There are plenty of religious sites worldwide that have inspired followers and artists alike. Lushan National Park is one of the most natural. Instead of monuments, churches, and cathedrals, three of the most cherished religions on the Asian continent settled within the landscape itself, Mount Lushan. The mountain is like a naturally formed Dome of the Rock. It shares one thing with other religious sites- it’s often attracted visitors’ and artists’ attention and compelled them to replicate its beauty and share it with the world. Lushan National Park is one of the places on Earth best able to combine natural and cultural beauty. The question is, are you ready to step outside the Western world to explore a destination of which many are unaware?
There’s a Reason Why Several Religions Call the Mountains Home
Let’s visit Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, and over 30,000 hectares of gorgeous, tranquil forests. Lushan National Park has been the home of the best spiritual leaders, scholars, artists, and writers for more than 2,000 years.
It’s also home to three of the most important religions of Asia. There are over 200 historic buildings that have changed to accommodate growing numbers of followers of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Huiyuan created the Buddhist East Grove Temple in 386 CE. The West Grove Pagoda was founded around 730 CE. The Temple of Simplicity and Tranquility was built during the Tang dynasty. The White Deer Cave Academy was established in 940 CE and revived in the late 12th century.
It’s possible that these buildings were built to impose on each other, but there has always been peace in the mountains. Academics and artists used the park as a relaxing retreat.
In the 20th century, it became an escape for the average traveler after the government built resorts, and it became a popular tourist attraction.
At the center of it all is Mount Lushan, which sits like a natural castle. Its highest peak, Hanyang Peak, is 1,474 meters above sea level.
Its tons of trees are home to the world’s largest migratory white crane flock. Because of all the natural beauty that holds together the cultural aspects, the Lushan National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Modern Modes of Transportation Take You to An Ancient Spiritual Land
Visitors from all over the world can take a cable car up to the top of Mount Lushan. From there, you can take whichever route you’d like and experience the calming atmosphere.
A popular trail leads to Hanpo Pass, which allows a spectacular view of Poyang Lake, about a kilometer down. There’s also the Three Step Waterfall and The Lushan Museum, which showcases artifacts from the area.
Lushan National Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in China. The Chinese government has taken great pains to keep the park as it was thousands of years ago, even as more and more people come to tread on the land year-round.
Have you explored the ancient, mystical forests and mountains of Lushan National Park?