Back from Lushan, it truly is a paradise on earth.

🌅March, with its gentle breeze and perfect sunshine, is an ideal time for travel. If you're yearning for a romantic encounter with nature, Lushan is definitely the place to be. Here, you'll find towering mountains, dreamlike clouds and mist, profound cultural relics, and mouthwatering cuisine. Now, follow this guide and embark on an unforgettable journey to Lushan! 🎯 Itinerary • Day 1: ◦ Morning: Arrive at Guling Town on the summit of Lushan. Check in to your hotel, drop off your luggage, and take a short break to prepare for your journey. ◦ Afternoon: Begin your west route tour. Take the sightseeing bus and get off at the Flower Path stop. Ruqin Lake will immediately come into view. Resembling a giant mirror nestled among the mountains, it gets its name from its violin-like shape. Stroll along the lakeside, admire the picturesque scenery, and see the stone gate by the lake inscribed with the words "Flower Path". Enter the stone gate to find the Flower Path Pavilion and Bai Juyi's Thatched Cottage, where you can experience the poet's verse, "In April, the fragrant flowers in the human world have all withered, but the peach blossoms in the mountain temple are just beginning to bloom." Next, head to the Splendid Valley, where strangely shaped rocks stand tall, like works of art meticulously carved by nature. Pass by scenic spots such as the Lucky Stone and the Sky Bridge, each filled with surprise and mystery. Finally, arrive at the Immortal's Cave, a natural sandstone cave, said to be where the famous Tang Dynasty Taoist Lü Dongbin attained immortality. There are also many cute macaques around, adding to the wild charm. In the evening, return to Guling Town, stroll along the bustling main street, experience the town's vibrant atmosphere, and sample local snacks. • Day 2: ◦ Morning: Head to the east route. The first stop is Hanpokou, an excellent location for viewing sunrise and the sea of clouds. Standing at Hanpokou, gaze into the distance and take in the vast expanse of Poyang Lake. With a bit of luck, you might even witness the spectacular sea of clouds, feeling as if you're in a fairyland. If time permits, visit the Lushan Botanical Garden, China's first subtropical mountain botanical garden and the only one built on a mountaintop. With its numerous rare plants, it's a paradise for plant lovers. Then, choose between Five Old Men Peak and Three-Fold Spring for your next stop. The five peaks of Five Old Men Peak stand side by side, resembling five old men sitting on the ground. From the summit, you can overlook the magnificent mountain scenery. Three-Fold Spring is famous for its cascading waterfall, with each fold unique and breathtaking. However, note that both attractions involve strenuous hiking, so plan accordingly based on your physical condition and available time. ◦ Afternoon: Visit Meilu Villa, a famous cultural site on Lushan and once the "beautiful house" where Soong Mei-ling lived. It showcases a facet of modern Chinese history, offering a unique historical charm. Afterward, head to the Cultural Relics Park, which consists of the Lushan Poetry Museum, the Lushan Religious Culture Museum, and the Lushan Stone Carving Museum. Here, you can delve deeper into Lushan's cultural heritage. Finally, visit the site of the Lushan Conference, which preserves many precious artifacts, photos, and materials from that time. It's a classic "red tourism" spot where you can experience that turbulent period of history. If you have more time, visit Lulin Lake, where the water is crystal clear, shimmering under the sunlight, surrounded by mountains, creating a captivating scene. 📸 Photo Spots • Ruqin Lake: In the early morning, the lake is calm, reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees. Wear a light-colored dress and take photos against the backdrop of the lake for stunning results. Stand on the Nine-Bend Bridge or sit on a bench by the lake for fresh and natural photos. • Splendid Valley: The winding plank road in the valley, shrouded in clouds and mist, creates a fairyland atmosphere. Stand on the plank road and take portraits against the backdrop of the strange peaks, rocks, and mist for a mysterious and romantic feel. • Immortal's Cave: Take a photo with the inscription "Immortal's Cave" at the entrance, or capture the scenery inside the cave. You can also capture cute moments of the macaques, but be careful not to tease them up close to avoid any danger. • Hanpokou: Take panoramic photos with Poyang Lake and the distant mountains in the background to capture the magnificent scenery. If you can capture the sunrise or the sea of clouds, it will be the icing on the cake, becoming a cherished travel memory. • Five Old Men Peak: Stand on the ridge of the peak, facing the wind, and take photos of your back, with the rolling mountains and vast sky as the backdrop, creating a sense of grandeur. • Three-Fold Spring: Stand at the bottom of the waterfall and take full-body photos against the backdrop of the majestic waterfall, feeling the awe-inspiring power of nature. You can also take close-up shots of the waterfall, capturing the moment the water cascades down. 🍱 Must-Try Foods • Lushan Three Stones: ◦ Stone Chicken: A unique frog species found in Lushan, with tender and nutritious meat. Try the Stone Chicken with Scrambled Eggs, where the aroma of the eggs blends perfectly with the deliciousness of the frog. ◦ Stone Fish: Small in size with delicious meat, usually made into dishes like Stone Fish with Scrambled Eggs or Steamed Stone Fish with Eggs. ◦ Stone Ear: A fungus that grows on cliffs, known for its nourishing properties. Try the Stone Ear Stewed Chicken, with its rich soup and smooth texture. • Lushan Cloud Mist Tea: A Lushan specialty, with tightly knotted tea leaves and a delicate fragrance. Brew a cup and enjoy the lingering aroma. Find a teahouse and savor it during your trip. • Lushan Dried Bamboo Shoots: Made from sun-dried fresh bamboo shoots from Lushan, they have a crispy texture and can be stir-fried or stewed. Try the Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots, where the bamboo shoots absorb the flavor of the meat, creating a unique taste. 🏠 Accommodation Guide • Guling Town: The heart of Lushan, offering a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly inns to upscale resorts. Staying near the main street is recommended for convenient access to restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. • Homestays: For those who prefer to experience local culture, choose a unique homestay. Some homestays even have balconies with stunning mountain views. However, check reviews and amenities before booking. ❗ Important Notes • Book in advance: March is peak season for Lushan tourism, and Lushan offers free admission to all visitors in March this year (excluding secondary consumption items such as sightseeing buses and cable cars). Expect large crowds and book tickets and vehicles (for self-driving tourists) in advance through the "One Machine Tour Lushan" WeChat/Alipay mini-program to avoid delays. • Warm clothing: The temperature in Lushan in March ranges from 5–15°C, with significant temperature differences between day and night. Bring warm outerwear to prevent catching a cold. • Comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, and some attractions require hiking, so wear comfortable athletic shoes to enjoy your trip. • Mosquito repellent: The mountain has abundant vegetation and mosquitoes, so bring mosquito repellent such as mosquito spray or essential balm. • Environmental awareness: The beauty of Lushan requires everyone's protection. Please do not litter and respect the environment. • Reasonable spending: Food and goods inside the scenic area may be more expensive. Inquire about prices before purchasing to avoid unnecessary disputes.