A Seriously Underrated Treasure! This "Natural Oxygen Bar" Near Guangzhou Turns into an Autumn Wonderland

As a travel blogger constantly on the move, I have always been searching for destinations that truly relax the body and mind. This time, my discovery of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou completely changed my perception of urban scenic spots. This is not an ordinary park but a vast natural oxygen bar covering 28 square kilometers. In autumn, Baiyun Mountain sheds the humid heat of summer and dons a refreshing and pleasant face, with lush greenery dotted with patches of red leaves, making it a hidden paradise beside the bustling city.

🌄 A Perfect Blend of Classic Routes and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
My suggestion is to set aside a whole day so you can check off the classic attractions and explore lesser-known secret spots. Start in the morning from the South Gate, take the cable car up the mountain, and easily reach the summit plaza. From here, you can overlook the Guangzhou cityscape, and on clear days, even catch a distant view of the Pearl River. Then walk along the Moxingling direction; this path is shaded by trees and gently sloped, perfect for a slow stroll and leisurely photos.

The afternoon highlight is exploring the Huangpodong Reservoir, which most people miss. Turn off the main road onto a small path, and after about a 15-minute walk, you’ll find this hidden valley gem. Surrounded by trees, the reservoir’s surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the color-changing Chinese tallow trees on the shore, as beautiful as a painting. I sat here for a whole hour, watching sunlight dance on the water and listening to birdsong and the wind, feeling my soul completely cleansed.

📸 Photo Spots Fully Revealed
To capture unique Baiyun Mountain photos, be sure to save these spots:
Summit Plaza Viewing Platform: Use a telephoto lens to compress space, framing the Canton Tower with the green trees in the foreground, showcasing the harmony between city and nature.
Moxingling Trail: Find the curves and use the extending lines for composition to capture the forest’s secret atmosphere.
Huangpodong Reservoir: The side light after 3 PM is the most beautiful; stand by the water using the reflection as the foreground to instantly fill the frame with poetry.
Nengren Temple: The interplay of red walls and green trees creates a particularly Zen vibe, perfect for cultural shots.

🍵 Deep Temple Zen Experience
Nengren Temple, located halfway up the mountain, is an easily overlooked treasure. This ancient temple has a long history, bustling with incense but not commercialized. On autumn afternoons, sunlight filters through ancient trees onto the bluestone paths, and the monks’ chanting drifts on the breeze, instantly calming a restless heart. The temple has a vegetarian restaurant with affordable prices and delicious food, definitely worth trying.

🚶 Practical Tips for a Smoother Trip
Baiyun Mountain has multiple entrances; the South Gate is the most convenient by public transport but also the busiest; the West Gate is quieter and better for self-driving. Electric carts connect the main attractions inside the park, which can save energy if used wisely. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid crowds; after 4 PM is the peak time for descending, and cable cars may have queues. Must-haves: comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent (there are many insects in the forested areas).

🌰 Autumn-Only Experiences
If you visit Baiyun Mountain this season, be sure to try the mountain spring tofu pudding—refreshing and sweet, eating a bowl in a small mountain shop is especially cozy. After descending, you can also enjoy Cantonese health dishes at the foot of the mountain; autumn recommendations include coconut chicken soup and dried tangerine peel duck, which nourish and relieve dryness.

Spending a day at Baiyun Mountain brought me a long-lost tranquility. Unlike other famous mountains that require strenuous climbing, it feels like a gentle elder showing you the beauty of nature in the most comfortable way. This perfect balance of distance—close enough to the city, yet far enough from the noise—is exactly what makes it so charming.