Baiyun Mountain is a renowned scenic area in Guangzhou and a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, widely known as “the Most Scenic Spot in Guangzhou.” Located in the northeastern part of the city, its main peak, Moxing Ridge, stands at an elevation of approximately 382 meters. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Guangzhou cityscape and the winding Pearl River, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Baiyun Mountain Facts
- Name: Baiyun Mountain / White Cloud Mountain (白云山)
- Address: No. 801, Guangyuan Middle Road, Tonghe Street, Baiyun District, Guangzhou
- Height: 382 meters
- Area: 21.8 square kilometers
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn (September – November)
- Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 hours (using the cableway and battery electric vehicle) / 5 hours (hiking all the way)
- Opening Hours: All Day
- Ticket Price: CNY 5. Trip.com discount
Baiyun Mountain comprises over thirty peaks and forms a branch range of Jiulian Mountain, the highest mountain range in Guangdong. Its summit, Moxing Ridge, stands as the highest point in Guangzhou. The mountain, densely forested and known for its fresh air, serves as the “Green Lung of the City.” The name “Baiyun” (White Cloud) comes from the beautiful sight of white clouds wrapping around the mountain peaks after rain or in late spring.
Highlights of White Cloud Mountain
Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area is made up of seven distinct sections, arranged from south to north as follows: Luhu Park, Santailing Park, Mingchun Valley, Moxing Ridge, Mingzhu Tower, Fei’e Ling, and Heyi Ling. Below is a breakdown of the main attractions you can explore in each section.
Luhu Park (麓湖公园)
Located at the southern end of the Baiyun Mountain scenic area, Luhu Park is a large public garden known for its beautiful lake and mountain views. The park features attractions like Jufang Garden, Xinghai Garden, and Baiyun Xianguan, alongside dining and leisure venues such as Luming Restaurant and Panshan Mingzhu. It is also home to an 18-hole international golf course.
Yuntai Garden (云台花园)
Located in the Santailing area of Baiyun Mountain, Yuntai Garden is the largest Western-style garden in China, covering an area of 250,000 square meters. It opened to the public in 1995 and is known for its year-round display of rare and seasonal flowers, including a rose garden and an orchid-shaped greenhouse with tropical plants.
Starting from April 2025, a single combination ticket will also provide access to the newly connected Yunluo Botanical Garden. Situated at the southern foot of Baiyun Mountain and spanning 86.6 hectares, Yunluo is a national-level plant conservation zone. It features eight specialized gardens—such as bougainvillea, aromatic plants, and orchids—and is home to over 1,500 native and rare plant species, including 36 protected at the highest national level.
Mingchun Valley (鸣春谷)
Mingchun Valley is home to one of Asia’s largest natural birdcages, a massive enclosed area spanning 50,000 square meters that opened in 1989. Here, visitors can observe over 5,000 birds of more than 150 species—including red-crowned cranes, swans, and golden pheasants—living in a near-wild environment.
The valley also features a bird performance area with entertaining bird shows. In addition to its bird-watching attractions, the area includes Peak Square, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Guangzhou’s skyline, as well as cultural sites such as an ancient temple and a memorial archway.
Moxing Summit (摩星岭)
As the highest peak of Baiyun Mountain, Moxing Ridge is an excellent spot for viewing sunsets and gazing at the stars. Its name, which literally means “Star-Scraping Ridge,” comes from its towering presence over the Pearl River Delta plain. At the summit, visitors can see large stone carvings bearing the name “Moxing Ridge” and “Lucky Star Rock,” which serve as popular photo spots.
Mingzhu Tower (明珠楼)
Located in the northwest of Baiyun Mountain, the Mingzhu Tower area is a peaceful place ideal for relaxation and flower viewing. Its main attractions include Mingzhu Lake, the Peach Blossom Brooklet, the Plum Blossom Valley, etc.
Yunxi Botanical Garden (云溪植物园)
Situated on the western side of Baiyun Mountain, Yunxi Botanical Garden originated as Yunxi Ecological Park and is now Guangzhou’s largest free public park. The garden focuses on the conservation of rare and endangered plants, currently nurturing and displaying 1,320 plant species—including 45 protected at the national level. It features five specialized display areas: new ornamental flowers, nectar plants, rare species, wild peonies, and water lilies.
Sculpture Park (雕塑公园)
Located in the Fei’e Ling area on the southwest side of Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou Sculpture Park is the city’s only sculpture-themed public park and the largest of its kind in China. Often called a “green history book,” it seamlessly blends sculpture, garden landscapes, and art education to present over 2,000 years of Guangzhou’s history.
The park features more than 150 works by renowned sculptors and serves as an open-air museum, where visitors can explore the city’s cultural memory and enduring connection to Chinese civilization.
