White Cloud Hills

Introducing White Cloud Hills

These hills (Báiyún Shān; admission Y5), in the northern suburbs of Guǎngzhōu, are an adjunct to of the Dayu Range (; Dàyù Lǐng), the chief group of mountains in Guǎngdōng. In total there are more than 30 peaks, which were once dotted with temples and monasteries. It’s a good hike up to the top – or a leisurely walk down if you take the cable car (Y25) – and a refreshing escape from the polluted city below.

Star Touching Peak (; Móxīng Lǐng), at 382m, is the highest point in the hills. Local people rate the vista from a precipice called White Cloud Evening View (; Báiyún Wǎnwàng) as one of the eight great sights of Guǎngzhōu.

Famous as a resort since the Tang and Song dynasties, the hills have been thematically restored to attract tourists and now boast a number of attractions, including the Mingchun Valley Aviary (; Míngchūngǔ Niǎoyuán; 3722 9528; admission Y25; 8.30am-5pm), which features a wide variety of bird species.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009