Lushan Xihai Ultimate Travel Guide

🌿✨ Lushan Xihai Ultimate Travel Guide | 8,000 Islands, Sky Mirror, and Water Forests—A Magical Destination Near Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! Known as the "Jiangxi Thousand Islands Lake," Lushan Xihai is a water wonderland formed by the largest earth dam in Asia, the Zhelin Dam. Here, you’ll find not only countless islands but also a natural oxygen bar with Class I water quality all year round—perfect for a weekend getaway, family strolls, or photography sessions～ --- 🧭 Two-Day Essential Itinerary DAY 1 | Island Exploration & Immersive Nature Experience 🌅 Morning | Zhelin Lake Pier → Canghai Island · Ticket Tips at the Pier: Arrive before 8:30 AM and choose the "All-Island Pass + Boat Tour" (ticket 150 RMB/person, half price for students). Early boats help avoid crowds, and the morning mist on the lake creates a fairyland atmosphere. · Aerial View: After 20 minutes on the boat, islands gradually appear, and under sunlight, the lake water shines Tiffany blue. The breeze on deck is incredibly refreshing. · Highlights of Canghai Island: A circular glass viewing platform extends over the lake, with schools of mandarin fish swimming below; a hidden bamboo forest trail at the back of the island is perfect for quiet walks. 🐟 Noon | Fishing Village Islands (7 Islands Tour) · Floating Bridge Island Hopping: Seven small islands are connected by floating bridges. It’s recommended to visit in this order: Island 3 → Island 5 → Island 6: · Island 3: Climb to the "Lake Viewing Pavilion" for panoramic shots of the island chain; · Island 5: Covered with reeds and home to water birds; after October, the reed flowers look like snow; · Island 6: Features a waterside platform where you can feed fish with your own bread (fish food sold for 5 RMB/bag). 🌄 Evening | Return to Pier, Dinner Recommendations · Zhelin Fish Restaurant: A 5-minute walk from the pier. Must-try is the "Two-Way Fathead Fish" (fish head soup and braised fish body). The soup is milky white and delicious, about 60 RMB per person for a satisfying meal. --- DAY 2 | Aerial Views + Waterside Walk ☀️ Morning | Xihai Star Glass Viewing Platform · Stunning Experience: A 166-meter-high panoramic glass platform that reflects the sky on sunny days, making you feel like you’re walking on clouds (ticket 60 RMB, includes shoe covers). · Outfit Tips: Wear a light-colored long dress or flowing jacket for great silhouette or reflection photos. · Nearby Activity: Below the viewing platform is the "Yunju Tea House," where you can rest and enjoy local cloud mist tea. 🌉 Afternoon | Waterside Road + Return Trip · Waterside Walkway: A 2-kilometer wooden boardwalk winding over the lake, with some sections featuring transparent glass floors to see underwater plants and small fish. · Sun Protection Reminder: Strong afternoon sun; hats and arm sleeves are recommended. There are shaded rest spots along the way. --- 📸 Photo Tips · Timing: Soft light from 9-11 AM is perfect for front-light shots with strong island layering; 4-5 PM captures golden reflections on the lake. · Spots: · Low-angle shots of reflections from Canghai Island’s glass platform; · Framing shots at the pavilion on Island 3 of the Fishing Village; · Use telephoto lenses on the waterside road to compress islands and water. · Drone: Max altitude 120 meters; prior registration required via the "Xihai Scenic Area" WeChat official account. --- 🍲 Food Recommendations (Tested and Trusted) Location Signature Dish Avg. Price Features Zhelin Fish Restaurant Two-Way Fathead Fish, Steamed White Fish 60 RMB Freshly caught fish, flavorful soup and tender meat Shanshui Farmhouse Stir-fried Water Celery, Zhelin Lake Shrimp 45 RMB Wild vegetables picked fresh every morning Scenic Area Snack Stalls Fried Small Fish, Aimi Cake 10 RMB Perfect for snacking on the go --- 🏡 Accommodation Suggestions · Budget: Island homestays inside the scenic area (e.g., "Yunshui Jian"), lake views from the window, about 200-300 RMB/night; · Comfortable: Xihai Hotel (includes breakfast + free tickets), newer facilities, lake view balconies, about 500 RMB/night; · Unique Experience: Limited water wooden cabins in the Fishing Village Islands (book at least one month in advance). --- 💡 Practical Tips · Transportation: Drive to "Lushan Xihai Zhelin Lake Scenic Area," about 1.5 hours from Nanchang; high-speed rail to Yongxiu Station, then 30-minute taxi ride. · Boat Schedule: Boats depart every 30 minutes; last boat returns at 4:30 PM. Allow enough time for boarding. · Essentials: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, comfortable sports shoes, some snacks. · Best Seasons: · Spring & Summer: Full lake and lush green islands; · Autumn: Golden reeds and cool weather; · Winter: Fewer crowds and tranquility, occasional frost scenes. --- Lushan Xihai is a place to slow down and savor. Whether sitting by the lake daydreaming or wandering among the islands, you’ll feel the peaceful blend of nature and culture. Save this guide and set off to embrace this blue water and sky! 💙 --- It took effort to compile this—if you find it helpful, please like and save it~ If you have other needs, feel free to ask anytime!