Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area in Guangzhou City is located in Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. It is one of the famous mountains in South China and has been known as "the First Beauty of Yangcheng" since ancient times. It is currently a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Baiyun Mountain covers an area of approximately 21.8 square kilometers. The mountain body is quite broad, consisting of more than 30 peaks. The scenic area is rich in vegetation with a high forest coverage rate, and the air is fresh. It serves as an ecological barrier for Guangzhou City. There are numerous places of interest in Baiyun Mountain, such as Pugu Valley, Nengren Temple, the First Peak of Tiannan, Mingchun Valley, etc. At the same time, several viewing platforms and leisure facilities, such as the Moxing Ridge Viewing Platform and Baiyun Evening View, are built on the mountain for tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a rest.
History and Culture
Baiyun Mountain has a long history and culture. As early as the Warring States Period, there were traces of the activities of the ancestors here. During the Qin Dynasty, Baiyun Mountain had become an important region of the Nanyue Kingdom. In the long historical process, Baiyun Mountain has left the footprints and poems of many literati and scholars.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Baiyun Mountain gradually became a famous scenic area in Guangzhou. Many religious buildings such as temples and Taoist temples were built here, such as Nengren Temple. These buildings are not only places for religious activities but also reflect the architectural art and cultural characteristics of that time.
Since modern times, through continuous development and protection, Baiyun Mountain has gradually become a popular tourist destination loved by Guangzhou citizens and tourists. At the same time, Baiyun Mountain has also witnessed the development and changes of Guangzhou city and carries rich historical memories and cultural connotations.
Main Attractions
Moxing Ridge
Moxing Ridge is the highest peak of Baiyun Mountain, with an altitude of 382 meters and the reputation of "the First Peak of Tiannan". Standing on Moxing Ridge, you can overlook the entire urban area of Guangzhou. The Pearl River is like a ribbon, and high-rise buildings stand in great numbers, presenting a very spectacular view. There are various stone inscriptions and viewing platforms on the ridge, which are must-visit places for tourists. Moxing Ridge is densely vegetated and has fresh air, where you can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Mingchun Valley
Mingchun Valley is one of the largest natural bird-watching areas in China, covering an area of 50,000 square meters. There are more than 100 species and over 5,000 birds of various kinds in the valley. When you step into the valley, the sounds of birdsong are heard, making you feel as if you are in a kingdom of birds. Here, you can not only admire colorful birds but also learn a lot about the living habits and protection knowledge of birds. There are bird-watching platforms and science popularization exhibition areas in the valley, providing tourists with rich viewing and learning experiences.
Nengren Temple
Nengren Temple is an ancient temple among the many temples in Baiyun Mountain. It was first built in the Qing Dynasty and has a long history. The temple is built according to the mountain, with a rigorous layout and a simple and elegant architectural style. There are main buildings such as the Mahavira Hall and the Buddhist Scripture Pavilion in the temple, as well as some exquisite Buddha statues and stone inscriptions. Nengren Temple is very popular with pilgrims, and during holidays, a continuous stream of believers and tourists come to pray for blessings. Here, tourists can feel the solemnity and mystery of Buddhist culture.
Yuntai Garden
Yuntai Garden is a large-scale garden-style garden at the foot of Baiyun Mountain, covering an area of 120,000 square meters. There are landscapes such as seasonal flowers, artificial lakes, and cascading waterfalls in the garden. The design of the garden integrates the characteristics of Chinese and Western garden art, with a wide variety of flower species and bright colors. Especially during holidays, the garden will hold various flower exhibitions and themed activities, attracting a large number of tourists to visit and take photos.
Food
Tingzai Congee
You can taste the delicious Tingzai Congee around Baiyun Mountain. Tingzai Congee is made by adding various ingredients such as fish slices and fried peanuts to the congee. The congee base is smooth, the ingredients are rich, and it tastes delicious. It was originally a characteristic food of the people living on the water, and now it has become one of the classic snacks in Guangzhou. Tourists can taste the authentic Tingzai Congee in snack shops or restaurants near the scenic area.
Wonton Noodles
Wonton noodles are also a traditional delicacy in Guangzhou and are very popular around Baiyun Mountain. The thin noodles are chewy, the wontons have thin skins and large fillings, and they are paired with delicious soup, providing a rich taste. The soup base of wonton noodles is usually made by boiling ingredients such as pig bones and shrimp shells, with a strong flavor that makes people savor it endlessly.
Rice Noodle Rolls
Rice noodle rolls are one of the favorite breakfasts of Guangzhou people, and there are many places to eat them near Baiyun Mountain. Rice noodle rolls are made by steaming rice milk ground from rice. They have a tender and smooth taste and are paired with special sauces and side dishes, such as shrimps and beef, etc., and taste very delicious. The flavors of rice noodle rolls made in different shops may vary slightly, but they all have their own characteristics.
