Rhododendron Mountain – Ancient Cypress Peak

　　Rhododendron Mountain is located to the south of Ciping and is made up of Middle Peak Yangmei Peak, West Peak Wangzhi Peak, and East Peak Guandao Peak. Viewed from afar, the mountain resembles a penholder, hence its nickname “Penholder Mountain.” The area’s “Ten-Li Azalea Forest” is the most famous attraction, where azaleas bloom across the mountainsides in April and May, making it one of the most spectacular natural sights in Jinggangshan.

　　The main bus terminal in Ciping (Tourist Service Center) offers a direct special line to Rhododendron Mountain, taking about half an hour and making it very convenient. Please note that the general admission ticket to Rhododendron Mountain is included in the Jinggangshan Scenic Area ticket, but there are no walking paths up the mountain—visitors must take the scenic area cable car round trip (160 RMB per person in peak season, 150 RMB per person in off-season). However, the cable car offers excellent value for money. The one-way ride takes about 25 minutes, offering stunning views of the layered green mountains below. Especially when the azaleas are in bloom, you’ll find yourself above a sea of flowers.

　　The cable car has three stations: upper, middle, and lower. The middle station features a dramatic curve of over 100 degrees, which can be a bit thrilling. After passing the middle station, the outline of Rhododendron Mountain comes into view. Starting from the upper cable car station and walking for about 20 minutes will bring you to the junction at Ancient Cypress Peak, which serves as both the starting and ending point for the Rhododendron Mountain sightseeing route. To the left is a narrow trail that only experienced guides can lead you on. To the right are two walking paths: one is a cliff-side plank walkway, the other a wooden boardwalk. These two converge into a loop near the large and small Pine Islands in the east. Most visitors begin their clockwise tour by taking the left-hand cliff-side plank path. The path is well-maintained, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding scenery along the way.

　　The cliff-side plank path faces the Penholder Mountain Valley, and along the route are five viewing platforms offering views of the back side of Five-Finger Peak and the valley landscape. The fifth viewing platform, the easternmost one, is surrounded by several peaks over a hundred meters tall. From here, you can see distant views of Peacock Peak and Stone Bamboo Peak, making it the most spectacular viewpoint. Along the way, you’ll also find several rock formations resembling objects, such as General Rock and Golden Rooster Announcing Dawn, which do bear a striking resemblance upon closer inspection.

　　Behind the fifth viewing platform, the large and small Pine Islands are famous for their dense collection of uniquely shaped pine trees, with designated viewing spots for capturing the best angles of these remarkable pines. The wooden boardwalk that extends beyond the small Pine Island is the pathway to view the “Ten-Li Azalea Corridor.” In April and May, strolling along this path feels like walking through an ocean of azaleas. There are many varieties of azaleas here, but the most noteworthy is the “King Azalea” near Yangmei Peak—a massive monkey head rhododendron surrounded by 44 smaller azalea bushes and a umbrella-shaped pine tree, estimated to be a thousand years old.

　　Further along the trail, you’ll come across several rock formations resembling objects, such as Buddha Finger Pointing to the Sky and others, which are fun to admire and photograph. Once you reach the end of the wooden boardwalk, you’ll return to Ancient Cypress Peak. From there, retrace your steps back to the upper cable car station to descend via the cable car. On the return trip to Ciping, the shuttle bus will pass by Wuma Chaotian. If time allows, you can get off to explore the area. In summer, you can also go rafting at the foot of Rhododendron Mountain, typically for 100 RMB per person.

　　Special Tips

　　When taking a bus from the main terminal or any other scenic spot, make sure to validate your ticket at the ticket-checking counter as soon as possible so the scenic area can keep track of visitor numbers and arrange shuttle buses for you. Address: Inside the Jinggangshan Scenic Area, Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province (about 35 km southwest of Ciping)

　　Type:

　　Category: Mountain Cable Car / Gondola

　　Recommended Visit Duration: About 0.5 day

　　Phone:

　　0796-6561788

　　Official Website: http://www.jgbjs.com/Index.html

　　Opening Hours:

　　7:30–17:30 (Off-season: November 16 – February 15; Peak season: February 16 – November 15)

　　Ticket Information:

　　No separate entrance ticket required. Admission is included in the Jinggangshan Scenic Area ticket. Gondola round trip: 150 RMB (off-season: November 16 – February 15), 160 RMB (peak season: February 16 – November 15). Optional gondola insurance: 2 RMB (voluntary).