White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan)
Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510599
White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan, Baiyun Mountain, or Mt. Baiyun), located just north of Guangzhou City, gets its name from the wreath of wispy clouds that circle the mountaintop after a heavy rain. A visit to the mountain and the surrounding 17-square-mile (44-square-kilometer) park area is a popular way to stretch your legs, take in some fresh air, and escape the busy city.
The Basics
White Cloud Mountain lies within a larger area comprising six scenic areas and about 30 mountain peaks. A hike to the highest point takes around an hour, but for a more relaxing trip to the top you can take a cable car that runs throughout the day, shuttling visitors to and from the peak. Highlights of the mountain area include the Yuntai Garden, a collection of trees and blossoms worthy of Guangzhou’s title as the City of Flowers, and Jinye Pond, a lake with crystal-clear blue water that reflects the surrounding scenery on its glassy surface. The park itself charges a small entrance fee, as do many of the attractions within.
Things to Know Before You Go
White Cloud Mountain is an excellent option for outdoors enthusiasts, couples, and families.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike to the peak.
Set aside at least a half a day to enjoy White Cloud Mountain and its surroundings.
How to Get There
White Cloud Mountain is quite large and accessible via a few different points. If you’re planning to ride the cable car, take a public bus to Baiyun Suodao Station near the South Gate, or if you’re going to explore on your own, you can ride the metro (line 2) to Xiaogang Station and walk about 10 minutes east. The Meihuayuan Station (line 3) is about 15 minutes from the Plumb Garden area.
When to Get There
The best weather for enjoying the mountain typically comes between October and mid-December, when conditions are cool, dry, and clear. Late spring tends to bring the rain showers and resulting clouds that give the mountain its name. Avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays, when the mountain trails can get crowded with domestic tourists.
Outdoor Attractions in Guangzhou
The city of Guangzhou enjoys numerous green spaces despite its size and constant bustle. If you need to get away from it all, some options (in addition to White Cloud Mountain) include sprawling Yuexiu Park with its walking paths and playgrounds, as well as Yuyin Garden.
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