Like a Fairyland, Stunning in All Seasons – A Guide to Baishi Mountain, the Perfect Summer Retreat

Self-drive: Beijing – Baishi Mountain

Route: Jinggang'ao Expressway – Lailai Expressway, total distance: 218 km, driving time: 3 hours, toll: 71*2 (RMB)

Photography gear: DJI Mavic 2, Sony A7R III, lenses: 12-24, 24-240, 70-200; DJI Osmo, DJI action camera, 360-degree action camera

Clothing: warm jacket, long pants, hoodie, sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hat…

Photo outfits: long flowing skirts, Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), bright and colorful, best to highlight the person against the landscape.

Warm reminder: Be sure to bring extra clothes. Baishi Mountain in this season is definitely a great summer retreat, layering up never hurts. If it rains, it gets even colder. Of course, a thin disposable raincoat is a must.

Itinerary: DAY 1: Depart by car at 9 am for Baishi Mountain. In the afternoon, watch the sea of clouds on Baishi Mountain (spotting a sea of clouds requires luck). Follow the 1600m route: Jiucai Garden – Dolphin Emerging from Water

DAY 2: Take the 1900m grand loop, which encompasses all the beautiful scenery of Baishi Mountain – admire the bizarre rock formations – The Spirit of Taihang – Café – Love Vow Terrace – Sky Mirror – Sky Restaurant

Although the route is laid out this way, I still want to categorize these into distinct highlights so that you, visitors to Baishi Mountain, won't miss any wonderful moment.

Watching the Roaring Sea of Clouds on Baishi Mountain, Just Like a Fairyland

A sea of clouds refers to cloud layers that form under certain conditions, with cloud tops lower than the mountain peaks. Looking down from the summit, you see clouds surging like waves, mist spraying like splashes, moving among the mountains, an endless expanse forming layers, some speeding by, others drifting slowly. Do you love such a sea of clouds?

Speaking of cloud seas, Baishi Mountain is an excellent place, though it requires the right natural conditions; otherwise, the sea of clouds won't easily appear. A sea of clouds is both a natural spectacle and a fairyland-like existence. In the Taihang Mountains, Baishi Mountain is indeed the prime choice for cloud watching: a boundless sea of clouds, where does the sky touch?

After taking the cable car to the summit, then a sightseeing bus to Jiucai Garden, which is the best spot for viewing the sea of clouds. This time, with incredible luck, I climbed Baishi Mountain in the rain. Mist swept by, blotting out the sky; mountains appeared and disappeared, clouds gathered and scattered… And then, Baishi Mountain unveiled its most beautiful side: a sea of clouds tumbling and surging endlessly among the peaks, as if immortals were passing by or gathering here. In the steep and precipitous mountains, it felt like a fairyland, making me stop and linger. The mountains were more beautiful than ever in the sea of clouds.

Warm tip: Cloud seas require the right weather, terrain, and luck – all three are indispensable. You need rain, definitely rain. Even if it doesn't rain locally, rain nearby helps seeing a sea of clouds at Baishi Mountain. If it rains at night and the sun rises the next day, the chance of a cloud sea is very high.

Most important tip: Cloud seas and Buddhist halos don't happen every day – it all comes down to extraordinary luck. Such a beautiful Baishi Mountain, just come often and you're bound to encounter a sea of clouds.

Best Photo Spots and Instagram-Worthy Check-in Points

After riding the cable car or shuttle bus up over a thousand meters in elevation, Jiucai Garden marks the true beginning of scenic hiking. Here a huge sculpture comes into view: the Old Sage of Taihang. On its front is a plaque inscribed with a poem by Yang Zi, titled 'Ode to the Old Sage of Taihang':

Vast and imposing Taihang, stretching a thousand li of vastness;

Eternal White Stone, as old as heaven and earth;

A fairy mountain and picturesque scene, shining with sun and moon;

The Old Sage of Taihang, blessing this land;

Following Pangu above, succeeding Nüwa below;

Coordinating with Mount Wutai to the west, leading Hengshan to the north;

Plucking grass to make elixirs, bringing peace to all;

Turning stone to gold, in this flourishing age.

When it comes to taking photos on Baishi Mountain, you really need extraordinary luck. If luck is on your side, you get not only a sea of clouds but also bright sunshine and drifting clouds – every snapshot is a masterpiece.

Along the cliffside plank path, stunning scenery unfolds with bizarre rock formations everywhere.

