Lulin Lake (芦林湖), also known as Dong Lake (东湖, East Lake), is nestled in the Lulin Basin of the eastern valley on Mount Lu in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, at an altitude of 1040 meters. To reach this serene destination, one can embark on a 20-minute ascent from Huanglong Temple along a stone-paved path that meanders through a dense forest, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere, especially during the summer.
The Lulin Bridge, standing 30 meters high, serves both as a dam and a bridge, creating the lake by holding back the waters. The lake’s surface is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding verdant hills and dense forests, and often shrouded in a mystical mist, presenting a picturesque scene that resembles a sparkling emerald set in a lush green valley.
Millions of years ago, during the Quaternary Ice Age, Mount Lu was a significant glacial region, with the Lulin Basin being a major ice and snow accumulation site. In 1954, a dam was constructed in this basin, transforming the high gorge into a tranquil lake. The artificial lake, completed in 1955, added a new scenic highlight to Mount Lu. The dam structure includes the Lulin Bridge, which is 120 meters long and 32 meters high. The upper section of the bridge features five arches that release water during floods, creating a spectacular artificial waterfall that resembles five dragons roaring down the mountainside.
Lulin Lake covers an area of 200 acres, and two picturesque pavilions sit in the center of the lake, their colorful reflections dancing on the water’s surface. The lake, with its green waves reflecting the peaks and emerald hills surrounding it, enhances the natural beauty of Mount Lu.
A short distance north of Lulin Bridge lies the central basin of Mount Lu, home to several notable landmarks. Here, visitors can explore the Mount Lu Museum, which features palace-style architecture, the modernly equipped Mount Lu Grand Hotel, and the People’s Theater.
Winter transforms Lulin Lake into a unique spectacle. As temperatures drop, the trees around the lake become adorned with frost, creating a stunning winter landscape that attracts many visitors. The pristine, frost-covered scenery provides a stark yet beautiful contrast to the lush greenery seen in other seasons, making Lulin Lake a year-round destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
