Baiyun Mountain
Baiyun Mountain is a green oasis in Guangzhou and one of the city’s most revered natural landmarks. Translating to “white cloud” in Mandarin, Baiyun Mountain consists of several peaks in a range, which takes on a mystical quality when the sun shines after the rain and a fluffy white collar of clouds encircle the mountain peaks. Explore a series of separate parklands within the Baiyun Mountain area and check out delicate gardens, pretty ponds and sculpture parks.
The wider range consists of several mountain peaks, the highest rising up to a summit of 1,253 feet (382 meters). Hike up the mountainsides or ride the Baiyun Cableway and soar over the treetops of Guangzhou’s green lung.
There are several different parks within the Baiyun Mountain area. Check out Santailing Park to see the delicately arranged flowerbeds of the Yuntai Garden. Stroll around the tree-lined pathways and admire the seasonal change in the foliage. Fei’eling Park contains a series of sculptures and Mingchun Valley Park has habitat for a variety of bird species. Peer into the mirror-like waters of Jinye Pond at Luhu Park, which reflect the foliage of the tall trees on the banks.
Make your way up to the mountain’s peak, Moxing Ridge. If the weather is clear, you can look out across Guangzhou’s sprawling cityscape and the mighty Pearl River. Take photographs of the magnificent panorama with the pretty parklands in the foreground. The mountain range has a huge diversity of subtropical plant species, which thrive in the humid conditions the White Cloud provides.
Baiyun Mountain is located in Guangzhou’s Baiyun district. There are major gateways to the south and west of the mountain, which are accessible via the city’s bus and subway network. The best time to visit the mountain is between October and December, as conditions can be rainy and windy during the typhoon season. There is a small fee to enter the park and the cable car has separate fees.