Mount Lu

Background

Mount Lu, known in ancient times as Kuanglu, lies mainly in Lushan City, Jiujiang, with its northern part in Jiujiang's Lianxi District. According to UNESCO, Lushan National Park covers 30,200 hectares, and its highest peak, Dahanyang Peak, rises to 1,474 metres; the Donglin Temple complex was founded by Huiyuan in 386, and the White Deer Grotto Academy, first built in 940 and revived by Zhu Xi in the Song dynasty, became the model for academy education; the mountain also has the single-arch Guanyin Bridge of 1015, more than 900 cliff inscriptions and about 600 villas built by Chinese and foreign visitors from the late 19th century into the 20th, and in the 1930s and 1940s it served as the summer capital of the Republic of China government. The interweaving of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian heritage with landscape and literary traditions is the substance of its standing as a "famous cultural mountain".

Local customs

• Visit the White Deer Grotto Academy, Donglin Temple, Xianren Cave, Sandie Spring and the Hanpo Pass area to see how scenery, academies, temples and monasteries share one mountain
• around Guling on the mountain, see the early modern villas.

Travel tips

• Mountain paths have many steps and the weather changes quickly, so wear non-slip shoes and bring rain gear and a warm jacket
• popular spots are crowded, so allow plenty of walking time
• for opening and access controls, refer to the scenic area's official announcements. Most visitors first go to central Jiujiang and then take transport up the mountain
• on the mountain, combine scenic-area transport with walking. Mountain roads are full of bends, so drive carefully if you go by car. For tickets, refer to official announcements.
• In summer the mountain is cooler than the plain below, making it a summer retreat
• spring and autumn offer mists and red leaves, and waterfalls run fuller after rain
• in winter, watch for slippery paths, strong winds and low temperatures.