Lushan, a breathtakingly beautiful retreat for escaping the summer heat

Taking my parents and others, we embarked on a leisurely summer getaway to Lushan. With no rush and considering my parents' health, we intentionally spread out some of the sights that could be seen in one day over two days. Lushan is not just a mountain; it's a town on the mountain with almost everything available. We arrived at Jiujiang Station by train and took the cable car up to the town on Lushan. Our group of 10 chose a homestay, and transportation on the mountain was 70 yuan for unlimited rides to various attractions. On the first day, after arriving in Lushan town in the morning, we started our tour in the afternoon with a drizzle, from the Flower Path, Bai Juyi's Thatched Cottage, Ruqin Lake, to the Flying Stone. The second day, in the morning we visited the Great Heavenly Pool, Immortal's Cave, Tianxin Terrace, Round Buddha Hall, Imperial Stele Pavilion, and Sky Bridge. We returned to the homestay for a midday nap and rest. In the afternoon, we took a car to the Small Heavenly Pool, Hero Slope, and Wangjiang Pavilion. On the third day, after the rain the day before, the Threefold Spring should be just right for viewing. With more than 3,000 steps and accompanying 9 elders over 60, we slowly spent the whole day playing, descending first and then ascending, which was quite exhausting, but the older generation was impressive. On the fourth day, it was overcast, and we visited the Meilu area in the morning and the Five Old Peaks in the afternoon. Accompanied by mist, it felt even more like a 'fairyland,' and we were the only few people in the entire Five Old Peaks scenic area. The fifth day, Lulin Lake, the Botanical Garden, Lushan Museum, and Hanpokou. The sixth day, Sanbao Tree, Dragon Head Cliff, Shimenjian. Shimenjian has rafting, but it's directly down the mountain, so those who remain on the mountain can't participate. In six days, we thoroughly enjoyed Lushan. Although there were a few sunny days, as long as one stayed in the shade, it immediately became cool. The reputation of this summer retreat is well-deserved.