Jiujiang: 4 Days of Truth

After 4 days as a "special forces soldier" in Jiujiang, experiencing both pitfalls and treasures, here's a no-nonsense guide to cure your indecision! 📍Itinerary｜New Surprises Every Day Day 1: Lushan Mountain ✅ Core Mission: Conquer the Eastern Route of Lushan • Morning: Rush to [Hanpokou] to witness the sea of clouds. Arrive before 7am for a sunrise view of the clouds resembling a flowing milky lake. • Noon: Enjoy [Scrambled Eggs with Stone Ear Mushrooms] at Guling Town, 38 RMB/serving. The earthy aroma of the mountain delicacies is divine. • Afternoon: Climb [Five Old Men Peaks]. Don't count the steps! Reaching the fourth peak is sufficient, as the fifth peak's view is obstructed by trees. • Evening: Head to [Lulin Lake] to capture the Klein blue waters. Wear a *hanfu* and transform into a martial arts heroine. Day 2: A Day of Rivers and Lakes ✅ Double Lake Excursion: • Morning: [Poyang Lake Grasslands]. Navigate to "Luoxingdun". When the water level is low, you can walk to the island in the heart of the lake. Wear hiking boots to avoid the mud. • Noon: Savor [Steamed Mandarin Fish] in a fishing village. Don't fully trust the店家's claim of "freshly caught"! Look for bulging fish eyes for true freshness. • Afternoon: [Xunyang River Scenic Area]. The second floor of the Pipa Pavilion offers a stunning vantage point, capturing the Yangtze River Bridge like a rainbow suspended in mid-air. Day 3: Immersed in History ✅ Culture Connoisseur's Route: • Morning: [Bailudong Academy]. Join a guided tour to hear anecdotes about Zhu Xi. The thousand-year-old osmanthus tree in the backyard is heavenly scented. • Noon: Purchase [Tea Cakes] as souvenirs at the academy entrance. Look for the "Xunyang Tower" brand and avoid loose tea. • Afternoon: [Donglin Giant Buddha]. Make a wish while climbing the 487 steps. The lighting at the summit is free, don't be fooled into paying. Day 4: Time to Unwind ✅ Relaxation Mode: • Spend the day at [Lushan West Sea]. Choose the "Fishing Village Islands Route" and doze off in a hammock on Canghai Island. • Hidden Mission: Buy freshly picked oranges from the island owner. 5 RMB gets you a plastic bag full, three times cheaper than in the scenic area! 🍜Food Recommendations and Warnings Must-Tries: 1️⃣ [Poyang Lake Wine-Soaked Fish] 15 RMB/box. Slightly sweet with a wine aroma, perfect with porridge. 2️⃣ [Radish Cakes] 2 RMB/each. Choose those freshly fried in the oil wok, as they become tough when cold. 3️⃣ [Lushan Cloud Mist Tea] 50 RMB/can at farmer's markets. Sample before buying. Avoid at All Costs: ❌ The "Three Stones Feast" in the scenic area is overpriced. Order Stone Ear Mushroom Tofu at local eateries for better value. ❌ Avoid the fruit slices at the Yangtze River Bridge night market, especially those marked with "seasonal price". ⚠️Hard-Learned Lessons 1️⃣ Purchase the 170 RMB combo ticket for the Lushan sightseeing bus! Buying individual tickets will lead to confusing routes. 2️⃣ The Xunyang Tower entrance fee isn't worth it! Capture better panoramic shots from outside. 3️⃣ Choose the 2pm ferry for West Sea. Fewer crowds in the afternoon, plus you can enjoy the sunset. 4️⃣ Think twice before visiting restaurants recommended by taxi drivers. 5️⃣ Look for the "Liang Yilong" brand when buying tea cakes. Many counterfeit versions exist. 🌟Summary: The Right Way to Experience Jiujiang The secret to enjoying Jiujiang in four days can be summed up in four words: "Rise early, explore." Wake up at 5am to chase the morning mist of Lushan, wander through alleys to discover decades-old shops, and wait for a sunset over Luoxingdun—this is the authentic Jiujiang that travel bloggers don't dare to reveal.