White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Mountain)
From ancient times, White Cloud Mountain in Baiyun District has been one of the most famous spots of natural beauty in Guangzhou, and it's still known as the First Spectacular Scene of the city. Every time the sun shines after the rain, and through late spring, a wreath of airy clouds circles the mountains. This is how White Cloud Mountain has won its name, and its reputation as a marvelous spectacle of nature. The fierce differentiation of rocks, and the different ways in which erosion has affected them, has caused it a crisscross network of gullies. So its relative height is now about 100 meters (109 yards). The quiet and secluded environment of the valley has made it a haven of peace from the big city.
People always describe the natural beauty of Guangzhou as being composed of white cloud and pearl sea, the white cloud referring to the mountain, located about 17 kilometers (10 miles) north of the city. The total area of White Cloud Mountain is about 28 square kilometers (10 square miles), consisting of 30 peaks. Moxing Ridge (Star-Scraping Ridge), known as 'the first peak under the southern sky', is about 382 meters (417 yards) high. You can stand on the summit and look over the whole city and the beautiful Pearl River, the most famous river in Guangzhou.
Six Scenic Areas
This area is an ideal place for people to relax. It has six areas that are popular with visitors, Bright Pearl Building Park, the San tailing Summit Park, the Bird Spring Valley Park (Mingchun Valley), the Santailing Park, the Luhu Park and the Fei'eling Park.
Yuntai Garden in Santailing Park
Yuntai Garden, a bright pearl in the crown of White Cloud Mountain, is located in Santailing Park. Yuntai Garden is an enormous garden filled with all kinds of blooms and trees, which make Guangzhou, City of Flowers, worthy of the name.
Sculpture Park in Fei'eling Park
The Sculpture Park is located in Fei'eling, and covers an area of 46 hectares (113 acres). It was built according to the fashion of the times, which was to use modern languages in sculpture.
Bird Spring Valley Park
You will also find the biggest natural birdcage in China, perfect for enjoying all kinds of birds; Bird Spring Valley Park. Here you can stroll idly by the river and mountains, and mingle with the birds.
Luhu Park
Luhu Park is famous for Jinye Pond. The lake is so clear that the beautiful sights surrounding the lake are perfectly reflected in the water, like a brilliantly drawn picture.
Due to the recent rapid development of the city, the White Cloud Mountain is mostly surrounded by urban developments. A major beauty spot in a modern city with a population of 8,000,000 is really a most unusual occurrence. It is fairly known as a return to nature from the big city.
How to get to White Cloud Mountain
To White Cloud Mountain South Gate (Yuntai Garden):
2. Take bus 63 or 245 to Yuntai Huayuan (Yuntai Garden);
3. Take Sightseeing Bus Xiguan Style Line to Baiyunshan Fengjingqu (White Clous Mountain);
4. Take bus 32, 46, 60, 63, 127, 175, 179, 199, 210, 223, 241, 257, 285, 298, 540, 841, B16, B18, B18 Express or Guang 10 to Baiyuan Suodao station (Cable Car Station).
To White Cloud Mountain West Gate:
2. Take bus 38, 66, 76A, 76, 127, 223, 245, 265, 424, 529, 660, 664, 805, 864, B18, B18 Express, or Peak Express Line 79 to Guangwai station.
To Plum Garden of White Cloud Mountain:
Guangzhou Bus / Metro Search
Ticket Fare | CNY5 for entrance, CNY4 from Oct. 1 to 7 CNY10: Yuntai Garden CNY10: Bird Spring Valley Park (Mingchun Valley) CNY5: Moxing Ridge (Star-Scraping Ridge) CNY5: Guangzhou Forest of Steles CNY5: Peach Blossom Brooklet | Children below 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) enjoy free entry. | |
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Cable Car | CNY 25 (ascending) CNY 20 (descending) | ||
Sightseeing Bus | CNY 10 | Summit Park - Nengren Temple; Dangxiong Pavilion - Mingzhu House; Nengren Temple - South Gate of Baiyun Mountain; Summit Park - Moxing Ridge; Summit Park - Dangxiong Pavilion. | |
Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 | ||
Pulley | CNY30 | ||
Recommended Time for a Visit | Half a day |
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