An Enchanting Autumn Trip to Lushan Mountain
Introduction
In the early autumn of 2020, I embarked on a 4 – day journey to Lushan Mountain with my friends. With a per – person cost of around 1500 yuan, this trip was filled with delicious food, a self – driving adventure, and the freedom to explore at our own pace. It was truly a wonderful weekend getaway.
Lushan Mountain, well – known from the poems of the great poet Li Bai, is like a mysterious fairyland. People often say, “If you haven’t visited Sandiequan, you can’t claim to be a true visitor to Lushan.” Let’s dive into this enchanting journey together!
Attractions
1. Sandiequan
Lushan Mountain, beloved by Li Bai, has inspired countless famous poems. However, many don’t know the saying about Sandiequan. It was not until 1191 that this natural wonder was discovered by a woodcutter and revealed its mystery to the world.
As a national 5A – level tourist attraction, Sandiequan, also known as the Three – Tiered Waterfall, is formed by the confluence of mountain streams from Dàyuè Mountain and Wǔlǎo Peak. The water cascades down in three tiers, with a total drop of 155 meters, earning it the title of “The First Wonder of Lushan”.
The Sandiequan Cable Car is an experience not to be missed. Its unique shape, like a small bus named “Shixianhao” and “Taibaihao”, takes you on a dreamy journey. The cable car station, named “Shixian Station”, immediately transports you back to the glorious Tang Dynasty. The image of Li Bai on the stone – brick wall makes you feel his awe at this place.
The cable car, imported from Austria, is the most advanced rail – type cable car in Asia. Riding it, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery without any bumps. As it shuttles through the forest, it’s like entering the world of Spirited Away. When it rains, the raindrops on the window add a touch of mystery and romance.
After getting off the cable car, you’ll face 1420 steps to reach Sandiequan. After the autumn rain, the waterfall area is extremely quiet, with only the chirping of birds. The first tier of the waterfall is dynamic, the second is elegant, and the third is truly spectacular. On a sunny day, you can even see a colorful rainbow.
2. Lulin Lake
Lulin Lake, also called East Lake, is surrounded by mountains. In early autumn, the maple leaves around the lake add a touch of autumn charm. The lake is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the beautiful scenery. The water is so pure that it makes you feel refreshed.
The Lulin Bridge, standing independently, is filled with a hazy beauty. The sparkling lake under the bridge is like a sky full of stars, making you feel like you’re in a fairyland.
3. Lushan Museum
Located by Lulin Lake, the Lushan Museum is a villa – style building combining Chinese and Western architecture. The light – yellow stone bricks and green wooden doors create a literary and retro atmosphere. It was once the residence of Mao Zedong.
Inside the museum, the most eye – catching exhibit is the Picture of Five Hundred Arhats painted by Xu Conglong over 6 years. There are also numerous landscape paintings of Lushan and a wall full of old photos of the mountain, telling its historical stories. You can also find some rare treasures, such as Chiang Kai – shek’s porcelain plate with the character “Jiang” and Soong Mei – ling’s ivory – handled fan.
4. Mei Lu
Mei Lu, meaning “Beautiful House”, is a well – known villa. Built in 1903, it was once the residence of Soong Mei – ling. Its unique architectural style and color combination, with high – saturation red and green, are still fashionable today.
Inside, you can see old photos of Soong Mei – ling, showing her charm and her relationship with Chiang Kai – shek. The museum also displays the books she read and the items she used, reflecting her elegant lifestyle.
5. The Story of Old Villas
Walking along Hezhong Road, you’ll arrive at “The Story of Old Villas”. This area is full of historical buildings, including six old villas and Western – style gardens.
The American Christian Church here is well – preserved. Inside, the white walls, colorful windows, and vintage chandeliers create a strong American – style atmosphere, like stepping into an old American movie. The villas also display scenes of old – fashioned life, with vivid sculptures that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
6. Huajing
“Flowers have faded in the human world in April, but peach blossoms are just blooming in the mountain temple.” Although it’s not April, Huajing Park is still full of beautiful flowers.
There is a statue of Bai Juyi by the lake. The stone carving in Huajing Pavilion with the words “Huajing” is very ancient and beautiful. The Baojuyi thatched cottage exhibition room tells the life story of Bai Juyi. The park is always full of spring – like scenery, with ancient stone carvings everywhere.
7. Jinxiu Valley
Jinxiu Valley is said to have been named because the famous monk Huiyuan once picked flowers here in the Jin Dynasty. It’s 1.5 kilometers long, with strange rocks and gurgling springs.
After the rain, the valley is like a mysterious veil, making you feel like you’re in a fairyland. At the entrance of the Immortal Cave, the couplet adds a sense of mystery. Inside the cave, there is a statue of the immortal Lü Dongbin. The Good – Luck Stone and the ancient trees with lucky knots make the place even more special.
8. Guling Street
Guling Street, known as the “Heavenly Street”, is 1100 meters above sea level. At night, it’s full of lights, showing a strong sense of human烟火. The buildings here combine Chinese and Western styles, with many shops, restaurants, post offices, and banks.
Although it was rainy during my visit, the street became more peaceful. The ancient trees at the street corner and the reflected lights on the wet bluestone road create a unique and pure atmosphere.
Food
1. Happy Di Music Restaurant
This music restaurant has a very charming decoration. The transparent floor – to – ceiling windows and the interior furnishings create an exotic and romantic atmosphere.
The signature dishes here are amazing. The Golden Shrimp is not only beautifully presented but also delicious. The Carbon – grilled Crab Burger is unique in both appearance and taste. The Hami Sweet and Sour Pork is very appetizing. Each dish here is carefully presented, full of a sense of ritual.
The Happy Di Eggs, a special dish, combine eggs and meat patties, with a delicious taste. The Bamboo Shoot and Winter Duck Soup in early autumn is nutritious and delicious.
2. Fish Head with Rice
As a province that loves spicy food, Jiangxi offers a great experience for spicy – food lovers. The Fish Head with Rice restaurant has a unique decoration, combining freshness and classic style.
The signature Fish Head with Fish Maw is a must – try. The Leek – flavored Squid Tentacles are a wonderful combination of squid and leek, removing the fishy smell and enhancing the flavor. The Sichuan – style Spicy Chicken is very authentic, and the Local Pepper – fried Pork is a great side dish.
3. Liangjiang Building
If you want to taste the most authentic Lushan cuisine, Liangjiang Building is the place to go. Although it’s not very large, the food is excellent.
The Lushan Stone Fish here is fried to be tender and delicious, without any fishy smell. The Soybean Rice is a new taste experience, with a combination of rice, soybeans, and vegetables. The Water Celery and Pork is fresh and healthy. The Potato and Beef is a common dish but still tastes good. The Stir – fried Small Shrimps are crispy and fragrant, perfect for having with wine.
