Lushan

Lushan is a city in Jiangxi.

Lushan (庐山) is a mountain area with the touristy township Guling at an altitude of about 1000 metres and the surrounding mountains up to Dahanyang peak at about 1500 metres, in Jiangxi province. After a long Buddhist history, it was built up by British colonialists as a summer hill station, and still bears evidence of their architecture (both real and obviously contrived). It still makes for a refreshing escape from the summer heat, and offers many scenic hiking opportunities and some historic buildings, particularly of interest for fans of Communist Party history. It is very popular with the better heeled Chinese tourist, but well off the beaten path for independent foreign travellers and accordingly you should expect some communication difficulties. It is hoped it was enjoyed by Chairman Mao, as his visage in cane chair features in front of the many picturesque spots, with more than a little assistance from Photoshop. This mountain area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO Global Geopark.

By cable car
There is a cable car going straight to Lushan.

It costs ¥120 go and back per people but takes only 20 minutes (and avoid illness of the road).

To arrive to the cable car station there is the bus 57 from Jiujiang (九江) train station（cost ¥3).

Lushan train station is really close to the cable car.

By bus
Direct buses to Lushan from Nanchang can be found in front of the Nanchang train station; the trip is about 2½ hours and costs around ¥55. Regular shuttle vans from Jiujiang Bus Station (1km or so north of Jiujiang station) take about 1½ hours and cost ¥15. The bus will stop at the entrance gate where all passengers proceed to pay the entrance fee and pass through the entrance gate before getting back on the bus.

From Lushan, it is possible to take a bus back to the Lushan train station (¥20), with about five buses per day, the last one departing at 16:00. Alternatively, buses to Nanchang are ¥55 and will bring you to a gas station in Nanchang; you will need to take a taxi to reach either train station. These buses run five times a day, with two in the morning, one at 10:20, one at 15:00 and the last one at 16:00. Finally, buses to Jiujiang arrive at the bus station and you should take a taxi to the train station for further travel.

By train
The most convenient train station is Jiujiang (九江), NOT Lushan station. From here it will be easy to find people to share a taxi up to the park entrance (approx ¥80 for a taxi) or buses to Lushan (about 1 hour, ¥15) leave every 30-60 minutes from around 08:00 to 16:00 from the intercity bus station about 1km north, on Xunnan Avenue, behind the train station. If you do get to Lushan Railway Station in error, it is possible to transfer to Jiujiang Intercity bus station by minivan. Check in front.

Now there is an alternative entry point which is more complicated, requires some navigation, some breaking of rules and maybe some simple Chinese written place names in advance (for the foreigner without Chinese), but which will save the entry fee for the mountain which is about ¥130 + ¥50 and offer a special experience. Take a bus from Jiujiang Intercity Bus Station to Haihui. This bus travels south east on a concrete highway which swings south west. After about 27 km on your right hand side looms the fantastic peaks of Lushan, named Five Old Men. The bus driver must know that you want to get off to walk to the 3 Step Waterfall, which is in the precinct of Haihui. It means you will dropped on the side of the road, so take the side turning toward the mountains, past a village, past a dam, and on up the concrete road. When the first park entry check point is spotted, go back a bit and walk up the track beside the creek, and then along a water pipe (balance required over the gullies) until you are well passed this pay point. Continue back on the road until the road arrives at a small village and the footpath bridges the creek at a weir and continues upstream on the other side. There will be increasing numbers of coach delivered tourists around. About 300 metres up this track is another paypoint, about ¥50, which can be bypassed by a very silent and strenuous climb over the huge rocks in the creek bed. You can go back and progress up the other side of the creek until you have to get into the creek bed and deal with the huge rocks. Either that or pay the ¥50. The stone path now climbs through the valley, up, ever up through a spectacular gorge to the Three Step Waterfall, where suddenly it's like Disneyland in the mountains with duck shaped watercraft in the bottom pond to the waterfall, kiosks and masses of people, who have descended by foot to this spectacular spot from the top cable car station high above. Continue up the path, until you see the paypoint for visitors to the mountain proper, fee approx ¥130. Go back about 100 metres down to a right turn junction in the path in a SE direction. This stone path contours around to underneath the top fall of the Three Step Waterfall. There is an old path that actually goes under the waterfall; take it. Climb over the man made impediments of barbed wire and stakes, and continue on a narrow path of indeterminate age, but which is now closed to all but you. This path is in derelict condition, and safety barriers are largely missing, so your party should be comfortable with overgrown passage and exposure to great heights. However it's a great walk with marvellous views and environment and definitely secluded from the masses. This overgrown path, sometimes hard to recognise, follows over the heads of the "Five Old Men" the 4000' plus summits originally visible from the road, now far below. After a couple of hours this path joins the main park system, where one finds one's way finally to a road and therefore transport to the centre of Guling. In the writers experience there was a cab waiting, for the 15-minute drive past the colonial era villas. The whole journey is well worth the effort (for those of you on this wavelength).

