Baiyun Scenic Area

Baiyun lies on the outskirts of Yongkang City, 3 kilometres away from Guli Town. Covering a total area of 15.3 square kilometres, it belongs to the low mountain and hilly area in the western suburbs of the Yongkang Basin.

The natural scenery of Baiyun Scenic Area is distinguished by towering yet elegant peaks, magnificent precipices, secluded valleys, fantastic grottoes, cascading waterfalls and clear mountain springs. The entire zone features rolling ridges, steep vertical cliffs and encircling peaks standing like countless stone screens. Baiyun Mountain, the highest summit of the scenic area, rises to an altitude of 633.2 metres, towering above surrounding hills and overlooking the whole mountain range. On rainy days, mist and clouds curl around its slopes; on sunny days, white clouds linger and drift. Standing atop the peak, visitors seem close enough to grasp stars and the moon, while gazing down at the ring of subordinate mountains, experiencing the profound feeling of "all other mountains appear dwarfed beneath one’s feet".

Shicheng Mountain within the scenic area is covered with jagged exotic rocks and lofty precipices. Its sheer vertical rock faces form a natural barrier stretching across the eastern side of Baiyun Scenic Area, enclosing the zone together with Jinsheng Mountain and Huangguang Mountain. Layer upon layer of lush green hills spread at its foot, dotted with vivid rock formations such as the Stone Tortoise, General Rock, Toad Rock, Mounting Stone and Immortal Footprint. These lifelike shapes appear crafted by supernatural craftsmanship, stirring admiration for nature’s endless transformations, formidable power, grandeur and exquisite rugged beauty.

Beyond its spectacular mountain landforms, the area boasts numerous grottoes of diverse and varied shapes, including Rice Sieve Cave, Carefree Cave, Water Curtain Cave and Rock Bridge Cave. Legend says anyone entering Carefree Cave will feel drowsy and sleepy within five minutes, hence its name evoking complete ease and leisure.

Boasting mountains, grottoes, waterfalls and streams, Baiyun Scenic Area combines imposing, rugged mountain massifs with soft, limpid water. The steep peaks and magical grottoes deliver a sense of grandeur, fortitude and open-minded freedom, while gurgling clear springs offer gentle, soothing charm. It also abounds in profound historical and cultural heritage, featuring ancient dwellings, temples, and beautiful historical legends and folk tales.

Gexian Palace Temple was erected by local villagers to express gratitude for the blessings of Ge Hong. Ge Hong (281–361 AD), a distinguished alchemist of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and one of the founders of Taoism, accumulated extensive medical knowledge through alchemical research. His renowned work Baopuzi (both inner and outer chapters) made tremendous contributions to China’s medical development.

Possessing a long history and abundant landscapes filled with rich, fascinating cultural connotations, Baiyun Scenic Area, this bright pearl of tourism, will shine ever more brilliantly amid today’s flourishing travel industry.