Luoyang Baiyun Mountain

Introducing Luoyang Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain is located in the primeval forest area of ​​Funiu Mountain in southern Song County, Luoyang City, Henan Province. Covering a total area of ​​168 square kilometers, it is home to 204 species of animals and 1,991 species of plants, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 98.5%. Hailed by experts and scholars as a "Natural Museum," it is recognized as one of China's top ten leisure destinations, one of the most beautiful places in China, and ranked third among Henan Province's top ten scenic spots. It boasts 37 peaks exceeding 1,500 meters in elevation, including Yuhuangding, at 2,216 meters, the highest peak in the mountain and one of the best spots for catching the sunrise and the sea of ​​clouds.

Baiyun Mountain's main scenic areas include the five major sightseeing zones of Baiyun Peak, Yuhuangding, Jijiaoman (Little Huangshan), Jiulong Waterfall, and the primeval forest; and the five leisure areas of Baiyun Lake, the Alpine Forest Oxygen Bar, the Alpine Peony Garden, the Liuhou Temple, and the Reed Valley. Baiyun Mountain integrates mountains, rocks, water, caves, forests, grasses, flowers, birds, and animals into a harmonious whole, creating a unique landscape characterized by grandeur, danger, strangeness, seclusion, beauty, and wonder. It has become a comprehensive tourist destination in the Central Plains, integrating sightseeing, summer vacations, scientific research internships, and historical exploration. It is known as a "paradise on earth" and a "famous mountain in the Central Plains."

Climate and best time to travel

temperate monsoon climate;

Best in spring, summer and autumn

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Baiyun Peak

Baiyun Peak in the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area is one of the main peaks of the Funiu Mountain Range. Standing at 2,150 meters above sea level, it boasts a striking, graceful silhouette. The main peak is perpetually shrouded in white clouds, resembling a mirage. The scene evokes the imagery of "mist veiled the green peaks, a veil veiled over the jade-like face."

Yuhuangding Scenic Area

Yuhuangding, at 2,216 meters above sea level, gets its name from its crown-like peak, which resembles a palace piercing the sky. It is the highest point in Baiyun Mountain and is known as the "Green Heart." It's a prime spot in the Central Plains for viewing the sunrise over a sea of ​​clouds. Ascending Yuhuangding, the crown of the peaks, offers a breathtaking, eye-opening view of all the other mountains. Its natural landscape is mysterious, wondrous, and ever-changing.

Jiulong Waterfall

Covered by forest vegetation, Baiyun Mountain has formed various multi-level waterfalls and deep pools with a drop of 123 meters. It is magnificent and famous both at home and abroad as the "Nine Dragon Waterfalls Playing with Rainbows".

It is recommended to spend half a day

Tickets

Tickets are 75 yuan per person, transportation within the scenic area is 70 yuan (60 yuan for going up and down the mountain, 10 yuan for minibuses and sightseeing buses within the scenic area)

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Most Popular FAQs for Luoyang Baiyun Mountain

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area lies in the hinterland of the Funiu Mountain range (伏牛山) in Song County of Luoyang. It covers ~168 km² and has been developed into a national AAAAA-level tourist zone, national forest park and geopark.
Historically, the area features Tang- and Ming-era temples (e.g., the “Yuhuang Ge” “Jade Emperor Pavilion”) and has long been noted for its mountain ecology and cultural associations.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Location: South part of Song County (嵩县), Luoyang (洛阳), Henan Province, China; about 165 km from Luoyang city centre.
Getting there:

• From Luoyang: Take the bus from Luoyang Bus Station (or Longmen HSR Station) to Baiyun Mountain scenic area (approx. 3-4 hours by public bus).
• By car/self-drive: Use expressway to Jiuxian exit then 20 km along national highway into the scenic zone. Ample parking available.
• Inside the scenic area: Use sightseeing buses or cable cars for higher elevations, then walk/hike trails.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours: Generally open all year; typical ticket-entry time approx. 08:00–17:00; in summer months may open earlier or stay open until 18:00.
Best times:

