Discover the Beauty of Jiujiang in Poems: Encounter the “Thousand – Island Lake” of Lushan West Sea
General Information
- Destinations: Lushan and Jiujiang
- Departure Time: October
- Duration: 5 days
- Average Cost per Person: 3,000 RMB
- Companion: Friends
Introduction to Jiujiang
Jiujiang, abbreviated as “Xun”, was formerly known as Chaisang, Jiangzhou, and Xunyang. It is a prefecture – level city in Jiangxi Province and one of the regional central cities in the province. Its name, whether current or historical, is closely related to water. It lies beside the Yangtze River, with Poyang Lake on one side and Saihu Lake on the other. Lushan Mountain serves as a natural barrier against the summer heat.
Surrounded by rivers, lakes, and mountains, Jiujiang is blessed with beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. It has long been praised as “The Xunyang County of Nine Branches, Clearly a Painting”.
Transportation
Train
Most cities across the country have direct trains to Jiujiang, providing convenient access to this charming city.
Highway
Jiujiang is traversed by major national highways such as G105, G316, and expressways like G70 Fuyin Expressway, G56 Hangrui Expressway, etc. There are dozens of long – distance bus routes connecting various counties and cities in Jiujiang.
Aviation
Jiujiang Lushan Airport is located south of Jiujiang City, west of Lushan Mountain. It is 33 kilometers from the urban area via the expressway and only 9.8 kilometers from the Nanshan Gate of Lushan. It has opened routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities.
Local Cuisine
Jiujiang, located at the junction of Jiangxi, Anhui, and Hubei provinces, is rich in products. It has gathered various food cultures from all over the country, and its catering industry is well – developed. Jiujiang cuisine, as an important part of Jiangxi cuisine, features spiciness, tenderness, and crispness.
Best Time to Visit
Jiujiang has a subtropical humid monsoon climate. The best time to visit is from late spring to early summer and in autumn. However, Lushan Mountain is a year – round destination with different sceneries in each season.
Travel Tips
- The entrance ticket for Lushan is 160 RMB per person, regardless of the season. Most scenic spots on the mountain do not require additional tickets, except for the sightseeing bus and cable car.
- The temperature on Lushan is lower than that at the foot of the mountain. Bring appropriate clothing according to the season and weather.
- The sightseeing bus ticket costs 80 RMB per person, allowing unlimited rides to major scenic spots on Lushan.
- The one – way cable car ticket to Sandiequan Waterfall is 55 RMB, and the round – trip ticket is 80 RMB.
- The food in Jiujiang is not as spicy as in other cities in Jiangxi, which is acceptable to most people.
- There are shared electric scooters available for rent in the urban area of Jiujiang, which are convenient for sightseeing.
- Lushan West Sea Scenic Area is closer to Nanchang. If you are returning from there, it is recommended to go directly to Nanchang Airport or High – speed Railway Station.
Itinerary
Day 1: Jiujiang Urban Area – Shizhongshan Scenic Area – Pipa Pavilion – Suojiang Tower – Xunyang Tower – Haiyun Beach in Balihu Park
- Lunch: Dongpo Restaurant
- Dinner: Tongshangju
- Accommodation: Tianhai Yuechen Select Hotel in Jiujiang
Shizhongshan Scenic Area
The confluence of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake here is a wonder, with the turbid Yangtze River water clearly separated from the clear Poyang Lake water. Shizhongshan, known as the “First Mountain of Strange Sounds in China”, has a long history. The name is said to come from the sound of water hitting the rocks, like the ringing of a bell.
When you enter the scenic area, you will see ancient trees. At Shizhong Pavilion, you can knock on the big rock with a small one and hear different sounds. There is also a Huaisu Pavilion with a portrait of Su Shi. On the mountainside, you can watch an 80 – year – old man playing the stone bell. At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the two rivers and the remains of ancient military camps.
Pipa Pavilion
Named after Bai Juyi’s poem “Pipa Xing”, the Pipa Pavilion was first built in the Tang Dynasty. The current scenic area is mainly in the Tang – style architecture, with a corridor connecting different areas. The highlights include the stone carving of “Pipa Xing”, the stele corridor, and the multimedia display area that shows the story behind the poem.
Suojiang Tower
It was built to subdue the dragon causing floods. The Suojiang Tower Pagoda, which has withstood over 600 years and even Japanese shelling, is still standing. It is one of the ten famous scenic spots in Xunyang.
Xunyang Tower
Named after the ancient name of Jiujiang, Xunyang Tower has a history of over 1200 years. It became well – known because of the heroes in “Water Margin”. Inside the tower, there are large porcelain paintings and porcelain statues of the 108 heroes. You can also taste the “Lanqiao Fengyue” wine on the second floor.
Tongshangju
This restaurant in the old concession area restores the charm of the Republic of China era. With red bricks, grey tiles, and old – fashioned buildings, it offers a unique dining experience.
Haiyun Beach in Balihu Park
A popular internet – famous scenic spot among young people, it is a high – standard simulated seaside beach in Jiangxi. With palm trees, grasslands, and rocks, it has a southern style. There are also exotic buildings, a food street, and an open – air amusement park.
