Plan at a glance
North Gate, ticket, and entry time
Lushan National Forest Park is in Chishang Town, Boshan District. The North Gate is the visitor centre and main ticket entrance. The reference adult ticket price is CNY 40. Hours are roughly 08:00–17:30, with last admission at 15:30. The ticket is valid for one entry; re-entry after leaving requires another ticket.
Vehicles can usually drive for a fee to the mid-mountain visitor centre. Parking for vehicles with seven seats or fewer is approximately CNY 20 per vehicle. Vehicle rules may change during busy seasons and holidays, and visitors may instead need to transfer to a sightseeing bus at the foot of the mountain.
Choose the mid-mountain quick route or Zaoshuyu hiking route
The route from the mid-mountain visitor centre takes about 2–3 hours and suits visitors with average fitness or families with older adults and children. The Zaoshuyu Waterfall and Lushan Cloud Ladder route takes about 4–5 hours and suits stronger hikers. The two routes differ in starting point, slope, and return arrangement.
Guan Yun Peak, at about 1,108.3 metres, is the main summit goal. Wanshi Maze, Yixiantian, Tuochan Temple, and Zaoshuyu Waterfall can be selected according to the route. After rain, account for slippery stone paths, mosquitoes, and the pressure of the downhill section when planning equipment and time.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Guan Yun Peak, Wanshi Maze, and Yixiantian
Guan Yun Peak offers mountain views from a higher point, with a chance of seeing a sea of clouds in suitable weather. Wanshi Maze consists of naturally piled rocks and suits visitors who like observing gaps and terrain. Yixiantian is a narrow rock passage; some sections require turning sideways, so visitors with limited mobility or large bags should choose carefully.
Zaoshuyu Waterfall and Lushan Cloud Ladder form a steeper gorge route. Visitors who want forest, unusual rocks, and mountain photos can start in the early morning or morning. Both the summit and rock-passage sections depend on the condition of the paths that day.
Natural scenery and an old temple
Tuochan Temple is in the summit area and works as a short stop near Guan Yun Peak or on the return route. A natural cave in the park stays around 18°C and can provide a cool section in a summer route. The focus is on forest paths, rocks, peaks, and historic sites; facilities whose maintenance status is uncertain should be considered only according to the day’s conditions.
Lushan, Kaiyuan Cave, and Yuanshan National Forest Park can form a Boshan nature itinerary, but their entrances, parking, and last-admission times must be planned separately. If combining them in one day, decide the longest hike first and use the other attraction as a shorter stop.
Build your day
A 2–3 hour mid-mountain route
After entering through the North Gate, drive or take a sightseeing bus to the mid-mountain visitor centre. Follow the trail through Wanshi Maze and Yixiantian, climb to Guan Yun Peak, and return by the same route or via Tuochan Temple. This route reduces the climb from the foot of the mountain and suits groups with limited time or average fitness.
Whether vehicles can reach the mid-mountain area depends on the day’s traffic controls. On the return, calculate time for viewing, passing through rock gaps, and descending separately; last admission at 15:30 does not mean you can start climbing at the final moment.
A 4–5 hour Zaoshuyu route
Drive to the Zaoshuyu parking area and follow the gorge path uphill from Zaoshuyu. Pass Zaoshuyu Waterfall and Lushan Cloud Ladder, reach the mid-mountain visitor centre, and continue to Guan Yun Peak. Descend toward the mountain road or return by the original route, depending on the day’s vehicle and trail access.
The Lushan Cloud Ladder is steep, and descending places more pressure on the knees. If anyone in the group cannot manage continuous uphill climbing, switch to the shorter mid-mountain route rather than changing exits halfway through the Zaoshuyu route.
Get there
North Gate and driving uphill
Set your navigation destination to “Lushan National Forest Park North Gate.” The North Gate is the visitor centre and ticket office. Whether vehicles can continue to the mid-mountain area or Zaoshuyu parking lot depends on the busy season, public holidays, and that day’s controls.
By public transport, you can first reach Chishang Town or the area near Lushan National Forest Park, then walk or take a taxi; the connection is less convenient than driving. If you need to transfer to a sightseeing bus at the foot of the mountain, include waiting and return time in the plan.
Know before you go
Admission, transport, and one-time entry
The reference adult ticket price is CNY 40 and the student ticket price is CNY 20. Some tourist passes may require a separate reservation. Parking is approximately CNY 20 per vehicle. The policy for driving to the mid-mountain area changes with season and visitor numbers, so access to the same point is not guaranteed year-round.
The ticket is valid for one entry. Re-entering after leaving requires another ticket. If you plan to eat in Chishang Town or around the park after leaving, arrange the return before the first entry; re-entry requires a new ticket.
Shoes and food
The Zaoshuyu Cloud Ladder is steep, and stone paths can be slippery after rain. Wear sports shoes with good grip and bring mosquito repellent. Walking and steps connect Guan Yun Peak, Wanshi Maze, and Yixiantian, so families with older adults or children should prioritise the shorter mid-mountain route.
There is a Lushan Hotel near the visitor centre, and Qinglongtan Fish Restaurant outside the scenic area is another option. Supply points in the mountains are limited, so prepare water and simple food before entering a long trail.