The formation of Lushan Mountain is solely the result of geological movements over eons. In ancient times, this area was once a vast ocean, but through tectonic uplift, Lushan emerged from the marine environment. The exposed rocks on Lushan today, such as the 'Dazhongshan coarse sandstone,' are ancient rocks dating back to the Proterozoic Eon. Throughout its long geological history, Lushan has experienced several transgressions and regressions of the sea, and it wasn't until approximately 60 to 70 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era that it rose significantly to form the Lushan we see today.
The saying that Lushan is 'the most beautiful under heaven' is not an exaggeration. Every element here, from the rocks to the water and trees, contributes to stunning scenery. The Five Old Peaks rise majestically, often shrouded in mist. The Xianglu Waterfall, resembling a hanging galaxy, is truly enchanting. The famous poet Li Bai, after witnessing it, immortalized the moment in verse: 'The sun shines on the incense burner, producing purple smoke; from afar, I see the waterfall hanging before the river; it cascades down three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way has fallen from the heavens.' The breathtaking beauty and roaring sound of Xianglu Waterfall continue to captivate visitors today.
However, the question of whether glaciers ever existed in Lushan has long been a significant controversy within the Chinese geological community. In the 1930s, geologist Li Siguang discovered Quaternary sediments during his investigation of Lushan and proposed the theory of Quaternary glaciers in the region. Nevertheless, the international geological community generally believes that since the Tertiary period, China's climate has been too dry, lacking sufficient precipitation to form glaciers. As the debate deepens, both sides maintain their positions, and to this day, whether Lushan ever had glaciers remains an unsolved mystery.