• Spring and summer: lush forests, cool mountain air (~<26 °C).
• Autumn: vivid foliage and clear views.
• Winter: possible snow scenery and misty peaks—but check weather and trail conditions.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Ticket information: The admission is ~ 75 RMB per person (standard entrance). There may be packages including shuttle bus or self-drive service. Another source lists: entrance + self-drive service ~110 RMB; entrance + shuttle bus ~145 RMB.
Tickets can be bought offline at the gate or online via the official scenic area platform/WeChat account.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended during peak holiday seasons or for stays at the summit area—online purchase a day ahead is sufficient in many cases. For regular weekday visits, walk-in is acceptable.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For a basic visit: allow 1 full day (≈6-8 hours).
For deeper exploration (peak sunrise, multiple valleys, overnight stay): allocate 2 days.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Yuhuang Peak (玉皇顶) – highest peak (~2,216 m) in the area; panoramic views and cloud-sea.
• Jiulong Grand Canyon & waterfalls – long gorge, many waterfalls (e.g., Jiulong waterfall ~123 m drop).
• Primeval forest zone – dense forest, boardwalks, high negative-ion environment.
• Baiyun Lake – scenic lake at ~1,500 m, relaxing boat rides.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No widely published information on audio guides in multiple languages. Visitors may engage a local guide (Chinese/English) for tailored interpretation.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The observation point at Yuhuang Peak for sunrise/cloud-sea.

• The waterfalls in the Jiulong canyon (waterfall + forest combo).

• The boardwalk through the primeval forest for misty forest scenes.

• Lake reflections at Baiyun Lake in early morning or dusk.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A typical one-day route: Arrive at scenic area → Use sightseeing bus up to Jiulong Canyon → hike waterfalls & gorge (~3 hrs) → Lunch → Afternoon move to Baiyun Lake → Evening ascend to Yuhuang Peak via cable car/view path for sunset/clouds → Return.
For a two-day stay: Night at summit area → Morning at Yuhuang for sunrise → Explore primeval forest or other valleys Day2.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night stays at summit lodges may offer early-morning cloud-sea views, but no widely noted night light-shows. Hiking at dusk requires caution.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site is popular especially in summer and on holidays. To avoid crowds: visit on a weekday, arrive early in the morning, or go in off-peak seasons (spring/late autumn). Some reviews note fewer tourists compared to major city sites.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities: Visitor centre, restrooms, snack/restaurant options at major nodes (canyon entrance, lake area, peak summit). Cable car/bus service available. Bring your own water for longer hikes.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some areas (lake zone, lower trails) accessible for most visitors. However, high-altitude peaks, steep stairs/trails may be challenging for the elderly/very young/disabled. Choose easier trails or use cable car where available.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are widely accepted; however, in remote trail kiosks some cash may be useful. Bring small cash as backup.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In the scenic zone (especially valley base and tourist centre) you’ll find local mountain-style restaurants offering regional dishes (e.g., mountain mutton soup, wild vegetables) and small cafés. Bring snacks for longer hikes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes – mountain-area restaurants often serve wild vegetable dishes and simpler meals. Halal options less guaranteed—check ahead in Song County or Luoyang.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation available at the scenic area resort zone and nearby Song County town. Staying near the summit area enables sunrise trips. Booking ahead recommended in peak season.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The scenic area is part of the larger Funiu Mountain region—other nearby peaks, forest valleys.
• Luoyang city’s historic sites (e.g., Longmen Grottoes) can be combined with the mountain trip if based in Luoyang.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes – Souvenirs include local crafts, herbal products, mountain teas, snacks (wild vegetable dishes, acorn jelly) and postcards/photographs of the scenic views.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After your mountain visit you can return via the scenic-area shuttle bus or car to Song County, then onward to Luoyang city by bus or taxi. If self-driving, you can continue exploring other mountains or regional attractions.