Mount Lu

Exploring Mount Lu: A Fairyland of Peaks and Ancient Culture  

Hello and welcome to Mount Lu in Jiangxi—a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history! I’m your guide, and together we’ll explore misty peaks, ancient temples, poetic landscapes, and local flavors that make this mountain truly unforgettable.

1. Five Old Men Peaks – Where Poetry Meets the Clouds  

Our first stop is the iconic Five Old Men Peaks. These five distinct peaks look like elderly sages sitting side by side, often wrapped in rolling clouds. At 1,436 meters, each peak has its own character—some resemble meditating monks, others like scholars holding brushes.  

This place inspired the great poet Li Bai, who wrote about the peaks as “golden lotus blooms carved by heaven.” Many famous poets, including Bai Juyi and Su Shi, also left their verses here. Walking the trails here, with pine trees whispering and clouds drifting, feels like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting.

2. Three-Tiered Spring – The Waterfall You Can’t Miss  

Next, we visit Three-Tiered Spring, Mount Lu’s most famous waterfall. Locals say: “If you haven’t seen Three-Tiered Spring, you haven’t truly been to Mount Lu.”

The water drops 155 meters in three stages—each with its own beauty. The top tier flows like drifting silk, the middle crashes like shattered jade, and the bottom roars like a jade dragon plunging into a pool.  

Seasons change its charm: powerful in summer, framed by autumn leaves, or frozen into a glittering ice sculpture in winter. Standing here, you’ll understand why poets called Mount Lu’s waterfalls “a fallen Milky Way.”

3. Donglin Temple – Birthplace of Pure Land Buddhism  

Down the mountain lies Donglin Temple, a sacred Buddhist site for over 1,600 years. This is where Master Huiyuan founded the Pure Land school of Buddhism.  

He spent 36 years here, never leaving the mountain, and formed the “White Lotus Society” with scholars of his time. Don’t miss the Wise Spring, where drinking the water is said to inspire wisdom. The temple’s quiet courtyards, lotus ponds, and chanting create a deeply peaceful atmosphere.

4. White Deer Grotto Academy – China’s Ancient Ivy League  

Now to White Deer Grotto Academy, one of China’s four great ancient academies. Founded over a thousand years ago, it was a leading center of learning during the Song Dynasty.  

The scholar Zhu Xi taught here and wrote the academy’s rules, which influenced education across China. Stroll through its simple halls, stone corridors, and gardens—you can almost hear the echoes of students reciting classics.

5. Hampokou – A View of Rivers and Lakes  

Finally, we reach Hampokou (Poyang Lake Overlook), the best spot on Mount Lu for sunrise and cloud-sea views. At 1,286 meters, you can see Poyang Lake’s vast waters and the Five Old Men Peaks in one glance.  

Come at dawn to watch the sun rise over the lake, painting the sky and water in gold. This place also ties to legends of Yu the Great controlling floods, and poets like Wang Bo found inspiration here.

6. Mount Lu Cuisine – A Taste of the Mountains  

After exploring, try these local dishes:    

Mount Lu Baby Potatoes: small, crispy, and seasoned with local spices.  

Poyang Lake Fish Cubes: fresh lake fish, crispy outside and tender inside.  

Mount Lu Sticky Rice Cake: a festive dessert with savory and sweet layers.

7. Goodbye for Now – Take the Memories Home  

As our tour ends, I hope you’ve felt Mount Lu’s magic—the peaks, waterfalls, ancient culture, and warm flavors. This mountain is more than scenery; it’s a living museum of poetry, Buddhism, and history.  

We hope you return to discover more of its hidden paths and stories. Safe travels, and may Mount Lu stay in your heart until we meet again