoon**: Hike **Jinxiu Valley** (1.5–2 hours) to see cliffs and odd rock formations, then visit **Immortal Cave** (Taoist site) and **Hanpo Pass** for panoramic views (1–2 hours). 📅 Two-Day Itinerary - **Day 1**: - **Morning**: Tour **Meilu Villa**, a historic residence blending Chinese-Western architecture (1 hour). - **Noon**: Lunch in Guling Town. - **Afternoon**: Visit **Lushan Conference Site** (red tourism spot), **Lulin Lake**, and **Three Treasure Trees** (ancient trees over 1,000 years old). - **Evening**: Stroll Guling’s streets and try snacks like tea cakes. - **Day 2**: - **Morning**: Sunrise at **Hanpo Pass** (1–2 hours), then hike **Five Old Peaks** (3–4 hours). - **Noon**: Quick meal at a rest stop. - **Afternoon**: Trek to **Three-Tiered Waterfall** (2–3 hours), Lushan’s iconic cascade. Return based on your schedule. ❗ Tips - Check weather forecasts—fog may obscure views. - Pack a light jacket; temperatures vary. - Three-Tiered Waterfall has 2,600 steps; consider a hiking stick or sedan chair (weight-based fee). - Shuttle hours: Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31) 7:00–19:00; off-season 7:30–18:00. Lushan’s beauty awaits your discovery. Pack your bags and embark on this unforgettable journey! 💕