Lushan Xihai in Jiujiang, Jiangxi｜Complete Family Travel Guide to the "Emerald Jade Plate" with 8,000 Islands

Who would have thought! I originally thought Qiandao Lake was the "thousand-island ceiling," until I ventured into Lushan Xihai in Jiujiang, Jiangxi in October—"Thousands of islands like pearls open a beautiful scene, ten thousand mountains hold the sunset shining on China." Over 8,000 small islands scattered across the emerald lake surface, truly a real-life "emerald jade plate"! After spending a whole day with the kids, even they said, "It's more fun than an amusement park!" 🔍 Basic Information about the Scenic Area Lushan Xihai is a national 5A-level scenic spot and a national water conservancy project. Its core is the artificial lake formed by the Zhelin Dam, the largest earth dam in Asia, blocking the Xiu River. The island density surpasses Qiandao Lake, and its area is equivalent to four Loch Ness Lakes! Cruising among the islands by boat, each island hides different surprises~ 🚢 Must-Visit Islands & Photo Spots (according to the boat route) 1. Yunju Island (first stop by boat) As soon as you land, you’ll be struck by the ancient architecture combination of Yunju Tower and Xihai Pavilion! Red walls and green tiles against the lake water create a "fantasy martial arts" photo filter effect. Be sure to walk the "Qingfeng Bridge"—a wooden boardwalk connecting Yunju Island and Goddess Island. Strolling in the lake breeze, the kids chasing butterflies never got tired~ 2. Goddess Island (friendly for those with stamina) Challenge the "Hero Slope" with the kids (the steps aren’t steep, about 10 minutes total). At the top, you can see the **"Xihai Fairy" sculpture**, a white statue standing in the middle of the lake, sparkling with the waves—perfect for photos! At the foot of the slope is a lawn where you can sit and enjoy your own snacks. The lake breeze is even more comfortable than air conditioning~ 3. Ruoxi Island (a joy for families with kids) This is a dedicated "family island"! The island has free-roaming monkeys, peacocks, and alpacas (you can buy feed for 10 yuan/portion). The kids chased peacocks showing their feathers, and even I couldn’t resist petting the gentle alpacas~ There’s also a small sandpit and swings on the island, where kids can play for half an hour, giving parents a chance to rest! 4. Popular Photo Spots (100% photo-worthy) • Jinlong Bridge: A white long bridge spanning two small islands. Walking on the bridge and shooting from afar, the bridge looks like a "dragon swimming" in the emerald waves, making your social media flooded with questions about the location! • Lonely Tree in the Lake: A solitary cedar tree on the lake surface, minimalist composition, every shot looks like an "Instagram masterpiece." Recommended to shoot at 4 PM (soft light, not harsh). 5. Panoramic View from Above (no drone needed for full view) Don’t want to bother with a drone? Head straight to the "Sky Coffee Viewing Platform"! 💰 99 yuan/person (includes a cup of coffee + light meal). Take the elevator to the top floor, and the panorama of 8,000 islands spreads out before your eyes. The lake color gradates from light green to deep blue, and photos look even more stunning than with the naked eye! 🎢 Other Entertainment Options (choose as you like) • Thrilling: Jet skiing on the lake (120 yuan/10 minutes), paragliding (380 yuan/time), seaplane rides (580 yuan/circle) • Leisure: Lakeside trail walks, walking on the waterside boardwalk, soaking in mineral hot springs (hot spring hotels inside the scenic area) • Unique: Drinking Xihai white tea (available at island tea houses), night fishing (fishing gear rental available in the scenic area, reservation required) 📍 Practical Information • Address: Navigate to "Lushan Xihai Sima Pier" (this pier is the main entrance, with frequent boats and the best views) • Tickets + Boat Tickets: ◦ Buy on-site: 150 yuan/person (includes admission + round-trip boat ticket, boats depart at fixed times, about every 30 minutes) ◦ Book 1 day in advance on platforms like Meituan or Ctrip: 140 yuan/person (more cost-effective) • Tips: 1. Wear comfortable sports shoes (you’ll walk on boardwalks between islands); 2. Bring a sun hat + sunglasses (strong reflection from the lake); 3. Few dining options on the islands, so bring some snacks and water. Cost breakdown for a family trip to Lushan Xihai (2 adults and 1 child as an example), explained item by item: 1. Transportation Costs • Self-driving (starting from Nanchang as an example): Nanchang → Lushan Xihai Sima Pier about 120 km, fuel + tolls about 150 yuan; if renting a local car (economy sedan), daily rental about 200 yuan + fuel and tolls 150 yuan, total 350 yuan. • Public Transportation: Bus from Nanchang to Yongxiu County (30 yuan/person), then transfer to a direct shuttle to Sima Pier (20 yuan/person), total 150 yuan for 2 adults and 1 child. 2. Accommodation Costs • Hotels inside the scenic area (near the pier): Family-themed hotels (including breakfast), standard/family rooms about 400-600 yuan/night; if choosing a hotel with hot springs, prices about 600-800 yuan/night. • Hotels outside in the county town: Economy hotels in Yongxiu County, family rooms about 200-300 yuan/night, plus taxi fare to the pier next day (about 50 yuan). 3. Tickets + Activity Fees • Basic package: 2 adults and 1 child booked in advance, 140 yuan × 2 + child ticket (1.2-1.4m half price 70 yuan) = 350 yuan. • Sky viewing platform: 99 yuan/person × 2 + child half price 50 yuan = 248 yuan (includes coffee + light meal). • Family activity (feeding on Ruoxi Island): feed 10 yuan/portion, 2 portions counted as 20 yuan. • Optional entertainment (e.g., jet skiing): 120 yuan/10 minutes (counted once). 4. Food Costs • Breakfast: free if staying at a hotel with breakfast; eating out about 50 yuan for 3 people. • Lunch: restaurants inside the scenic area about 40-50 yuan per person, about 150 yuan for 3; can save if bringing your own snacks. • Dinner: Jiangxi cuisine in county restaurants about 100-150 yuan for 3; hotel restaurants inside the scenic area about 150-200 yuan. 5. Total (example with self-driving + ordinary hotel inside scenic area + basic activities) Transportation 150 yuan + accommodation 400 yuan + tickets and activities 598 yuan + food 300 yuan = about 1,448 yuan (if choosing public transport + county hotel + simplified activities, can reduce to 1,000 yuan) (Tested with kids for a full day, not tiring and plenty of scenery to enjoy!)