The West Sea Scenic Area in Mount Lu (庐山西海风景区), formerly known as Yunju Mountain-Zhelin Lake Scenic Area (云居山―柘林湖风景名胜区), combines the large Zhelin Lake reservoir with the Buddhist Zen sanctuary of Yunju Mountain. The scenic area covers 308 square kilometers of water, featuring over 8,000 islands of varying sizes. Specifically, there are 1,667 islands larger than 3 acres and 997 islands larger than 5 acres.
The West Sea Scenic Area boasts a diverse ecological environment, providing ideal habitats for a variety of wildlife. It is home to 310 bird species with a population of around 400,000 individuals, spread across 17 orders and 51 families. Waterfowl are particularly abundant, with 115 species represented.
The area is lush with vegetation, with a forest coverage rate of 84%, and Yunju Mountain itself has a forest coverage rate of 89.2%. The total volume of standing timber exceeds 400,000 cubic meters. There are over 2,000 plant species in the region, including more than 1,000 higher plants. The area features 20 fruit tree species, 15 artificial forest types, 115 tree species, and over 40 ornamental plants.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 150 RMB including admission and boat cruise |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0792-3060798 |
Location and Transportation
Located in the southwestern part of Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, the West Sea Scenic Area spans Yongxiu and Wuning counties. To get there, take a bus from Jiujiang Bus Terminal to Yongxiu County. From Yongxiu, transfer to Bus No. 23 and get off at the Lushan West Sea (Bus Stop). A short walk will take you to the scenic area.
Highlights of West Sea Scenic Area
Zhenru Zen Temple
Zhenru Zen Temple, established in 808 AD during the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Xianzong, is one of the founding sites of the Cao Dong (Caodong) School of Zen Buddhism. It is among the first batch of key open temples designated by the state and holds significant recognition in Southeast Asia and North America. Renowned for its strict Zen traditions and well-established systems, the temple is revered by Buddhist practitioners as a global center for meditation. It is also known as the “Cradle of Chinese Buddhist Association Leaders.”
The temple underwent significant reconstruction from 1956 to 1959 under the guidance of Venerable Xu Yun, the first Honorary President of the Buddhist Association of China, who passed away at Yunju Mountain. The third president, Zhao Puchu, was Xu Yun’s secretary and a lay disciple of Zhenru Temple. The fourth president, Master Yicheng, practiced here for 50 years and served as the temple’s abbot. The current president of the Buddhist Association of China, Chuan Yin, began his association with Xu Yun in 1954 and continued his practice at Yunju Mountain for 25 years until Xu Yun’s death.
For over a millennium, Zhenru Zen Temple has adhered to a rigorous Zen practice that emphasizes both “agricultural and meditative” aspects.
Guanyin Island and Guanhai Island
Guanyin Island is located in the Fengkou Scenic Area and was originally named Fengchi Island. Covering 463 acres and situated to the east of the Wuning Bridge, Guanyin Island is shaped like a small hill resembling a phoenix, hence the name Fengshan. According to local legend, the island was frequented by phoenixes, leading the locals to build stone pagodas to attract these mythical birds. The island is surrounded by water on all sides, lush with greenery and shaded by dense forests.
Guanhai Island is situated in the heart of the lake, adjacent to the main waterway. Although the island is not very high, it offers expansive views of the lake’s stunning scenery and the surrounding islands that resemble blooming lotus flowers. Spanning 742 acres, Guanhai Island features the Guanhai Twin Towers, constructed by the Wan Island Lake Company. These seven-story towers, standing at 33 meters tall, combine modern and traditional architectural styles.
Gorge Rafting
The scenic area features the Xihai Rafting (formerly known as Taohua Creek Rafting). Located on the southern shore of Xihai Lake in the Xihai General Gorge Scenic Area of Mount Lu, Xihai Rafting stretches 5.1 kilometers with a height drop of 168 meters, equivalent to a 55-story building. The rafting course is thoughtfully designed according to the mountainous terrain, offering different experiences such as the poetic and leisurely drift, the thrilling and adventurous drift, and the exciting and daring drift. Along the way, visitors can not only enjoy the stunning mountain and forest scenery but also encounter lifelike representations of pythons and giant beasts, adding to the adventure.
