Mount Lu, Jiangxi – Sacred Mountain of Culture

Xianren Cave (仙人洞) is located on the western slope of Tianchi Mountain and at the southern end of Jinxiu Valley, at an elevation of 1,031 meters. The cave is approximately 10 meters high and deep, formed from sandstone cliffs. It is one of the famous attractions of Mount Lu. Over time, natural weathering and water erosion have shaped this cave, originally named Foshou Rock due to its resemblance to a Buddha’s hand.

Legend has it that the renowned Taoist Lu Dongbin from the Tang Dynasty practiced here until he achieved immortality. To honor him, people renamed Foshou Rock to Xianren Cave. Under the cover of Foshou Rock, Xianren Cave emerged. The cave walls are inscribed with phrases such as “Cave Heaven Jade Liquid,” and in the center of the cave, the Chunyang Hall houses a statue of Lu Dongbin. By the Qing Dynasty, Foshou Rock had become a sacred Taoist site, hence the name Xianren Cave. Mao Zedong famously wrote, “Nature has created a Fairy Cave, with infinite beauty in the perilous peaks.”

Sandiequan (三叠泉), also known as Three-Tier Spring or Water Curtain Spring, is located at the lower part of Wulao Peak, covering an area of 16.5 square kilometers at an elevation of 1,160 meters. The waterfall cascades down a cliff in three tiers, with a total drop of 155 meters. Historically, it was praised as the foremost waterfall of Kuanglu (another name for Mount Lu) and hailed as the “number one wonder of Mount Lu.”

Sandiequan is formed by the confluence of streams from Dayue Mountain and Wulao Peak. The water flows from Dayue Mountain, descends behind Wulao Peak, and pours over the northern cliff onto a large rock. From there, it plunges onto another large rock and finally cascades onto a third rock, creating the three tiers that give the waterfall its name. The first tier falls straight down from a height of over 20 meters; the second tier is a curved descent into a pool.

Wulao Peak (五老峰) is located in the southeast of Mount Lu in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, standing at an elevation of 1,436 meters with a prominence of 194 meters. The peak is divided into five distinct summits by saddles, resembling five old men sitting together, which is how it earned its name.

Wulao Peak connects to Poyang Lake at its base and reaches towards the sky at its summit, making it the most majestic and perilous spot on Mount Lu. Among the five peaks, the third one is the most treacherous, characterized by an array of peculiar rocks and bizarre formations. The fourth peak is the highest, topped with twisted cloud pines resembling ancient dragons. Below it are five smaller peaks: Lion Peak, Golden Seal Peak, Stone Ship Peak, Lingyun Peak, and Flagpole Peak. Further down are Guanyin Cliff and Lion Cliff, with Qinglian Temple nestled in the valley behind.

Bailudong Academy (白鹿洞书院) is situated on the southern slope of Wulao Peak. It is one of the “Four Great Academies of China,” alongside Yuelu Academy in Changsha, Hunan, Yingtian Academy in Shangqiu, Henan, and Songyang Academy in Dengfeng, Henan.

The academy’s origins can be traced back to Li Bo of the Southern Tang dynasty. The name “Bailudong” (White Deer Cave) comes from the surrounding mountains that form a shape reminiscent of a cave. Architecturally, the academy features a sophisticated layout of several large quadrangle courtyards facing south. It primarily comprises structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, built with stone and wood or brick and wood, and characterized by gable roofs that exude an air of simplicity and serenity.

Covering an area of 3,000 mu (approximately 200 hectares) and with a building area of 3,800 square meters, Bailudong Academy is a key cultural heritage site in China. It flourished during the Tang dynasty, reached its peak during the Song dynasty, and continued to thrive through the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasting a history of over 1,000 years. During the Zhenyuan period of the Tang dynasty (785-805 AD), Li Bo lived here, reading and raising a white deer for amusement, earning the nickname “White Deer Gentleman.”