White Cloud Mountain Tour Map
Recommended Routes
Route 1: Full Hiking Trail – For Outdoor Enthusiasts
This 10-kilometer route is designed for experienced hikers with strong physical fitness and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
Route: South Gate → Pugu Valley → Nengren Temple → Summit Square → Moxing Ridge → Mingzhu House → Peach Blossom Brooklet → Huangpodong Reservoir → Bee World → West Gate
Route 2: Family Leisure Route – For Families with Children or Seniors
This visitor-friendly route is ideal for families with young children or elderly members, combining convenient transport with key sights. The full journey takes approximately 3 hours. The itinerary is as follows:
Route: South Gate → Sightseeing bus or cable car → Summit Square → Walk to Nine-Dragon Spring / Steles Forest → Elevator to Moxing Ridge → Bus Line D back to Summit Square → Bus Line A to South Gate
Route 3: Express Sightseeing Route – All by Vehicle
This 2-hour route is designed for visitors seeking maximum convenience, focusing primarily on the scenic Huangpodong Reservoir.
Route: West Gate → Bus Line C to Mingzhu House (3 km, 10 min) → Visit Huangpodong Reservoir (allow 1 hour) → Return to West Gate via same bus line
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit Baiyun Mountain
For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid both the midday heat and the peak crowds. Spring and autumn, with their mild climates, are the most suitable seasons for hiking.
Dining & Accommodation Options
While restaurants can be found near Summit Square and Mingzhu Tower, the food is often overpriced and the quality can be disappointing. A better choice is to eat outside the scenic area altogether or to bring your own snacks and water.
For those interested in staying on the mountain, the Mountain Villa Hotel is a recommended choice. It offers budget-friendly rates, a tranquil environment, and tends to be less crowded. You can book this hotel or explore other options on Trip.com.
What to Wear
Baiyun Mountain experiences distinct seasons, so dressing appropriately is key.
- Summer: Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and other sun protection.
- Winter: Dress in warm, layered clothing and sturdy shoes. Be sure to bring cold-weather accessories like gloves and a scarf.
How to Get to Baiyun Mountain
To White Cloud Mountain South Gate (Yuntai Garden)
- Take Line 11 to Yuntai Garden Station, exit from Exit A, and walk 1100 meters north to the South Gate.
- Take bus B16, 285, 24 or Tour Bus Line 1 to Yuntai Huayuan Zongzhan Station, then walk 500 meters north to the South Gate.
To White Cloud Mountain West Gate
- Take Metro Line 2 to Baiyun Cultural Square Station, exit through Gate B, and transfer to Bus Guang 424 to Baiyun Mountain West Gate Station. It is then a 150-meter walk to the West Gate. Alternatively, you may transfer to Bus 529 and get off at Guangwai (Baiyun Mountain West Gate) Station, from where it is about a 300-meter walk to the entrance.
- Take bus 38, 76A, 76, 127, 223, 265, 529, 706, 864 or B18 to Guangwai (Baiyun Mountain West Gate) Station. The West Gate is then a 300-meter walk from the bus stop.
Please note: A direct shuttle bus service is also available from Baiyun Cultural Square Metro Station to the West Gate on weekends and public holidays.
To Plum Garden of White Cloud Mountain
Take Line 3 to Yongtai Station, exit through Gate B, and then walk 700 meters to the North Gate.
Guangzhou White Cloud Mountain Tickets & Opening Hours
Book Your White Cloud Mountain Ticket| Type | Price | Opening Hours |
| Entrance Fee | CNY 5 | West Gate / South Gate: All Day North Gate: 07:00 – 22:00 |
| Attractions Ticket | CNY 5: Moxing Ridge (Star-Scraping Ridge) CNY 10: Yuntai Garden CNY 20: Yunxi Botanical Garden CNY 20: Yunluo Botanical Garden CNY 25: Yuntai Garden + Yunluo Botanical Garden | Moxing Ridge is open 24 hours, while other areas operate from 08:00 to 19:00 |
| Baiyun Cableway | CNY 25 (ascending) CNY 20 (descending) | Operation time: 09:00 – 18:00 (weekends and holidays: 09:00 – 20:00) |
| Battery Electric Vehicle | CNY 20: South Gate – Peak Square CNY 20: Peak Square – Mingzhu House CNY 10: Mingzhu House – West Gate CNY 10: Peak Square – Moxing Summit | 07:30 – 22:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you prefer not to hike Baiyun Mountain but wish to walk directly to Yuexiu Park, you may start from near the South Gate of Baiyun Mountain and follow the 8-kilometer “Sky Trail” to your destination.
The South Gate or Lianquan Gate are the most suitable choices, with the South Gate being the highly recommended option.
A route starting from the South Gate and ending at the West Gate is highly suitable. The paths are generally well-designed and visitor-friendly. Please note, however, that there is a short but unavoidable section of stone steps after descending from Moxing Ridge where parents should take extra care.
The cable car is located at the South Gate. It goes only to the Summit Square. There is still some distance from the Square to the highest peak, Moxing Ridge. You can choose to walk or take the sightseeing bus from the Square to Moxing Ridge.