JIANGXI PROVINCE, China--The People’s Republic of China is not just all
about temples and modern edifices such as the famous Bird’s Nest, the national
stadium where the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics were held. The fourth largest
country in the world is also home to many natural heritage sites.
Notable among these ancient heritage sites is the Mount Lu in Lushan County,
Jiujiang City; and the Sanqingshan Mountain in Shangrao City; both in Jiangxi
Province. A magnificent view from the top of these mountains is like conquering
the world.
During the 2018 Seminar for Information Officers and Journalists from the
Philippines, the 21-member delegation experienced some of the most
unforgettable visits into China’s hidden natural treasures, away from the busy
capital city of Beijing.
On May 25, the seminar organizers and the Philippine delegation flew to
Nanchang in Jiangxi, a highly-industrialized province, yet a place of many
scenic views and ecological sites. The visit to the heritage parks is part of
the study tour to enable the participants have a glimpse of China's culture.
In an almost three-hour drive from Nanchang, the delegation passed through the
long and winding roads to the top of Lushan Mountain where old villas of early
inhabitants exist--some of them abandoned and others turned into tourist
accommodations.
Fresh, cool air greeted the delegation as they got off from the bus to spend
the night at the old villas of former government officials.
Temperatures dropped but the cool environs blended well with the warm summer
air.
Of gorges and gullies
The delegation left early the next morning for a long walk in Mount Lu in
Lushan County, one of the best well-known cultural tourism counties in China.
First stop was the Violin Lake known for its gentle ripples. True to its name –
the lake is shaped like a violin with the Dalin Temple in the middle.
From the bridge of the Violin Lake, one can see the Blossomy Valley located at
the intersection of Dalin Peak and Tianchi Peak. From afar, it is obviously not
a place for people with wobbly knees, as looking down on the deep ravine can
strike fear even to someone who does not harbor fear of heights.
Down and up the concrete path of Mount Lu are more ravines and gullies. One
site was overlooking the Jiujiang City.
About two kilometers walk before exiting the mountain, the delegation was told
that the valleys in Mount Lu were formed by Quarternary Glacier.
Driving down the mountain, one can see rows of shops and a cinema, which was
honored in the Guinness World Records for having the longest run of a film
showing in one cinema. The movie, "Romance on Mount Lu”, has screened
every day since its first opening in 1980.
Mount Lu has an area of some 302 square kilometers and is thought to be famous
since ancient times with its flying streams, dense forest, peaks, canyons and
waterfalls.
It was once a summer palace of the national government, known in ancient time
as Kuanglu.
It was also here when the Communist Party of China held many meetings since the
founding of the People’s Republic of China. Mount Lu was included in the World
Heritage List in 1996.
Rocky mountain
From Lushan is a seven-hour drive to Shangrao City, famous for its three world natural
heritage and two world geological parks.
Shangrao is a tourist and a transport hub in the Eastern China region.
Expressways, well-paved road, tunnels, and bridges up the mountain led the
delegation to the foot of Sanqingshan Mountain.
Yu Honghu, the Director of Sanqingshan Information Office, said Sanqingshan has
huge tourism resources that are waiting to be developed.
The delegation took the cable cars and ascent to the over 1,400 feet above sea
level where the cable stops. Down are the lush forest, ravine, rocks and
gorges.
Some parts were covered by clouds but the view was splendid. Sanqingshan is in
the UNESCO Global Geopark list since 2015.
The pathways and steps are paved that make it easier for visitors to climb
farther and go around about two kilometers.
On the way, stops are made for best photo shoots. One area is full of red
ribbons with Chinese characters and locks – the only trace that you conquered
the mountain.
Some trees are labeled with its scientific names, including an ancient tree
halfway from the cable car station.
The rest stations with scenic views, is dotted with a cozy tea shop.
The walk around Mount Lu and Sanqingshan is quite a wonderful experience.
Lawyer Tristan de Guzman of the Presidential Communications Operations Office
(PCOO), the head of the delegation,said it was hard going up the mountains,
"but it's all worth it".
The two natural heritage sites are not only attractions but are the gates to
the rich cultural heritage of China that has been preserved for many dynasties
until the present generation.
Just like these breath-taking scenic views, the warm hospitality and generosity
of the Chinese are among the qualities that attract many people to China. (Lilian
C. Mellejor/PNA)