Double-skinned Milk
Double-skinned milk is a characteristic dessert in Guangdong, and you can taste it in dessert shops around Baiyun Mountain. The upper layer of the double-skinned milk is fragrant and sweet, and the lower layer is smooth and creamy. It has a delicate and smooth taste and a sweet flavor. Its production process is unique, using milk, egg whites, and sugar as the main raw materials and steaming them. It is a delicious treat that tourists should not miss.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price for Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area in Guangzhou City is 5 yuan per person. For some attractions within the scenic area, such as Mingchun Valley, the admission ticket is 10 yuan per person, Moxing Ridge is 5 yuan per person, and Yuntai Garden is 10 yuan per person, etc. For special groups such as children under 1.2 meters in height and the elderly over 65 years old, free admission or preferential policies are implemented according to relevant regulations. Tourists can buy tickets at the ticket window at the entrance of the scenic area, or they can book tickets in advance through online platforms to save queuing time.
Opening Hours
Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area in Guangzhou City is open throughout the year, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The opening hours may be adjusted appropriately according to the actual situation in different seasons. It is recommended that tourists check the official website of the scenic area or relevant media announcements before going to the scenic area to reasonably arrange their visiting time. The opening hours of some attractions within the scenic area may be different from the overall opening hours of the scenic area. For example, the opening hours of Yuntai Garden are generally from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tourists need to pay attention to the specific opening hours of each attraction.
Itinerary for Visiting
One-day Itinerary: Enter from the South Gate of Baiyun Mountain in the morning and first visit Yuntai Garden to admire various flower landscapes. Then walk up the mountain and visit attractions such as Pugu Valley on the way to feel the tranquility of the mountain forest. After reaching the top of the mountain, go to Moxing Ridge to overlook the scenery of Guangzhou City. Have lunch at a restaurant near the top of the mountain and taste the characteristic food of Guangzhou. In the afternoon, go to Mingchun Valley to watch various birds. Finally, go down the mountain from the West Gate to end the day's journey.
Leisure Itinerary: If you don't want to be too tired, you can choose to take the cable car up the mountain from the West Gate and directly reach the Peak Square. Take a short rest at the Peak Square, then go to Baiyun Evening View to enjoy the urban scenery of Guangzhou. Then go to Nengren Temple to experience Buddhist culture. After that, enjoy the food at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, you can choose to take a walk and rest in the leisure area near the top of the mountain to enjoy a leisurely time, and finally take the cable car down the mountain.
Transportation
- Bus: There are many bus routes that can reach Baiyun Mountain, such as Bus No. 24, No. 63, No. 240, No. 285, etc. Get off at stations such as Yuntai Garden Station, Baiyun Cableway Station, and Guangwai (West Gate of Baiyun Mountain) Station.
- Subway: You can take Guangzhou Metro Line 2 to Xiaogang Station. After exiting from Exit B, transfer to a bus or take a taxi to the South Gate of Baiyun Mountain.
- Self-driving: Tourists who drive to Baiyun Mountain can follow the navigation to the scenic area. There are several parking lots around the scenic area. However, during holidays and weekends, parking spaces may be relatively tight. It is recommended to plan the parking location in advance.
- Cable Car: There is a cable car in Baiyun Mountain, and tourists can choose to take the cable car up and down the mountain to save energy and time. The starting point of the cable car is at the Baiyun Cableway Station near the South Gate of Baiyun Mountain.
Must-visit Attractions
- Moxing Ridge: The highest peak of Baiyun Mountain, with an altitude of 382 meters. It offers a panoramic view of Guangzhou's urban area and has the reputation of "the First Peak of Tiannan". There are many stone inscriptions on the ridge, with dense vegetation and fresh air. It is a great place to enjoy the urban scenery and get close to nature.
- Mingchun Valley: One of the largest natural bird-watching areas in China, covering an area of 50,000 square meters. There are more than 100 species and over 5,000 birds. There are bird-watching platforms and science popularization exhibition areas in the valley, allowing tourists to have an in-depth understanding of bird knowledge and experience the fun of interacting with birds.
- Yuntai Garden: A large-scale garden-style garden covering an area of 120,000 square meters. It integrates the characteristics of Chinese and Western garden art. There are flowers in all seasons, and landscapes such as artificial lakes and cascading waterfalls are beautiful. It often holds flower exhibitions and themed activities, making it a great place for taking photos.
- Nengren Temple: An ancient temple built in the Qing Dynasty, constructed according to the mountain with a simple and elegant architectural style. It is very popular with pilgrims, and the Buddha statues and stone inscriptions in the temple are exquisite. It is a great place to feel the solemnity and mystery of Buddhist culture.
Suggestions for Visiting
- Understand the distribution of attractions and opening hours of the scenic area in advance, plan the visiting route, and avoid going back the same way.
- If you choose to walk up the mountain, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and suitable sportswear, and bring enough drinking water and some snacks to replenish your energy.
- When watching birds and other animals, do not feed them to avoid affecting their health and normal living habits.
- During holidays or peak tourist seasons, there are many tourists in the scenic area. It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area in advance or choose to travel at off-peak times for a better visiting experience.
- When visiting religious places such as temples, follow the relevant regulations and etiquette and respect religious beliefs and cultures.
Precautions
- Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area. Please take good care of the environment and keep the scenic area clean.
- During the climbing process, pay attention to safety. Do not leave the designated climbing route to avoid accidents.
- When taking the cable car, follow the instructions of the staff, abide by the cable car riding regulations, and do not shake or perform dangerous actions in the cable car.
- There are many mosquitoes in Baiyun Mountain. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent products to prevent mosquito bites.
- If you bring children or the elderly to visit, take good care of their safety and avoid them getting lost or having accidents.