Have you ever taken this self-driving route known for its “most beautiful lake and mountain scenery”?

2021-04-07

People often ask: What is the meaning of travel?

Some say that what matters isn't the destination—it's the scenery and the journey along the way. If you feel the same, then you definitely can't miss this road, hailed as “China’s Most Beautiful Water Highway.”

This is an expressway that winds across the surface of Lushan West Sea Lake, connecting the Sima Visitor Center with the Jin’kou Visitor Center. In the early morning, you’ll see the lake shrouded in misty dawn; at noon, you’ll marvel at the vast expanse of emerald waters; and in the evening, you’ll watch the sunset glow gently descend. The scenery along this route is simply captivating—every traveler who passes by can’t help but pull over at the viewing platforms to linger and savor the breathtaking views, often staying far longer than planned.

Some people also say that the meaning of travel lies in “freshness.”

Southerners long for heavy snowfall with goose-feather-like flakes, while northerners yearn for sunny beaches. Those inland always feel drawn to take a stroll by the sea, whereas those living along the coast invariably harbor a dream of Tibet.

If you’re in the mood to get out and explore, why not embark on a “mountain-and-sea oath” journey with three or five close friends or family members? Admire the charm of Lushan West Sea through poetry and paintings, and experience firsthand what it feels like when others say, “Once you’ve seen West Sea, you’ll never want to see any other island again.”

The islands in the core scenic area of Lushan West Sea are connected by floating bridges of various styles, resembling brilliant pearls strung together like a necklace, delicately set upon the surface of West Sea’s lake.

Here you’ll find the 99-meter-high Xihai Star Glass Observation Tower, the Squirrel Town and Parrot World in Ruoxi Island’s Cute Pet Paradise, the lotus-themed waterside pavilion with Eastern Zen aesthetics on Yunju Island, and Xihai Pavilion. On Mingzhu Island, enjoy sea views while sipping tea and dining—experiencing a dual sensory delight for both sight and taste. On Canghai Island, immerse yourself in Jiujiang’s intangible cultural heritage. On Sangtian Island, witness and relive the traditional agricultural civilization of the Xiu River basin in Jiangxi Province. And don’t miss the stunning Goddess Island, home to the beautiful Goddess of the West Sea, as well as the uniquely styled Xihai Dragon Bridge, Nine-Bend Bridge, and Nine-Opening Bridge—all must-visit attractions!

Yunju Island features landmarks such as the Yunju Pagoda, Xihai Pavilion, Lotus Terraces, Lotus Water Pavilion, and Xianzhi Bay. It is an island imbued with Eastern Zen aesthetics, echoing the cultural heritage of Yunju Mountain in Xihai, Lushan. The names of the pagoda and pavilion—“Heavenly Yunju” and “Poetic and Picturesque Xihai”—were inspired by this very spirit. The pagoda and pavilion stand in harmonious dialogue with each other, perfectly capturing the essence of Eastern charm and painting for visitors a vivid Oriental panorama beneath the vast sky, rendered in the delicate hues of ink and wash.

On the island, you can sit quietly sipping tea, climb to a high vantage point to gaze into the distance, and fully appreciate the serene beauty and tranquil ambiance of Yunju Mountain in the faraway horizon—its lush forests, secluded valleys, and lingering Zen atmosphere. In particular, the Yunju Pagoda embodies the essence of the unity of heaven and humanity and the harmony of Dao with nature. Here, the exquisite beauty of lakes, mountains, and scenery is both expressed, condensed, and elevated—a true embodiment of Eastern aesthetics nestled amidst natural landscapes.

Here you’ll find attractions including Goddess Square, Goddess Restaurant, the “Don’t Walk” Pavilion, Jingxin Tower, the Ocean-View Platform, the Sky Glass Walkway, Hero’s Slope, and Jungle Adventure. Centered around the romantic and touching love story of the Western Sea Goddess, Goddess Island is a boutique island that brings together beautiful legends of the Peach Blossom Fairies, as well as opportunities for sightseeing, exploration, and immersive experiences.

On Goddess Island, you can marvel at the fairyland of Xiuya Lake and its islands, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of ancient myths, explore the dazzling realm of island forests, and admire the breathtaking vistas of the Western Sea. You can also experience the serene beauty and hidden wonders described by Tao Yuanming in "The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring."

Ruoxi Island features attractions such as Ruoxi Tower, the Peacock Garden, the Cute Pet Paradise, and the Dragon Bridge. On the island, you can climb the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the vast waters of the West Sea, experiencing its breathtaking beauty—under the boundless sky, with ink-and-wash landscapes, distant mountains shrouded in dark green hues, and nearby waters brimming with tender charm. You can also get up close to admire the West Sea’s “Island of Hearts.”

You can interact and play with adorable pets like peacocks and squirrels, and you can also take a stroll across the Dragon Bridge to experience the majestic grandeur of the dragon soaring over the West Sea.

The main attractions of Xihai Star include the "Gu Qu Lai Xi" Stand, the Tower-Protecting Dragon King, the Xihai Glass Observation Tower, and the Sky Café.

Here, you can experience the thrilling sensation of being suspended high above in the glass observation tower, enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the stunning beauty of the thousand islands of the West Sea, and even gaze down upon the magical charm of Love Island, fully immersing yourself in the romance of “Love in the West Sea.”

Mingzhu Island includes the Water Pastoral, Mingzhu Restaurant, Xihai Mingzhu Pavilion, Yihong Waterfall, “Paper”-Inspired Labyrinth, and Jianghu Tower, among other attractions.

Canghai Island includes landmarks such as the Lighthouse, Keyu Teahouse, Xunyang Post Station, Grand Stage, and Grandma’s Bridge (Homesickness Bridge). On the island, you can take photos at the Lighthouse, experience the intangible cultural heritage of Jiujiang, watch traditional cultural performances from the Xiu River basin, and immerse yourself in the unique cultural charm of Gan-Shang Street. It’s a comprehensive area that combines both visual appeal and interactive engagement.

Sangtian Island includes the “Don’t Want to Leave Pavilion,” an agricultural exhibition area, an agricultural culture-themed square, the Five-Color Blessing Platform, and the Simuwu Ding bronze vessel. Themed around agricultural culture, the island showcases and recreates the traditional agricultural civilization of the Xiu River basin in Jiangxi Province.

“Seven hundred li of river restoration, with passionate waves rising high, nourishing the time-worn land of northwest Jiangxi; five thousand years of culture, profound and deep, showcasing the endless charm of mountains and waters.”

Xihai Fishing Island boasts stunning natural scenery, a variety of uniquely designed resort-style wooden houses over the water, as well as complementary facilities such as bars, sandy beaches, and Xihai’s signature fish restaurants.

With over 18 recreational activities already open to the public—including ziplining, suspension bridges at great heights, jet skiing, fishing, fish therapy, sightseeing tours, the internet-famous glass bridge, and swimming pools—you can enjoy a leisure experience that’s both pristine, tranquil, romantic, and dynamically stylish here.

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