During the Changqing period (821-843 AD), as the magistrate of Jiangzhou (now Jiujiang), Li Bo built terraces and planted flowers and trees around the White Deer Cave. The current buildings of the academy stretch from west to east along the Guandao Stream, comprising structures like the main academy gate, Ziyang Academy, Bailu Academy, and Yanbin Hall. All buildings face south, constructed in stone and wood or brick and wood, with gable roofs that impart an elegant and unpretentious charm.

Donglin Temple (东林寺) is located on the western slope of Mount Lu in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, about 16 kilometers north of Jiujiang and 50 kilometers east of Guling Street on Mount Lu. It is named Donglin (Eastern Forest) because it is situated east of Xilin Temple. Established by the renowned Eastern Jin monk Huiyuan in 386 AD, Donglin Temple is one of the oldest temples on Mount Lu. During the Han and Tang dynasties, it became one of the Eight Great Buddhist Temples in China and features notable structures such as the Heavenly King Hall, the Three Saints Hall, and the Mahavira Hall.

Donglin Temple is the birthplace of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism (also known as the Lotus Sect) and is regarded as a significant site by both Japanese Pure Land Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu. The famous Tang dynasty monk Ganjin brought the teachings of Donglin Temple to Japan, and Huiyuan is still honored as the founding ancestor of the Japanese Donglin tradition. The temple’s various halls and scenic spots, such as the Wisdom Spring, have been restored. In 1983, it was designated by the State Council as a key Buddhist temple in Han Chinese regions, a renowned Buddhist site in China, and one of the three major international exchange sites in Jiangxi Province.

Jinxiu Valley (锦绣谷), located about 1.5 kilometers long and at an elevation of 1,102 meters, stretches from the stone steps on the left side of the Sky Bridge to the Immortal Cave. It was a new famous scenic spot on Mount Lu established in 1980. According to legend, the valley was where the renowned Eastern Jin monk Huiyuan collected flowers and herbs. The valley is known for its year-round blooming flowers, which resemble brocade, hence the name “Jinxiu” (Brocade).

The Northern Song dynasty poet Wang Anshi praised the valley in his poetry: “Returning home with a smile brings the fragrant morning; it is best to be a guest of the famous mountain. Meeting at the Five Lakes with enthusiasm, inviting one another to the spring of Jinxiu Valley.” It is said that this poem was inspired by his visit to the valley.

Huajing Park (花径公园) is located 2 kilometers southwest of Guling Street, beside the picturesque Ruqin Lake. Accessible by road, visitors can walk along Daling Road to reach the park and see the nearby glacier relics, including the Ice Table Rock, also known as Feilai Stone. The park is traditionally associated with Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi, who composed the poem “Peach Blossoms of Daling Temple” here. During his exile to Jiangzhou (Jiujiang) in 816 AD, Bai Juyi visited Mount Lu in late spring. While the peach blossoms had already fallen at the base of the mountain, they were still in full bloom at Huajing. Inspired, Bai Juyi wrote: “In the world, April’s fragrance has vanished; in the mountain temple, peach blossoms are just beginning to bloom. Longing for spring’s return with no place to seek, little did I know it had turned into this place.”

Xiufeng Peak (秀峰) is situated on the southern slope of Mount Lu, with an elevation of 53 meters. It refers to a group of peaks, including Xianglu Peak, Shuangjian Peak, Wenshu Peak, Heming Peak, Shizi Peak, Guibei Peak, and Sister Peaks. Beneath Heming Peak originally stood Xiufeng Temple, one of the five great temples of Mount Lu, which was originally named Kaixian Temple. It was renamed Xiufeng Temple after Emperor Kangxi’s calligraphy. The area features several scenic spots, such as Shuyu Pavilion, Yuxia Gorge, Longtan, the Waterfall, Guangu Pavilion, and Rizhao Pavilion, as well as many historical relics. The famous Kaixian Waterfall is celebrated in a poem by Tang dynasty poet Li Bai: “The sun shines on the incense burner, creating purple smoke; from afar, the waterfall hangs before the river. The torrents fall straight down three thousand feet, seeming like the Milky Way dropping from the ninth heaven.”

