Baiyun Mountain (白云山), also known as White Cloud Mountain in English, is situated in Song County, Luoyang, Henan Province. It is renowned as a World Geopark, National AAAAA Tourist Attraction, and National Popular Science Education Base. With 37 peaks towering above 1500 meters, including the highest peak, Jade Emperor Peak, reaching 2216 meters, Baiyun Mountain offers a breathtaking landscape. The region boasts countless waterfalls, deep pools, rugged peaks, peculiar rocks, and pristine forests, creating a refreshing atmosphere akin to a natural oxygen bar.
Covering a total area of 168 square kilometers, Baiyun Mountain spans across the basins of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Huai River. During the summer season, temperatures rarely exceed 26℃, providing a comfortable environment for exploration.
Given its vast expanse, visitors are advised to allocate two days to fully explore Baiyun Mountain. For those planning to witness the sunrise from Jade Emperor Peak, it’s recommended to stay near the peak at the Yuhuang Pavilion on the first night. While there are dining and accommodation options within the scenic area, they are limited, so it’s advisable for climbers to bring along some snacks and drinking water.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Baiyun Mountain
- Other Attractions in Luoyang Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
| Ticket Price | 110 RMB for admission and private vehicle 145 RMb for admission and shuttle bus |
| Cable Car | Jade Ecperor Peak Section: 50 RMB Jiulong Watefall Section Upward and Bailong Waterfall Section Downward: 88 RMB Jiulong Waterfall Section Single Way: 60 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0379-66586666 |
Location and Transportation
Baiyun Mountain is situated in the southern part of Song County, nestled within the pristine forest area of the Funiu Mountains in Luoyang, Henan Province. To reach Baiyun Mountain, visitors can catch a direct bus from Luoyang Bus Station, departing daily at 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM. The ticket price for the bus is 44 yuan, and the journey typically takes around 3.5 hours.
Highlights of Baiyun Mountain
Jade Emperor Peak
At 2216 meters above sea level, Jade Emperor Peak is the highest point of Baiyun Mountain. Its name, derived from its resemblance to a celestial palace and a crown, reflects the perpetual shroud of white clouds that envelop it, creating an ethereal atmosphere akin to a mirage. It’s a favored spot in the Central Plains region for witnessing mesmerizing cloud seas and sunrise spectacles. Visitors can also find the “Locks of Togetherness” here, where they can hang their own locks symbolizing unity in the “closest place to the heavens.” Additionally, the Jade Emperor Pavilion atop the peak is a prominent Taoist site, bustling with devotees and exuding spiritual energy.
Waterfalls and Deep Pools
Baiyun Mountain’s lush vegetation gives rise to a diverse array of cascading waterfalls and deep pools, offering a picturesque landscape. Black Dragon Pool, named for its dark waters resembling a swimming dragon, sees water cascading from heights as low as 10 meters, creating an unpredictable depth. Pearl Pool, with its gentle trickle resembling silk threads, exudes a serene charm. Meanwhile, White Dragon Waterfall, with a drop of over 60 meters, presents a magnificent spectacle. The highlight, Nine Dragons Waterfall, standing at 103 meters tall, features natural rock formations resembling nine dragons, hence its name. When the sun shines, rainbows often dance across the cascades, offering visitors a chance to stand amidst the colors.
Ji Jiao Man
Located in the southeastern part of Baiyun Mountain in Luoyang, Ji Jiao Man features a main peak soaring to 1845 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by undulating mountains with steep ridges, and on the summit and smooth rock faces, tall and sturdy cypress trees stand proudly. Alongside Ji Jiao Man, there’s the intriguing Drum and Gong Cave, measuring 18 meters high, 17 meters wide, and 34 meters deep, nestled amidst ancient tree forests. Legend has it that celestial music, resonating with the clang of drums and the melodious strumming of strings, emanates from the cave, heralding auspicious weather and abundant harvests. Within the cave lies a mysterious pool, shallow yet inexplicable – no matter how much water is drawn, it neither overflows nor depletes, baffling all who encounter it. The journey through Ji Jiao Man is further enriched by sights such as the Arrow Bamboo Forest, Birch Forest, Stone Battery Platform, and remnants of the Chu Great Wall.
Baiyun Lake
Constructed in 1997, Baiyun Lake boasts a dam standing 17 meters high, stretching 35 meters in length, with the lake itself extending 500 meters and capable of storing up to 120,000 cubic meters of water. The tranquil waters are adorned with drifting mist, creating a picturesque scene. Below Baiyun Lake lies the Qing Shan Lake, spanning 150,000 cubic meters, named for the surrounding embracing green mountains, blending harmoniously with the azure waters. Baiyun Lake serves as a regulating reservoir, primarily for managing downstream water supply for waterfalls. Embarking on a boat ride across the lake offers a serene experience, with gentle breezes and rippling waters guiding you through the interplay of light and shadow. The encompassing blue skies, billowing clouds, verdant hills, and crystalline waters wash away the weariness of both body and mind, leaving you with a tranquil and rejuvenated spirit.
High Mountain Peony Garden
Renowned for its abundance of peonies, Luoyang boasts the High Mountain Peony Garden as one of Baiyun Mountain’s highlights. As the saying goes, “Intoxicated by peonies in Luoyang in April,” and in May, within the territory of Song County, Baiyun Mountain comes alive with the vibrant hues of blooming peonies. Thanks to its high elevation, the blooming period of peonies in the High Mountain Peony Garden extends from May to June, allowing visitors ample opportunity to admire these resplendent blooms. With 156 varieties and a total of 56,000 peony plants spanning across 168 acres, the garden is a true spectacle. Additionally, several exquisitely crafted wooden pavilions offer ideal vantage points for appreciating the beauty of the peonies, further enhancing the scenic charm of the area.
