A New Discovery in Reverse Travel! These Hidden Ways to Explore Baiyun Mountain Even Locals Don’t Know About

When it comes to Baiyun Mountain, most people think of the cable car, Moxingling, and Nengren Temple. But this time, I uncovered a completely different exploration route, revealing another unknown side of Baiyun Mountain. This route is perfect for travelers who have already been to Baiyun Mountain or want a deep experience, guaranteed to show you a completely different scenery.
🗺️ Off-the-Beaten-Path Route: Encounter the Wild Charm of Baiyun Mountain
I entered from the West Gate and chose a less-traveled path: Cuizhu Garden → Mingzhu Tower → Taohuajian → back to the main trail. The biggest feature of this route is tranquility; you hardly meet any tourists along the way, only the sound of birds and your footsteps. The bamboo in Cuizhu Garden towers into the sky, and autumn sunlight filters through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows—perfect for meditation and clearing your mind.
Although Mingzhu Tower is not open for climbing, the surrounding garden landscape is exquisitely designed, blending Chinese and Western styles, making it a great spot for photos. The biggest surprise is Taohuajian; despite its name meaning "Peach Blossom Stream," the autumn scenery is even more serene. The stream flows gently, with colorful trees on both banks. Sitting on a big rock by the stream feels like owning the entire forest.
🎑 Deep Experience: The Cultural Beauty of Baiyun Mountain
Besides natural scenery, Baiyun Mountain also holds rich historical and cultural treasures. During this exploration, I specifically visited several cultural sites:
Guangzhou Stele Forest: Houses inscriptions from famous historical figures, with a quiet environment perfect for slow appreciation.
Jiulong Spring: A legendary sacred spring with sweet water; many locals come here specifically to collect water.
Shanzhuang Hostel: The place where Premier Zhou Enlai once stayed; the building remains in its original state, allowing you to feel the historical atmosphere.
🍂 Seasonal Limited Experiences
There are several special experiences worth trying in autumn at Baiyun Mountain:
Morning Exercise: From 6 to 8 a.m., many locals practice morning exercises on the mountain. Join them for Tai Chi and hiking to experience authentic Cantonese life.
Bird Watching: Baiyun Mountain is a well-known bird-watching spot. During this season, migratory birds pass through, and with binoculars, you can see many rare species.
Night Climbing: Around the 15th day of the lunar month, when the moon is bright, night climbing Baiyun Mountain is a special experience. The view of Guangzhou city under the moonlight from the summit is uniquely charming.
📝 Perfect One-Day Itinerary
7:00 Enter from West Gate to avoid crowds
7:30 Sit quietly and meditate at Cuizhu Garden
8:30 Take photos around Mingzhu Tower
10:00 Stroll through Taohuajian
11:30 Visit Shanzhuang Hostel
12:30 Dine at the mountaintop restaurant
14:00 Enjoy the view at Moxingling
15:30 Pray at Nengren Temple
17:00 Watch the sunset at Huangpodong Reservoir
18:30 Descend and enjoy dinner
💡 Helpful Tips
This route requires good physical fitness; it’s recommended to wear professional hiking shoes. Signal is unstable in the mountain, so download offline maps in advance. For a complete experience, plan for two days, stay overnight at a mountain hotel, and watch the sunrise the next day. Baiyun Mountain’s weather is changeable, so carrying rain gear is necessary.
This deep exploration showed me a completely different side of Baiyun Mountain. It’s not only the "lungs of Guangzhou" but also a place full of spirit. When you slow down and feel with your heart, you’ll discover its beauty everywhere.