Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area
Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain, nicknamed “City’s Lung,” is a sprawling urban oasis covering 28 square kilometers. Rising 382 meters at its peak (Moxing Ridge), it blends lush forests, ancient temples, and panoramic vistas of Guangzhou. Designated a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction in 2011, it hosts over 20 million visitors annually, offering hiking trails, cable cars, and cultural landmarks like Baiyun Temple, dating back to 222 CE.
Historical Overview
First recorded during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE), Baiyun Mountain has long been a sacred site. Emperors and poets, including Su Shi (Song Dynasty), left inscriptions on its cliffs. During the Qing Dynasty, it became a retreat for scholars. Post-1949, it transformed into a public park, with the 1984 opening of the cable car system and 2004’s “Cloud Bridge” glass walkway cementing its modern appeal.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into seven zones:Moxing Ridge: The summit, offering city views from a 12m-tall observation tower.
Luhu Park: A lakeside area with boat rentals and a 5km jogging path.
Mingchun Valley: Bamboo groves, waterfalls, and the “Nine-Dragon Waterfall” trail.
Santai Garden: Cherry blossoms, peonies, and a 1,000-ton “Flying Dragon” stone sculpture.
Fei’eling Park: The 1930s-era “Pavilion of Eternal Spring” and a tea plantation.
Yuntai Garden: A 30,000㎡ botanical garden with orchids and cacti.
Puhua Temple: A Tang Dynasty-style Buddhist monastery rebuilt in 2003.
Major Attractions
Moxing Ridge Observation Tower: Ascend 10 floors for 360-degree city views at sunrise.
Baiyun Temple: A 1,700-year-old Buddhist complex housing a 6m-tall jade Buddha.
Cloud Bridge: A 150m-long glass walkway suspended 200m above Mingchun Valley.
Skyrail Cable Car: 15-minute ride with transparent floors offering aerial forest views.
Nine-Dragon Waterfall: A tiered cascade where water drops 100m into a misty pool.
Santai Garden Stone Carvings: 200+ ancient inscriptions, including a Tang Dynasty poem by Han Yu.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
South Gate → Skyrail to Moxing Ridge → Observation Tower → Cloud Bridge → Luhu Park → Return via cable car.
Highlights: Summit views, glass bridge thrills, and lake relaxation.
- Cultural Route (5–6 hours):
North Gate → Puhua Temple → Baiyun Temple → Santai Garden Stone Carvings → Fei’eling Tea House → Mingchun Valley.
Highlights: Historical sites, tea ceremony, and bamboo trails.
- Nature Route (Full Day):
East Gate → Yuntai Garden → Nine-Dragon Waterfall → Mingchun Valley → Santai Garden → Luhu Park → Moxing Ridge.
Highlights: Botanical wonders, waterfalls, and sunset vistas.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Baiyun Mountain’s official website or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
Combo Deals: Cable Car + Skyrail + Cloud Bridge: ¥180 (adults), ¥90 (children).
- Prices:
Main Park: Free (some attractions require separate tickets).
Cable Car: ¥50 (one-way), ¥80 (round-trip).
Cloud Bridge: ¥30.
Free: Children under 1.2m, seniors over 70.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 3 to Yongtai Station (Exit B2), 10-minute shuttle to South Gate.
By Bus: Routes 24, 127, or 245 to Baiyun Mountain South Gate Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Baiyunshan Fengjingqu” (白云山风景区) – specify North/South/East Gate.
From Guangzhou Tower: 20-minute taxi ride via Huanshi East Road.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid weekends/holidays; visit early (7 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Luhu Park is busiest 10 AM–2 PM; Mingchun Valley is quieter.
Weather: Spring (February–April) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October–December) for cooler hikes.
- Essentials:
Wear hiking shoes (trails can be steep).
Bring water and snacks (few vendors inside).
Photography allowed (tripods permitted).
Prohibited items: Drones, open flames, and loudspeakers.