Get around
Bus passes are available (¥70 for a 7-day pass, no single-ride or single-day options) for 2 lines of park buses. You need your ID to get the pass and this is checked sometime. It is not transferable.

Lushan and the surrounding mountains are crisscrossed with footpaths, many of which seem to be composed entirely of steep stairs. If you're not in the mood (or shape) for climbing, taxis can be found pretty easily, but expect to negotiate prices on busy days.

See
Pick up a map at the bookstore on Guling Jie for a guide to various old "villa"-style buildings in town, and various natural sites around town of waterfalls, peaks, etc. A very pleasant walk is to follow Dalin Jie down past Ruting Lake for a stroll around the botanical gardens. From there follow the cliff along a man-made path that picks up many spectacular views and passes many items of natural interest. In due course this path arrives at the Sante rollerway, a contraption of dual rails and a 2-person car that descends through the forest. It's a worthwhile ride, as it is time for a rest and the opportunity to be grateful that the primitive braking system works. The cliffside walk continues until far below it reaches a suspension bridge and a chairlift back up to the mountain. There might also be a taxi at the bottom, or you can walk up the narrow concrete road to the main road at the top and hail a bus back to Guling. Allow about 4 hours for this whole excursion.

Eat
There are many dining opportunities in Guling, from the main restaurants overlooking the view, to the smaller restaurants in the side streets. Menu design, prices, and much of the selection are standardized, but there can be significant variation in the number of options and restaurants will often offer discounted specials. Some restaurants have a wall of pictures, otherwise non Chinese speakers will have to improvise. Major tourist stops often have snacks available, and occasionally a restaurant, but these may close during non-peak times.

Drink
Lu Shan Cloud and Mist Tea（庐山云雾茶）: Lu Shan, named for its abundant rainfall and enveloping mist, may give rise to a unique tea known as Lu Shan Cloud and Mist Tea. This tea is likely to carry a refreshing aroma and distinctive flavor influenced by the special local climate.

Lu Shan Mineral Spring Water（庐山矿泉水）: Lu Shan is endowed with numerous natural mineral springs, and the local mineral spring water is likely esteemed for its purity. Visitors to Lu Shan often have the opportunity to savor this crisp and refreshing mineral spring water.

Lu Shan Famous Spring Tea（庐山名泉茶）: Lu Shan is renowned for its numerous famous springs, and local beverages like Famous Spring Tea may be crafted using water from these renowned springs. Teas produced with this water may offer a unique and delightful taste.

Sleep
Other hotels have vastly different rates on offer other than the published rate at reception. As ever, it is handy to have a Chinese person negotiate the rate while the foreigner stays out of sight, however if this can't be arranged a guide is that a twin room in a hotel should be not much more than ¥150, and maybe a bit less. Good luck.

Go next
Going North connect through Jiujiang (九江) and going south connect through Nanchang (南昌). Buses to both can be found leaving from the bus stations on Hexi Lu (河西路), to get there head east on Guling Jie until you see a tunnel on your right. Go through the tunnel and buses to Jiujiang will be right in front of you and buses to Nanchang will be on your right.

The high-speed rail options at Jiujiang make it relatively easy to visit Wuyuan, Huangshan, and Jingdezhen.