The construction of heliports in the Lushan Mountain area started May 31, with hopes that tourists can enjoy a bird's eye view of the mountain before National Day on October 1.

June 2, China.org.cn - "Of Lushan Mountain we cannot make out the true face,For we are lost in the heart of the very place."

These are the last two lines of Writing on Xilin Cliff, a poem written by Su Shi (1037-1101), one of the most famous poets during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Literally, it means one cannot tell the shape of Lushan Mountain while standing on it. With the construction of heliports in the area, tourists will soon be able to appreciate Lushan Mountain's true features via a helicopter.

According to an insider from Lushan Helicopter Tour Agency, the project costs more than 30 million yuan. One heliport will be at the foot of the mountain, covering an area of some 3.35 hectares. It will be located in the town of Weijia, Lushan District, Jiujiang City. The other heliport will be built in the former car park on the mountain, near the north entrance. A total of five helicopters, all Russian Mi-171s, will be flown. Each can carry up to 28 passengers at one time.

As of now, tourists have to drive on the winding road in order to enjoy the beauty of Lushan Mountain. Local administrators have received many complaints throughout the years that the drive is tiresome and causes motion sickness. The helicopter tour will last ten minutes and provide tourists a view of both Hanpokou and Wulaofeng.

Once the helicopter tours start, scenic spots such as the Jiujiang River, Yangtze River and Poyang Lake will be combined with Lushan Mountain, thus forming an air tourism circle that is an important aspect of Jiujiang City's efforts to attract tourists.

Lushan Mountain, located by Poyang Lake, is 36 kilometers south of Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, and covers an area of 350 square kilometers. The area consists of towering peaks and dangerously steep cliffs surrounding a relatively gentle center. The highest peak of the mountain, Hanyang Peak, rises 1,474 meters above sea level. About 100 of the peaks are veiled in mist on average for 191 days each year. Lushan Mountain's cool summer weather makes it a world-famous spot to visit.