The ultimate snow experience for southerners! Lushan snow scenery and rime nanny-level guide

When the cold wave moves south, Lushan in Jiangxi transforms into a dreamy "mountain city in the clouds." From mid-December to February of the following year, it is covered in silver, with rime and ice hanging like crystal curtains, and red-roofed villas resembling fairy tale cottages. If you are planning a winter escape, please quickly save this personally tested snow play guide! Basic Information and Transportation • Location: Lushan Scenic Area, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province • Best Snow Viewing Period: Mid to late December through February • Major Transportation: ◦ Airplane: To Nanchang Changbei Airport / Jiujiang Lushan Airport, then transfer by bus or taxi (about 1 hour). ◦ High-speed Rail/Train: ■ Lushan Station: Close to the cableway, with shuttle buses to the scenic area available at the station (about 40 minutes). ■ Jiujiang Station: Take bus No. 57 directly to the cableway (about 1 hour). • Ways to ascend the mountain (important!): ◦ Recommended cableway: Round trip 120 RMB, 10 minutes directly to the mountaintop Guling Town, scenic and time-saving. ◦ Sightseeing bus: 90 RMB (includes up and down the mountain and within-town scenic buses), winding mountain roads may cause motion sickness. ◦ Hiking: Heroes’ Slope and Shimenjian routes, recommended only for outdoor enthusiasts. ◦ *Self-driving cars are not allowed up the mountain; parking is available at the foot of the mountain (about 10 RMB/day).* 🎫 Tickets and Fees • Lushan main gate ticket: 160 RMB/person (valid for 7 days, free for children under 1.2 meters). • Cableway round trip: 120 RMB. • Sightseeing bus ticket: 90 RMB (recommended purchase, essential for transfers between scenic spots within the town). • *Overall budget: It is recommended to prepare 500-800 RMB per person (including food, accommodation, and transportation).* 🚶‍♀️ Essential Two-Day Tour Route Day 1: First encounter with the icy fairy tale town Guling Town (drop off luggage) → Ruqin Lake (morning mist and rime perfect match) → Huajing (snow trekking to find tranquility) → Xianfeng Peak → Xianren Cave → Central Park (overlooking the red-roofed villa snow scene) Day 2: Sunrise sea of clouds and cultural sights Hanpokou (view sunrise and sea of clouds over Poyang Lake) → Lulin Lake (frozen lake surface like a mirror) → Meilu Villa (historic villa snow scene) → Xiaotianchi / Nuonata Courtyard (enjoy sunset and rime) If time permits, add Sandie Spring (stunning winter ice waterfall) or Wulao Peak (magnificent snowy mountain views). 📸 Must-Visit Spots and Experiences 1. Ruqin Lake: In winter, the lake often has morning mist, combined with rime and the lake pavilion, like an ink painting. 2. Hanpokou: The best place in Lushan to watch the sunrise, often showing a sea of clouds after snow and clear skies; requires early rising (sightseeing bus starts at 7:30, walking or booking a car is recommended). 3. Central Park: Easily overlook the entire Guling Town villa cluster, red tiles covered with snow, also beautiful at night. 4. Xiaotianchi (Nuonata Courtyard): Excellent spot for sunset, the pagoda temple reflecting snow, full of Zen atmosphere. 5. Guanyun Pavilion: A place to occasionally witness the "waterfall cloud" phenomenon, surrounded by trees with sparkling ice hanging. 🍲 Food Recommendations • Lushan "Three Stones": stone ear fungus, stone fish, stone chicken, local specialty mountain delicacies. • Jiujiang flavors: Poyang Lake fat fish head, clay pot stews, fried rice noodles. • Guling Town: As a mature town, dining options are rich, from KFC to local restaurants. 🧥 Clothing and Gear Guide (life-saving important!) • Temperature: Winter often below zero, mountain area feels colder, can reach about -8°C. • Core dressing: Windproof and waterproof! Quick-dry breathable inner layer, fleece mid-layer for warmth, outer layer of shell jacket or down jacket. • Footwear: Non-slip waterproof shoes + crampons (buy online in advance, expensive and often sold out on site). • Accessories: Waterproof gloves, wool hat, scarf, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), mask. • Others: Thermos, hand warmers, power bank (cold drains battery fast), small amount of cash. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Safety first: Avoid eaves and trees with hanging ice to prevent falling ice. Wear crampons on icy roads. 2. Off-peak travel: Weekends and holidays have more tourists, try to enter the park early. For cableway, choose morning or noon to avoid long queues. 3. Check weather: Check Lushan weather forecast before traveling; scenery is best after snow on clear days. Heavy fog or snow may cause some spots to close. 4. Accommodation advice: Book lodging in Guling Town in advance; winter is peak season. Staying in town makes sightseeing and dining more convenient. This winter, no need to travel far north; you can encounter an ultimate southern ice and snow fairy tale in Lushan. Take this guide and set off!