Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain offers a variety of hiking trails tailored to different skill levels, each with unique scenic highlights and cultural attractions. Below are the details of several popular routes:
1. Beginner-Friendly Fitness Trail
Route: West Gate → Huigui Forest → Yunshan Tea Garden → Peach Blossom Valley → Baiyun Pine Waves → Dangxiong Pavilion → Shanzhuang Hostel → Shuangxi Villa → Jiulong Spring → Summit Plaza → Keqi Lawn → Nengren Temple → Pugu Valley → South Gate.
Distance: 10 km.
Elevation Gain: 385 m.
Highlights:
Shanzhuang Hostel: A historic site with Lingnan-style gardens, once the residence of literary giants like Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping.
Pugu Valley: A lush, tropical rainforest-like area with waterfalls and streams, ideal for cooling off in summer.
2. Intermediate Four-Season Hiking Trail
Route: South Gate → Pugu Valley → Nengren Temple → Keqi Lawn → Summit Plaza → Jiulong Spring → Shuangxi Villa → Shanzhuang Hostel → Dangxiong Pavilion → Baiyun Pine Waves → Peach Blossom Valley → Yunshan Tea Garden → Lakeside Boardwalk → Plum Blossom Valley → Diecui Pavilion → Yuanxiatian Entrance (near Guangzhou Boundary Stone) → North Gate.
Distance: 13 km.
Elevation Gain: 691 m.
Highlights:
Lakeside Boardwalk: A 520-meter waterfront path offering panoramic views of Huangpodong Reservoir.
Plum Blossom Valley: A vibrant garden bursting with colorful water lilies in summer, reminiscent of Monet’s paintings.
3. Advanced Trail Running Route
Route: West Gate → Huigui Forest → Cuizhuyuan Entrance → Yuanxiatian Entrance → Guangzhou Boundary Stone → Maziji Ridge → Woshan Village Entrance → Baiyun Pine Waves → Dangxiong Pavilion → Moyun Crossing → Xian Pavilion → Muxia Pavilion → West Gate.
Distance: 15 km.
Elevation Gain: 785 m.
Highlights:
Maziji Ridge: Renowned for its breathtaking sunset views, blending golden, orange, and sapphire hues with city lights.
4. Expert-Level “West-South-West” Half-Marathon Trail
Route: West Gate → Huigui Forest → Yunshan Tea Garden → Peach Blossom Valley → Baiyun Pine Waves → Dangxiong Pavilion → South Gate of Moxing Ridge → Guangzhou Stele Forest → Summit Plaza → Keqi Lawn → Nengren Temple → Pugu Valley → South Gate (return) → Pugu Valley → Nengren Temple → Keqi Lawn → Summit Plaza → Jiulong Spring → Shuangxi Villa → Shanzhuang Hostel → Dangxiong Pavilion → Baiyun Pine Waves → Peach Blossom Valley → Yunshan Tea Garden → Huigui Forest → West Gate.
Distance: 21 km.
Elevation Gain: 912 m.
Highlights:
Baiyun Pine Waves: A dense pine forest where wind rustles through needles, creating a soothing, wave-like sound.
5. Family-Friendly Trail
Route: West Gate → Huigui Forest → Cuizhuyuan Entrance → Yunshan Tea Garden → Biying Bay → Plum Blossom Valley → Lakeside Boardwalk → Cuizhuyuan Entrance → West Gate.
Distance: 6 km.
Elevation Gain: 117 m.
Highlights:
Yunshan Tea Garden: A transformed old tea factory into a Lingnan-style garden, perfect for photography.
Biying Bay: A scenic spot along Huangpodong Reservoir with clear waters and serene vistas.
Practical Tips for Hikers
Tickets & Access: The base ticket is ¥5. The Moxing Ridge Summit, the highest peak, requires an additional ¥5.
Transportation Options:
Cable Car: From the South Gate, ¥25 one-way, ¥20 downhill.
Sightseeing Bus: ¥25/person (includes ticket), ideal for conserving energy.
Essential Gear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, apply mosquito repellent, and carry sunscreen, water, and a portable charger.
Peak Hours: Early mornings (before 8:30 AM) are recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking.
Culinary Delights: Along the trails, savor local snacks like tofu pudding, ox tripe with radish, and pig blood soup. For a sit-down meal, opt for vegetarian restaurants, Western cuisine, or McDonald’s.
