Walking Among the Clouds, Savoring Lushan—A Encounter with Poetry and Mist

Day 1: Blending Cultural Landscapes with Natural Scenery
Morning: Arrival at Lushan & West Route Exploration
Transport Tip: Drive/take high-speed rail to Jiujiang, then transfer to Lushan sightseeing bus (or cable car) uphill (Ticket: ¥160/person).
**Like Qin Lake**: Picturesque lakeside views, perfect for photos.
**Flower Path Park**: Inspiration for Bai Juyi’s poem "When all flowers fade in late spring," especially stunning in spring.
**Jinxiu Valley**: 1.5-hour hike featuring bizarre rocks and cliffs, ending at "Immortal Cave" (legendary site of Lü Dongbin).
Lunch: Guling Town restaurants (must-tries: Lushan stone frog, rock ear omelet, misty tea shrimp).

Afternoon: Historical Journey
**Meilu Villa**: Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling’s summer residence, showcasing Republic-era history.
**Lushan Conference Site**: Key modern historical events.
**Lulin Lake & Bridge**: Where Chairman Mao once swam, offering serene views.

Evening:
Stroll Guling Town: Enjoy the "cloud-kissed mountain town" nightscape, with Lushan misty tea as a souvenir.

Day 2: Natural Wonders & Sunrise Spectacle
Dawn (Optional):
**Hanpo Pass Sunrise**: Arrive by 5:00 AM for misty Poyang Lake vistas (breathtaking in clear weather).

Morning: East Route Highlights
**Five Old Peaks**: 1-2-hour climb; Peak 3 has the best panoramic views of mountains and Poyang Lake.
**Three-Step Waterfall**: "No true Lushan visit without seeing it" (3-hour round trip, steep steps; cable car available).
Lunch: Light meals onsite or back in Guling Town.

Afternoon: Leisurely Wrap-Up
**Botanical Garden (Optional)**: China’s earliest subalpine garden, famous for autumn foliage.
**Small Heavenly Pool & Nonna Pagoda**: Tibetan Buddhist white pagoda overlooking Jiujiang.

Departure: Descend by 4:00 PM; allow extra time for transit.

📌 Pro Tips
Transport: 7-day sightseeing bus pass (¥70) is essential; cable car takes ~10 minutes uphill.
Stay: Prioritize Guling Town (e.g., Lushan Jiahao Huaihai International Hotel or boutique B&Bs).
Attire: Summer requires jackets; winter demands anti-slip shoes.
Avoid: Low water at Three-Step Waterfall (winter); pack rain gear.

🍜 Food Recs
Must-tries: Steamed stone fish egg, braised pork with bamboo shoots, Poyang Lake fish head.
Snacks: Tea cakes, osmanthus candy.

May this guide help you embrace Lushan’s "majesty, wonder, thrill, and elegance"! Customize with hidden gems (e.g., Donglin Temple, White Deer Grotto Academy) upon request. 🌄