The West Sea of Lushan Scenic Area, located in the southwest of Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, is a national scenic spot and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, covering a total area of 495 square kilometers. This picturesque area features seven interconnected islands: Yunju, Goddess, Ruoxi, West Lake Star, Mingzhu, Canghai, Sangtian, and Yucun Archipelago. Yunju Mountain stands as a significant holy land of Buddhist culture. The ancient temples and monasteries on the mountain bear witness to the profound history of Buddhism in the West Lake of the Lushan area. While exploring Yunju Mountain, tourists can not only appreciate the natural scenery of overlapping mountains but also immerse themselves in the rich religious atmosphere, experiencing the unique charm of Buddhist culture.
The scenic area is composed of the large-scale reservoir, Zhelin Lake, and the sacred place of Buddhist Zen, Yunju Mountain. The perfect integration of the mountain and the water exhibits a unique beauty. The water area of Zhelin Lake covers 308 square kilometers, with numerous islands scattered across the lake. There are over 8,000 islands of various sizes, among which 1,667 islands are larger than three Mu, and 997 islands are larger than five Mu. The lake water is crystal clear, with an average depth of 45 meters and a high visibility of up to 11 meters, which is quite rare in China.
Besides natural landscapes and tourism resources, the West Lake of Lushan Scenic Area also carries profound historical and cultural connotations. It was once the territory of Luzi Kingdom and Luyi within the borders of the State of Chu. The evolution of historical periods such as the Qin and Han dynasties, Wei and Jin dynasties, Sui and Tang dynasties, and Song and Ming dynasties, has left rich historical relics and cultural heritages. From the center of Buddhist propagation in Lushan to the holy land of Taoism, and then to the birthplace of Neo-Confucianism, the historical and cultural lineage of the West Lake of Lushan area is visible.
Main Attractions in Main Scenic Area of West Sea of Mount Lu
Yunju Island
The Yunju Tower
Yunju Island is an island full of oriental Zen charm. The iconic structure on the island is the Yunju Tower, standing at a majestic height of 37.67 meters with seven floors. Yunju Island also boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. Yunju Temple, one of the oldest temples in Lushan, bears witness to the rich history of Buddhism in the West Lake of Lushan area. Visitors to Yunju Island can not only admire the beautiful natural scenery but also immerse themselves in the religious atmosphere and historical and cultural heritage. Whether it's tourists seeking tranquility for their souls, photography enthusiasts passionate about natural scenery, or scholars exploring historical culture, they can all find their joy and fulfillment here.
Recommended play time: 45minutes
Landmark Building:Yunju Tower
Goddess Island
The Goddess Island
Goddess Island, centered on the romantic and touching love story of the Goddess of West Lake, integrates beautiful legends, scenic tours, and cultural experiences, making it a prime tourist destination. Goddess Square is the core area of the island, with a statue of the Goddess of West Lake standing proudly in the center. Her posture is elegant and her face kind, seemingly narrating the moving love story to the world. Jingxin Pavilion is the highest point of Goddess Island and an excellent location for admiring the scenic beauty of the West Lake of Lushan. Climbing to the top of the pavilion, one can overlook the entire West Lake.
Recommemded play time:30minutes
Ruoxi Island
The Ruoxi Island
Ruoxi Island is a tourist attraction full of natural charm and cultural charm. The island boasts numerous scenic spots, among which the most famous is Ruoxi Pavilion. This pavilion, with exquisite architecture, is one of the iconic buildings on the island. Overlooking from Ruoxi Pavilion, the beauty of the entire island can be seen at a glance. Ruoxi Island also possesses a rich historical and cultural heritage. During the Anti-Japanese War, Ruoxi Town was a significant passageway and bustling water and land port. Although it sank underwater due to the construction of Zhelin Lake Reservoir, the prosperity of that era can still be glimpsed through historical materials and descriptions by residents.
Recommemded play time:45 minutes
Star of West Lake
The Star of West Lake
Star of West Lake boasts a time-honored Xihai Temple, which was first constructed in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of over 1,000 years. Inside the temple, the Buddha statues are dignified and the incense is always burning, making it a good place for tourists to visit and pray for blessings. Additionally, the scenic area is home to many relics of ancient celebrities, such as the Xihai Cottage of the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi and the Xihai Academy of the Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi. These historical relics add a cultural atmosphere to the scenic area. Star of West Lake also offers many entertainment programs, such as a water park and an outreach training base, allowing tourists to enjoy the beauty of the scenery while also experiencing the fun of various recreational activities.
Recommemded play time:30 minutes
Entertainment: 99 meters glass viewing tower
Ticket Price: Project expense 69 yuan, 79 yuan (including juice), 99 yuan (including meals)
Canghai Island
The Canghai Island
The name of CanghaiIsland is derived from the historical transformation of “fertile fields into the sea” in Xihai Lake of Lushan, symbolizing the deep foundation intertwined with nature and history. Upon stepping onto CanghaiIsland, the first thing that catches the eye is the famous Waipo Bridge, a steel cable bridge with a total length of 138 meters and a width of 2 meters. The deck of the bridge is approximately 12 meters above the water surface and paved with 919 wooden boards. It spans across the water, connecting CanghaiIsland with Sangtian Island, and is currently the longest single-hung steel cable bridge in Jiangxi Province. Walking on the bridge, one feels as if immersed in the azure sky and emerald water, bringing a sense of tranquility and joy.
Recommended play time: 30 minutes
Entertainment: Shuihu culture performing arts
