World Cultural Heritage – Lushan Mountain

Strolling along the bluestone paths of Lushan, the mist swirling around seems to whisper history in your ear. This famous mountain, known as "Kuanglu, the most beautiful under heaven," has long been a source of inspiration for poets and scholars. Zhu Xi lectured here, Li Bai composed poetry here, Bai Juyi built a thatched cottage here... every scenic spot is steeped in stories spanning a thousand years. **The Literary Legacy of Wulao Peak** At dawn, when Wulao Peak is dyed golden by the morning glow, one recalls Li Bai’s bold verse "A waterfall plunges three thousand feet." Legend has it that this was where the Five Elders, immortal beings, played chess. Zhu Xi founded the Bailudong Academy here, one of China’s four great academies. From the summit, the shimmering waters of Poyang Lake blend with the sea of clouds, creating a fairyland. **The Millennium Poetry of Huajing Path** "All earthly blossoms fade by April, but at the mountain temple peach blossoms bloom," Bai Juyi’s poem "Peach Blossoms at Dalin Temple" made Lushan’s Huajing Path famous worldwide. Walking this 1.5-kilometer trail, ancient trees tower on both sides; in spring, peach blossoms blaze like fire, and in autumn, red leaves glow like clouds. It is especially recommended to visit early morning when the path shrouded in mist feels even more poetic. **The Mysterious Legend of Xianren Cave** This natural cave formed by giant rocks is said to be where Lü Dongbin attained immortality. Inside, it is cool and quiet, with inscriptions left by literati of various dynasties on the stone walls. The most magical sight is the thousand-year-old pine tree at the cave entrance, thriving lushly despite growing in a rock crevice. **The Mountain-Water Symphony of Sandie Spring** Lushan’s most spectacular waterfall cascades in three tiers, with a total drop of 155 meters. Xu Xiake once praised it: "The upper tier like drifting clouds and flowing silk, the middle like shattered stones crushing ice, the lower like a jade dragon running through a pool." It is best visited after rain when the water flow is more magnificent, and a mini rainbow often appears in the mist. **Republic of China Era Memories on Guling Street** This street, at an altitude of 1100 meters, preserves over 600 villas of various architectural styles. Chiang Kai-shek once established a military officer training corps here, and Zhou Enlai conducted talks between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party here. The most notable site is the Meilu Villa, witnessing many significant historical moments. The most wonderful experience in Lushan is watching the clouds roll and unfold. The morning may be clear and sunny, while the afternoon is shrouded in mist, with rapidly changing weather adding endless mystery to this famous mountain. It is recommended to carry a jacket, as the temperature difference here often catches visitors off guard. October 23, 2006