Jiujiang

Jiujiang has a wealth of mountain and waterside scenery, with Mount Lu, the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake defining the city's character. Temperatures on Mount Lu vary between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket.

• Mount Lu Scenic Area: This UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site is celebrated for its outstanding mountain scenery. Sandie Spring, Hanpokou, Ruqin Lake and Jinxiu Valley are all worth including in your visit. The scenery changes with the seasons, with particularly impressive seas of clouds and waterfalls.

• Xunyang Tower: One of the famous towers south of the Yangtze, it is known for the episode in *Water Margin* in which Song Jiang writes a poem here. Climb the tower for views of the Yangtze River, with especially expansive river views toward evening.

• Yanshui Pavilion: Built on Gantang Lake, this pavilion is said to stand on the site of Zhou Yu's troop review platform from the Three Kingdoms period. Its white walls and dark tiled roofs reflect in the water, while rain and mist add to its classic southern Chinese atmosphere. Admission is currently free.

• Pipa Pavilion: Built to commemorate Bai Juyi's poem *Song of the Pipa*, this pavilion has a white marble statue of the poet in front. From the upper floor, you can watch the sunset over the Yangtze and take in the atmosphere evoked by the poem.

• Suojiang Tower: This Ming dynasty tower stands beside the Xunyang stretch of the Yangtze, offering broad views that take in the river bridge. Enjoy the river scenery by day and the lights along the banks at night. It is one of Jiujiang's signature riverside sights.

• White Deer Grotto Academy: Ranked first among China's Four Great Academies, this is also where the scholar Zhu Xi taught. Ancient trees shade the grounds, and the buildings retain their traditional character. It is a good place to learn about the history and culture of China's classical academies.

• Shizhong Mountain: The setting of Su Shi's *Record of Shizhong Mountain*, it stands where the Yangtze River meets Poyang Lake. You can see the contrasting colors of the river and lake water here. Waves striking the rocks produce a bell-like sound, giving the site its distinctive character.

• Lushan West Sea: Numerous islands dot this lake, where clear blue-green water meets the sky. A boat trip offers views of the surrounding mountains and bays, making this a good choice for a relaxing getaway.

Suggested Classic Itineraries

• 2-Day City and Culture Tour (Relaxed Pace)
  • Day 1: Visit Yanshui Pavilion in the morning and stroll along Gantang Lake, then walk to Ligong Causeway to enjoy its plane trees. In the afternoon, visit Pipa Pavilion and Suojiang Tower in that order, then head to Xunyang Tower toward evening to watch the sunset over the Yangtze. Have dinner at Sima Wharf Night Market.
  • Day 2: Visit White Deer Grotto Academy to learn about its history, or choose a quiet visit to Donglin Temple (Donglin Giant Buddha) instead. Depart in the afternoon.
• 3-Day Mount Lu and City Highlights Tour (In-Depth Experience)
  • Day 1: After arriving in Jiujiang, visit Xunyang Tower, Suojiang Tower and Pipa Pavilion. Stay overnight in the city.
  • Day 2: Take the cable car up Mount Lu and check into accommodation in Guling Town. Spend the afternoon exploring the western route, including Ruqin Lake, Huajing and Jinxiu Valley. Have dinner and rest in town.
  • Day 3: Head to Hanpokou early to see the sunrise and sea of clouds, then choose either Sandie Spring or Wulao Peaks. Descend the mountain and depart in the afternoon.

Local Foods to Try

Jiujiang's food combines freshwater fish specialties with the fragrant, spicy flavors of Jiangxi cuisine. Start with these local favorites:

• Jiujiang Stir-Fried Rice Noodles: Thick local rice noodles are quickly stir-fried with greens and shredded pork. The noodles have a pleasantly chewy texture and a distinctive wok aroma.

• Jiujiang Radish Pastries: Flaky pastry filled with shredded radish and chili makes a savory, spicy snack. At 2–3 yuan each, they pair well with clay-pot soup for breakfast.

• Jiujiang Tea Cakes: These pastries date back to the Song dynasty imperial court. Baked with osmanthus, tea-seed oil and sesame, they have a light, crumbly texture and a delicate tea aroma. They make good gifts to take home.

• Mount Lu's Three “Stone” Specialties: These are stone frog, stone fish and rock ear fungus. The frog meat is tender, while the fish is delicate and smooth. Try these mountain ingredients after exploring Mount Lu.

• Poyang Lake Bighead Carp: The fish head is stewed with doushen, a local soy product. The broth turns milky white, the fish stays tender, and the doushen absorbs the rich broth. It is a common main dish at local banquets.

Other foods to try include fish preserved in fermented rice lees, Xiushui shaozi dumplings and mugwort rice cakes. For a sit-down meal featuring local Jiangxi flavors, consider Lushangxian Jiujiang Cuisine, Xunshangxian Flavor Restaurant or Lao 8 Private Kitchen.

Where to Stay

• Guling Town (on Mount Lu): A good choice if you plan to spend 1–2 days on Mount Lu. Staying near the main street makes getting around and finding meals convenient, with sightseeing bus stops within walking distance. A lake-view room may also offer views of morning mist over Bali Lake.

• Xunyang District / Near Sima Wharf: A good base for city sightseeing or a stopover. Xunyang Tower, Yanshui Pavilion and Pipa Pavilion are relatively close and can be reached on foot. There are plenty of restaurants and accommodation options nearby.
• Bali Lake New District: Suits travelers looking for comfort and a holiday atmosphere. It is close to Bali Lake Park and the glass walkway, with plenty of upscale hotels and convenient parking. It is a good option if you are driving.

Practical Travel and Transport Tips

• Getting Around: If traveling by high-speed rail, consider Lushan Station for convenient access to both the city and scenic areas. If flying, you can arrive at Jiujiang Airport. City attractions are clustered together, so taxis or electric scooters can save time.
• Mount Lu Sightseeing Buses: Private cars are not allowed up Mount Lu, so you need to buy a sightseeing bus ticket (70 yuan, valid for 7 days). Attractions are spread out, so check the stop sign and direction of travel while waiting.
• Temperatures and Clothing: Daytime and nighttime temperatures on Mount Lu differ noticeably. Bring a light jacket even in summer and early autumn. The route to Sandie Spring has many steps and can be wet and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Food Preferences: Jiujiang food tends to be spicy. If you cannot eat spicy food, ask for “no chili” (免辣) or “mild” (微辣) when ordering.
• Reservations and Tickets: Admission to Mount Lu costs 160 yuan, and booking online in advance is recommended. Visitors who recite *Song of the Pipa* at Pipa Pavilion can enter free, so prepare beforehand if you are interested.