Located about 10 miles from Guling on Mount Lu, Bilongtan Waterfall (碧龙潭瀑布), also known as Wangjiapo Waterfall (王家坡瀑布), is a majestic and renowned attraction. The waterfall was discovered by a woodcutter in the early 1920s and has since become a popular site for visitors. The water originates from the northern slopes of Suzi Ridge and cascades through layers of rocks and cliffs. At the top of the BLongtan Pool, the waterfall splits into three sections, each with two strands resembling white silk, forming a cascade that stretches over several meters. A viewing pavilion, Guangu Pavilion, is situated beside the pool, offering a great vantage point. There is also a large rock in the pool from which visitors can gaze east towards Poyang Lake.

The Sanbao Tree (三宝树) is located about 300 meters up the stone steps from Huanglongtan. Standing at an elevation of 1027 meters, the Sanbao Tree features three ancient and towering trees: two are Cunninghamia trees, each over 600 years old, and one is a ginkgo tree, approximately 1600 years old. The trees’ trunks are so large that they cannot be embraced by several people together, resembling a pagoda. According to legend, these trees are ancient Keke trees. An inscription on a stone tablet at the site reads “晋僧昙诜手记 Jin Monk Tan Shen’s Handwriting,” and the trees are now a protected cultural heritage site.

Meilu Villa (美庐), located at 180 Hedong Road, Lushan District, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, was once the summer residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his “Chairman’s Office.” It was also known as the “Beautiful House” where the First Lady lived. The villa, set amidst lush greenery, is built with a stone and wood structure. It features a two-story main building and a single-story annex, covering a total area of 455 square meters with a building area of 996 square meters. The entire Meilu garden spans 4928 square meters, with the buildings occupying less than 10% of the area, giving the garden an expansive and clean appearance. The architectural design strikes a harmonious balance, avoiding both clumsiness and fragility, creating a pleasing aesthetic.

Lulin Lake (芦林湖), situated at an elevation of 48 meters, features the Lulin Bridge, which stands 30 meters high and functions as both a bridge and a dam. To reach the lake, one can take a 20-minute walk up the stone steps from Huanglong Temple. Millions of years ago, during the Quaternary Ice Age, this area was a typical ice cellar and the largest ice accumulation valley on Mount Lu. In 1954, a dam was constructed to create the lake, transforming the high gorge into a serene lake. Chairman Mao Zedong famously swam in the lake on several occasions.

The Lushan Conference Site (庐山会议旧址) is located at the foot of Zhibi Peak in the East Valley of Guling. Originally one of the three major buildings constructed by Chiang Kai-shek for the Lushan Military Training Corps, it was completed in 1937 and named the Lushan Grand Auditorium. After the liberation, it was renamed the “People’s Theater.” The site hosted the 8th Central Committee Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China in 1959, the Central Work Conference in 1961, and the 9th Central Committee Plenary Session in 1970, all chaired by Mao Zedong. It has since been converted into the Lushan Conference Memorial Hall, where visitors can view many valuable artifacts, photographs, documents, and video recordings related to these historic events. Nearby, the “Lushan Building” is a four-story exterior, six-story interior reinforced concrete structure that originally served as accommodations for mid- to low-ranking officers of the Nationalist Army. The building’s facade once displayed the characters “Lushan Study House” inscribed by Chiang Kai-shek. The palace-style building between the conference site and the Lushan Building is the Lushan Library, completed in 1935.

Dakou Waterfall (大口瀑布) is a recently developed attraction in Lushan, accessible by a cable car from either the scenic area or the Hanpo Pass. Also known as Rainbow Falls, the waterfall often reveals a colorful rainbow after rain showers, thanks to the sunlight creating a stunning spectrum of colors.