Day 2: South Lushan Scenic Area – Academy – Guanyinqiao Scenic Area – Xiufeng Scenic Area – Taohuayuan Scenic Area – Lushan Scenic Area
- Lunch: Liu Laolai Local Cuisine Restaurant
- Dinner: Shuguang Wei Hotel
- Accommodation: Shuguang Wei Hotel on Lushan
Academy
Known as the “First of the Four Great Academies in China”, it is the cradle of academic lectures. The academy is located at the foot of Wulaofeng, with ancient trees and a clear stream in front. Its layout is well – designed, and it is part of the World Heritage.
Guanyinqiao Scenic Area
The entrance features the ancient Luyue Road. There is the “Sixth Spring under Heaven” and the famous Guanyinqiao, which is the first stone arch bridge with a special structure in history. The bridge has withstood thousands of years without any adhesive. The scenery under the bridge is beautiful, and the area is also famous as the shooting location of the first Chinese “kiss scene” in the movie “Lushan Love”.
Xiufeng Scenic Area
Inspired by Li Bai’s poem, Xiufeng is a beautiful place. The bearded Avalokitesvara statue here has an interesting origin. The scenic area is rich in natural scenery and cultural relics, such as the Huangyan Waterfall, Shuyu Pavilion, and Longtan. The “Long” and “Lushan” characters on the rocks are very impressive. You can either climb the mountain on foot or take the cable car.
Taohuayuan Scenic Area
Thought to be the prototype of the “Peach Blossom Spring” in Tao Yuanming’s poem, it is located in Kangwang Valley under Hanyang Peak. The area is full of natural beauty, with an old city wall, the “First Spring under Heaven”, and simple villagers.
Shuguang Wei Hotel
A five – star standard hotel on Lushan, it has a modern and stylish interior. The fifth – floor terrace offers a great view of the sunrise and sunset. The rooms are large and comfortable, and the restaurant serves local cuisine.
Guling Street
The center of Lushan Scenic Area, it is a beautiful mountain town with various shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Standing at the street – center park, you can overlook Jiujiang and the Yangtze River.
Day 3: Lushan Scenic Area – Hanpukou – Sandiequan Waterfall – Meilu Villa – Lushan Conference Site – Lushan Museum – Lulin Lake – Zhelin Old Town Intangible Cultural Heritage Food and Cultural Creative Park – Lushan West Sea Scenic Area
- Lunch: Jinsiji Local Cuisine Restaurant
- Dinner: Zou’s Farmhouse Cuisine
- Accommodation: Yihe Hotel in Wuning
Hanpukou
One of the nine best places to watch the sunrise in China, Hanpukou offers a chance to see the sea of clouds and the beautiful view of Poyang Lake. The stone archway was built in the 1950s, and the opposite mountain is a great place to enjoy the whole view and watch the sunrise.
Sandiequan Waterfall
Known as the “First Wonder of Lushan”, Sandiequan has a total drop of 155 meters. To see it up close, you need to walk down 1600 steps to the bottom and then climb back up. There is also a cable car available. Nearby is the Jiudieping, where Li Bai once lived and wrote poems.
Meilu Villa
It is the only building where the highest leaders of both the Kuomintang and the Communist Party have lived. The name “Meilu” has multiple meanings. Inside the villa, there are old – fashioned furniture and a refrigerator from the 1930s.
Lushan Conference Site
Formerly the Lushan Auditorium, it is a combination of Chinese and Western architecture. The conference hall and the exhibition area still keep the original appearance and display historical materials.
Lushan Anti – Japanese War Memorial Hall
It was formerly the Lushan Library. Now it uses a large number of historical materials and objects to show the history of the Kuomintang – Communist cooperation in the anti – Japanese war.
Lushan Museum
Also known as Lulin Villa, it was once the residence of Mao Zedong. The museum houses many precious cultural relics, including ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.
Lulin Lake
A beautiful alpine lake on Lushan, it is the shooting location of a scene in the movie “Lushan Love”. The lake is surrounded by trees, and the Lulin Bridge and the pavilions on the lake add to the beauty.
Jinsiji Local Cuisine Restaurant
A well – known local restaurant near the central square, some of its dishes have been on “A Bite of China”.
Zhelin Old Town Intangible Cultural Heritage Food and Cultural Creative Park
A new internet – famous scenic spot in Jiujiang, it offers a variety of local snacks and performances at night. The water – screen light show “Chasing Dreams in the West Sea” is a highlight.
Day 4: Lushan West Sea – Encounter the “Thousand – Island Lake”
Lushan West Sea, originally a reservoir, is similar to the Thousand – Island Lake. The scenic area offers various entertainment projects, such as flying in a powered parachute, visiting different theme islands like the tea island and the viewing island. The glass observation tower allows you to enjoy a 360 – degree view of the islands, and there is also a coffee shop for relaxation.
Conclusion
Jiujiang, with its beautiful scenery and profound cultural heritage, is a place worth visiting. Whether it is the historical sites in the urban area or the natural beauty of Lushan and Lushan West Sea, it will leave you with unforgettable memories. Come and explore this charming city!
