Hey everyone, Mark here, your friendly neighborhood travel blogger, back with another exciting adventure! This time, I took on the majestic Lushan Mountain in Jiangxi province, China. Get ready for a story filled with breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and delicious food—a true testament to the beauty and adventure Asia holds.
Day 1: Acclimatizing and Exploring West Lushan
My two-day journey began in the charming town of Guling, nestled atop Lushan Mountain. Waking up at 6 AM, I was greeted by a stunning sunrise, a promising sign for the day ahead. Yesterday, I explored the scenic West Lushan area, and today, it's time to tackle the highlight: East Lushan.
Before embarking on my hike, I fueled up with a delicious 20 Yuan (about $3 USD) buffet breakfast at a local hotel. The spread was incredible: fresh fruit, egg fried rice (which I had seconds of!), sweet potatoes, corn, soy milk, milk, eggs, red bean porridge, noodles, and steamed buns. This was essential, as I knew lunch would be a challenge given my planned 8-10 hour hike.
Day 2: Scaling the Five Elders Peaks (五老峰)
Today's adventure focused on conquering the Five Elders Peaks (Wǔlǎofēng), the most challenging and rewarding part of my Lushan experience. Before I started, I wanted to provide a little context.
This iconic landmark is arguably the most spectacular part of Lushan. The hike involves traversing five peaks (One Peak, Two Peak, Three Peak, Four Peak, and Five Peak), which took me roughly 2-3 hours. The renowned poet Li Bai immortalized the peaks in his poem, "Waiting for the Five Elder Peaks of Lushan," which beautifully captures the essence of the place. The line, "吾将此地巢云松" (Wú jiāng cǐ dì cháo yún sōng), translates to "I will make my home here among the pines and clouds," expressing Li Bai's profound connection with this mountain range.
I started my ascent, passing the 500th step and reaching a breathtaking viewpoint. The panoramic view of blue skies and fluffy clouds was absolutely stunning! I continued on, traversing perilous cliffs and feeling the spirit of Li Bai’s words.
Navigating the Peaks
The climb itself was incredibly rewarding. The path was sometimes less of a trail and more a natural formation of rocks, carved by nature over time. The views from each peak were more spectacular than the last, each offering unique perspectives and photographic opportunities. The sheer scale of the rock formations and the breathtaking vistas truly left me speechless. I spent time at each peak, taking in the surroundings and capturing some drone footage.
Here's a quick summary of my experiences on each peak:
| Peak | Notable Features | My Experience |
|---|---|---|
| One | Small shop, historical carvings | Amazing views; a little shop sells sausages and drinks. |
| Two | Natural rock formations, "stone gate" | Wild, rugged beauty; felt like a real mountain adventure. |
| Three | Highest point, cliff walls, carvings | Spectacular, towering cliffs; incredible panoramic views. |
| Four | Small shop, "Heaven and Earth spectacle" inscription | Stunning views, momentarily obscured by swirling mist. |
| Five | Highest point, panoramic views of Poyang Lake | Incredible views of Poyang Lake and surrounding areas. |
The Three-Tiered Waterfall (三疊泉)
After conquering the Five Elders Peaks, my next target was the Three-Tiered Waterfall (Sāndié Quán). While I could have taken the cable car (80 Yuan roundtrip), I opted for the 2.75km hike down from Five Peak to the cable car station which took around 45 minutes, saving me money and embracing the adventure. I then took the scenic cable car (also referred to as a “small train”), approximately 3 km, to the base of the waterfall. At the cable car top station, I was surprised by the variety of small shops selling drinks. For instance, Red Bull cost 15 Yuan, while a small bottle of mineral water was priced at 5 Yuan—much cheaper than what I paid on the peaks.
The trail to the waterfall itself is about 1.3 km, featuring over 2600 steps. The path is quite steep and strenuous—a true testament to the stunning sights ahead. The sounds of the rushing water grew louder as I descended, and the views truly took my breath away! The power and majesty of the waterfall, with its three distinct tiers, were truly awe-inspiring. The sheer scale and magnificence were far beyond what I anticipated from photos.
Sunset at Great Heaven Lake (大天池)
After a day of hiking, I finished off my day by hopping on a sightseeing bus, to visit Great Heaven Lake (Dà Tiān Chí). The journey provided a wonderful contrast to the day's strenuous activity. The serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by tranquil surroundings, served as the perfect tranquil end to the day. I spent a quiet moment at the lake, taking in the peaceful ambiance, before returning to Guling Town.
Guling Town: A Mountaintop Oasis
Guling Town itself is a fascinating place. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, the town's architecture blends seamlessly with its natural setting. The abundance of shops, restaurants, and amenities was a pleasant surprise. I found everything from international chains like Starbucks and KFC, to local eateries serving delicious Jiangxi cuisine. It was a refreshing mix of modern convenience and local charm. The town’s atmosphere reminded me a little of Xinjie Town in Yunnan, another captivating mountaintop town with an abundance of stairs.
Final Thoughts
My two days on Lushan Mountain were an unforgettable experience. The stunning scenery, the challenging hikes, and the delicious food made it an incredible adventure. While it was physically demanding, the rewards were immense. I highly recommend Lushan Mountain to any adventurous traveler seeking an unforgettable experience in China. It's a testament to the raw beauty and captivating landscapes you can discover in Asia.