Wulong Pool (乌龙潭) is situated at the bottom of the valley between two mountains in the East Valley of Lushan. It is flanked by steep hills, forming a narrow and secluded ravine. Originally composed of three pools of varying sizes, the pool was described in ancient texts as having three distinct sections: the middle and upper pools are at an elevation of 1025 meters, with a height of 333 meters, while the lower pool is somewhat flatter. Today, only one pool remains visible. Water from the pool cascades down through cracks in the rocks, splitting into five streams.

Huanglong Pool (黄龙潭) is located below the Sanbao Tree Scenic Area between Yeping Peak and Tianwang Peak. The pool features a waterfall cascading over rock faces and cliffs at its edge. Historically, Huanglong Pool was originally made up of three pools of different sizes. Ancient records describe the pool as having three sections: the middle and upper pools are at an elevation of 1025 meters with a height of 333 meters, while the lower pool is relatively flat. Currently, only one pool is visible, with water flowing down through fissures in the massive rocks, splitting into five streams.

Established in 1934, the Lushan Botanical Garden (庐山植物园) covers an area of 3 square kilometers. It is one of the earliest botanical gardens in China and a renowned subtropical alpine botanical garden. The garden plays a crucial role in conserving plant species from the Yangtze River basin and beyond. It houses over 100,000 plant specimens and has introduced and cultivated more than 3,400 species, including the “living fossil,” the Chinese swamp cypress, with thousands of specimens. The garden is both a research facility and a scenic spot, featuring 11 different exhibition areas based on natural plant communities and ecosystems, allowing visitors to enjoy diverse plant life. There are also rest areas with stone benches and tables under the trees for visitor relaxation.

Lushan Museum (庐山博物馆), located by the Lu Lin Lake, is housed in a villa-style building that blends Western and Chinese architectural elements. This building, known as Lulin Villa, was formerly used by Mao Zedong during his stay at Lushan and is also referred to as “Lulin No. 1” due to its room number. Constructed in 1961, the single-story flat-roofed building has an internal courtyard and covers a total area of 2,700 square meters. It was converted into a museum in 1984. The museum’s collection includes exquisite items and historical artifacts from both Chinese and Western villas in Lushan before the liberation. Notably, the museum houses the “Five Hundred Arhats” painting by Qing dynasty artist Xu Conglong, originally consisting of 200 pieces, with 112 now displayed after extensive recovery efforts. The museum also features fine examples of historical ceramics, including Han dynasty celadon, Tang dynasty tri-colored glaze, Song dynasty shadow green porcelain, Ming dynasty blue and white porcelain, and Qing dynasty famille rose. Other notable exhibits include Chiang Kai-shek’s personal porcelain plate, Soong Mei-ling’s ivory-handled fan, and a sword and bronze inkstone gifted to Chiang on his 50th birthday. Additionally, the museum’s collection encompasses bronze artifacts, ceramics, crafts, inscriptions, and ancient coins, with many rare items on display.

Han Pao Kou (含鄱口), situated at the central ridge of the Han Pao Ridge in the eastern valley of Lushan, is at an elevation of 1,286 meters. This area forms a grand ravine between Han Yang Peak and the ridge, resembling a giant mouth drawing water from the nearby Poyang Lake, which gives it its name. To the west of Han Pao Kou is the famous glacial horn “Plow Tip,” resembling a sharp plow head cultivating the vast sea of clouds. Across from Han Pao Kou stands Lushan’s highest peak, Han Yang Peak, while the northern side features Da Yue Mountain, the second highest peak, and the southern side has Wu Lao Peak, the third highest. At the base of the mountain is Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake. On the Han Pao Ridge is the elegantly decorated square pavilion known as “Wang Pao Pavilion,” which is a prime spot for viewing the sunrise.

