When we moved to Jiujiang, we heard of the nearby scenic attraction Mount Lu. My father mentioned seeing a small article about it in some Chinese picture book. Aside from that, we had never heard of the place. Little did we know that a century earlier Mount Lu was a famous mountain resort known worldwide.
Today was the first opportunity to pay a visit to the famous mountain. Our expectations were set reasonably low, so as not to be too disappointed.
After visiting the White Deer Academy, we rode the bus up the windy mountain road and started seeing something that is rarely found in China… forest.
Lots and lots of trees! Oh, how my North Idahoan heart beat with joy!
We rose above the clouds and smog to encounter sheer cliffs and wind-blown pines.
The first trip was courtesy of the Mount Lu Marketing Department director, Mrs. Zhu. She treated us to a fabulous welcoming lunch at one of the nicer restaurants on the mountain.
While there we met one of the country’s ministers of education. Mount Lu (called Lushan in Chinese) is also a famous resort for government officials. Several well-known historical Chinese political figures held country-shaking meetings there.
You could tell it was a fancy restaurant because the spinner on the table revolved automatically.
Schäfer takes a seat beside Violin lake, so named because it is shaped like a violin.
On the mountain, you’ll find photographer stands set up with these wicker chairs because Mao himself had pictures taken at these spots in wicker chairs like these.
My how wee Sianna is!
Sianna enjoyed hanging out with Papa on the mountain.
She also enjoyed sitting in the grass for a little while.
Schäfer wanted to see how many leaves he could shake off the tree.
Sianna was in heaven as she was carried around by Papa the entire time.
All over the mountain you’ll find trails alongside sheer cliffs. (This made Sandra’s liver quiver.)
Neither child had a problem with heights.
I love a good map.
That evening we stayed in the Swedish Villa in the famous village of Kuling.
