A misty UNESCO mountain resort of peaks, waterfalls and old villas.
Lushan is a cloud-wrapped mountain resort that has drawn scholars, poets and politicians for centuries — Mao and Chiang both kept villas here. Its cool summit town of Guling sits above a sea of peaks and pines.
UNESCO-listed for its cultural landscape, it pairs dramatic waterfalls (the three-tier Sandiequan) with a strange ensemble of colonial villas.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Lushan.
The whole mountain — peaks, monasteries and viewpoints (through-ticket).
Through-ticket ¥180The classic sunrise viewpoint over the lake and peaks.
IncludedA three-tier waterfall — many steps down, worth it.
IncludedThe hilltop resort town of villas and cafés.
FreeA poetic lakeside walk beloved by Bai Juyi.
IncludedA mountain garden of azaleas and rare trees.
Tickets ¥40Lushan has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
A local frog, braised in wine — a mountain delicacy.
Tiny river fish, crisp-fried or in soup.
'Cloud-mist' green tea grown on the slopes.
Dried mountain bamboo in pork.
Chicken braised in sesame oil, wine and soy.
Misty evening strolls in Guling.
Old houses turned into coffee bars.
Evening music in season.
High-speed to Jiujiang (~20 min), then shuttle up.
Jiujiang (JIU) or Nanchang (KHN) airports.
Park bus from Jiujiang station to the summit.
To some peaks from Guling.
Works in Jiujiang.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Stay in a converted old villa.
Quiet, in the pines.
Cheaper, commute up.
Hikers, poets' trail fans, summer escapers.