Long Shou Cliff (龙首崖), located on the southwest side of the Big Heavenly Pond at an elevation of 883 meters, is an excellent spot for cloud and mist viewing. From the cliff, visitors can overlook the rocky gorges and witness beautiful rainbows. The cliff offers views of various scenic spots such as Lion Rock, Square Seal Rock, Manjushri Rock, Cool Rock, and the Ten-Thousand-Foot Ladder.

Han Yang Peak (汉阳峰), located in the southeastern part of Lushan, stands at an elevation of 1,474 meters, making it the highest peak of the mountain range. The peak is named after the Han Yang lights visible on clear, moonlit nights from its summit. At the peak, there is a square stone platform known as Yu Wang Terrace, believed to be the place where the legendary figure Yu the Great once surveyed his water control efforts. To the south of Han Yang Peak lies Zi Xiao Peak, and to the northeast is the smaller Han Yang Peak. To the northwest is a canyon known as “Kang Wang Valley,” which is a significant geological feature of Lushan. This valley is thought to be the inspiration for the “Peach Blossom Spring” described in the famous work by the Jin Dynasty poet Tao Yuanming. At the end of the valley, there is a waterfall known as “Valley Curtain Spring,” which is said to have greatly impressed Zhuge Liang.

Shi Men Gorge (石门峡), located on the western slope of Lushan at an elevation of 400 meters, covers an area of approximately 4 square kilometers and is often referred to as the “West Gate of Lushan.” The name comes from the gorge’s appearance, where the peaks of Tian Chi Mountain and Tie Chuan Peak form a gate-like structure, complete with a waterfall cascading down. The gorge is home to a diverse range of tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants, including stone fruit, wild tallow trees, and ancient boxwood. Known for its “majestic, dangerous, strange, and beautiful” scenery, Shi Men Gorge is a comprehensive showcase of geological changes, biological evolution, natural wonders, and historical culture. It is renowned for its typical Quaternary glacial features and is considered one of Lushan’s most exceptional landscapes, earning the reputation of “Lushan’s Absolute Beauty” and “Mountain-Water Absolute Beauty.”

The area spans over 10,000 acres with more than a hundred scenic spots. Shi Men Gorge is home to some of Lushan’s earliest documented waterfalls, with historical records dating back over two thousand years in the “Book of the Later Han.” The narrowest part of the gorge is known as “Small Stone Gate,” where visitors must squeeze through a narrow gap between cliffs. The gorge features high cliffs with waterfalls and deep pools of water, creating a dramatic landscape of hidden boulders and towering rocks. One of the largest smooth stones in the area, known as “Stone Platform,” can accommodate several dozen people, and the words “Shi Men Gorge” are inscribed on it.

Xiao Tian Chi (小天池), situated on the summit of Xiao Tian Chi Mountain in the northeastern part of Lushan at an elevation of 1,213 meters, is a serene alpine lake that remains full and does not overflow or dry up throughout the year. Behind the pool, on the mountain ridge, stands a Lama Tower that resembles a white pagoda. This tower was built in 1936. Opposite the peak of Xiao Tian Chi Mountain, there is a peculiar rock formation that from a distance resembles a majestic eagle stretching its neck, adding a unique element to the picturesque landscape.

Gu Ling (牯岭), originally named Gu Niu Ling (牯牛岭, Ox Ridge), is located at the center of Lushan. Its name comes from the shape of the ridge, which resembles an ox. Gu Ling is surrounded by mountains on three sides and overlooks a valley on the fourth, with an elevation of 1,164 meters and a circumference of 46.6 kilometers. It serves as the core of the Lushan scenic area, presenting a charming and distinctive park-like small mountain town.

In the late 19th century, British missionary William Smith leased a section of Gu Niu Ling and developed residential villas, gradually enhancing the area. Due to its cool climate, the name “Gu Ling” was adopted from the English word “Cooling.” Gu Ling divides into eastern and western valleys, both designated as areas for rest, recuperation, and tourism after the liberation. The most bustling area of the mountain town is Gu Ling Street, where visitors can explore the lively heart of the region.

Da Tian Chi (大天池), situated on the summit of Tian Chi Mountain in the northwest of Lushan, stands at an elevation of over 900 meters. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape: to the south, the Nine Odd Peaks; below, the Shimen Gorge; to the east, the Buddha Hand Rock; and to the west, the White Cloud Peak.

Originally, Da Tian Chi was home to the Tian Chi Temple, which has since fallen into disuse. In the past, the temple’s west side featured a crescent-shaped platform for moon worship, known as the Manjusri Platform, dedicated to Manjusri Bodhisattva. The current structure is a blend of stone, wood, and cement, with a stone hall consisting of five bays and a platform above.

On the mountain ridge, a pagoda stands tall. This five-story, hexagonal stone pagoda, 20 meters high, was originally built during the Song Dynasty (1127-1130) but was rebuilt in 1927 by Tang Shengzhi. Inside the pagoda are relics including a silver Buddha statue, Song Dynasty coins, and crystal beads. Alongside the pagoda on the ridge is the Round Buddha Hall, a stout, circular building with a pagoda-like roof.

To the west of the pagoda is the Tian Xin Platform, built by Lin Sen. Beneath the platform is a large, smooth stone with the inscription “照江崖.” The three highlights of Da Tian Chi are the perilous Long Shou Cliff, the ethereal Ling Xu Pavilion, and the radiance of Manjusri Platform, which together are known as the “Three Wonders of Da Tian Chi.”

Tie Chuan Peak (铁船峰), located on the west side of the Shimen Gorge, is commonly referred to as the “Mast Rock.” Standing at 997 meters, its towering presence resembles a giant ship, hence its name. According to legend, during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, General Wang Dun, who held significant military power, sought to usurp the throne. He invited Xu Xun and others to a banquet in Jian Kang (modern-day Nanjing) and had a dream interpreted. The dream involved a wooden object breaking, which Xu Xun and others interpreted as a warning of impending conflict.

Wang Dun, displeased by the interpretation, harbored malicious intent. Xu Xun and his companions anticipated this and fled by boat. Wang Dun’s forces pursued them, but Xu Xun used his magical powers to summon two dragons to carry the boat away. As the boat flew over Lushan’s Zi Xiao Peak, the boat brushed against the treetops, and when the dragons abruptly left, the boat fell beside the Shimen Cave and became what is now known as Tie Chuan Peak. In 1992, a Quiet Viewing Pavilion and nearby stone carvings were established on the peak.

The Guanyin Bridge Scenic Area (观音桥景区) is nestled in the National Forest Park on the southern slopes of Lushan. The area offers a stunning backdrop with Wulao Peak to the east, the main peak Han Yang Peak to the west, the mystical Tai Yi Peak to the north, and the expansive Poyang Lake to the south. This scenic spot combines elements of a World Cultural Heritage site, a World Geopark, and a Chinese Natural Scenic Area.

The centerpiece of the Guanyin Bridge Scenic Area is the Guanyin Bridge itself, often hailed as the “First Ancient Bridge of Jiangnan.” This thousand-year-old national treasure, built in 1014 AD, spans the magnificent Qixian Grand Canyon with an impressive length of 19.4 meters and a width of 4.8 meters. The bridge is a designated national key cultural relic protection unit and is set amidst ancient forests, adding to its timeless allure.

The Imperial Stele Pavilion (御碑亭) is located on the Bai Lu Ascension Terrace beside the Immortal Cave on Lushan. It was constructed by the Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in September of the 26th year of the Hongwu era (1393). This pavilion was built to honor the immortal Zhou Dian and others.

Inside the pavilion, the Imperial Stele, which remains preserved, carries inscriptions personally written by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. The stele features the “Biography of Zhou Dian Immortal” and the “Four Immortals Poem.” Measuring approximately 4 meters in height, 1.3 meters in width, and 0.23 meters in thickness, this stele is a notable historical artifact from the Ming Dynasty.