This is Dolphin Emerging from Water. Although I only had two half-days, I managed to capture both the sea of clouds and the clear-sky dolphin rock. The enchanting lilacs are in full bloom this season, their fragrance pervading the entire Baishi Mountain. This delicate scent adds the perfect touch to the gorgeous scenery. Right now is the Baishi Mountain Lilac Festival – don't miss the chance to enjoy the beautiful views and the fragrant flowers.

Baishi Mountain's grandeur rivals Mount Tai: majestic peaks, rugged cliffs, sheer precipices towering thousands of meters. It is the most beautiful mountain in the Taihang range. The rocks here are quite interesting – that little stone on the distant peak looks like a boot, called 'Immortal Drying His Boot.' And the huge boulder on the summit, seemingly about to topple, yet standing firm for thousands of millennia, demonstrating the immortal's miraculous power.

'The Spirit of Taihang' is another must-visit spot. The rock is enchanting, like a maiden; peculiar, like a pagoda; surrounded by mountains like a moon among stars. It is the soul of Baishi Mountain, one of the essential check-in points.

Baishi Mountain not only stands like a fairy mountain amidst the Taihang range, but is also known as the 'Mountain of Love' or 'Confession Mountain.' Walking along the cliffside plank paths, I saw this Kissing Rock. It turns out love isn't only a human affair. This rock, formed over billions of years, its shape must represent its wishes and will. This Kissing Rock is a must for couples. For us, a mere hundred years of life, while this rock may have stood for eons. Here, making a promise of love might truly lead to a lifetime together, even till white hair.

And the Love Vow Terrace is another must for couples. Perched on a sheer cliff, overlooking the mountain peaks, here love's beauty and the sincerity of vows are witnessed by the mountains. A lifetime of love, growing old together, in life and death unswervingly – this is the ultimate confession spot. To reach the Love Vow Terrace, you need to take the Feiyunkou cable car, which climbs about 300 meters.

At 1600 meters above sea level, the Cloud Café on Baishi Mountain

At 1600 meters, the Cloud Café is a suspended coffee platform on the summit, a unique spot suspended in air, where you can gaze out at the beautiful Baishi Mountain through glass windows. It's a great place for photos and taking a break. Romance abounds: sip coffee, sample fine tea, admire the strange peaks, watch the sea of clouds, let your imagination soar… Baishi Mountain plants the seed of beauty in you.

Climbing Baishi Mountain, the most magical peak in the 400-kilometer Taihang range, one beautiful sight after another unfolds. Rounding a mountain corner, you see the cliffside café in the distance. Like a unique gem embedded in the lush green mountains, on the edge of the cliff, its exterior lines, size, bold design, and all-around glass viewing windows make it distinct yet perfectly integrated with the mountain, seamlessly blending nature with modernity. Its name: Nature's Corner Café, translated as 'Ziran Jiaoluo Kafeiting' (Natural Corner Café).

The café is not just a place to rest, but also an excellent viewpoint. With glass on all sides, no matter where you sit, the windows frame beautiful scenery. On the outdoor terrace, tables and chairs are scattered, the breath of nature rushing by. The beauty here carries a spiritual connection with heaven and earth. If you're lucky, with clouds floating, a sense of enchantment fills your heart. This is also a great spot for photos – whether with flowing skirts, travel gear, or a metallic, rugged style, everything blends perfectly. Enjoying a cup of coffee amidst the clouds, savoring the present moment, encapsulates the boundless scenery of Baishi Mountain.

At 1900 meters, the Highest and Most Beautiful Sky Mirror in the Taihang Mountains

This Sky Mirror is the most beautiful and highest I've ever seen, period. Mountains and sky merge as one, white clouds naturally part of the scene, now embellishing and uniting heaven and earth – a panorama where mountains and sky share the same color.

At this scenic spot, unleash your imagination. Any outfit, any pose, whether in photos or videos, will be masterpieces – stunning, inspired creations.

Romantic Sky Restaurant

Located at Shuangxiongshi Square at 1900 meters, there is a Sky Restaurant, also called the Yougu (Deep Valley) Restaurant. It's cool, with a diverse and delicious menu. Rest here a while, enjoy the view, sit for a moment – it's a favorite rest stop for all hikers.

400 Kilometers of Taihang, the Most Extraordinary Baishi Mountain

Such a fantastically unique Baishi Mountain is hailed as 'the most extraordinary in the 400-kilometer Taihang.' Seasonal changes and weather embellishments make its beauty constantly astonishing. Some call it a fairyland near Beijing in spring. A great place to escape the heat west of Beijing. The charm of Baishi Mountain lies precisely in its beauty, so stunningly gorgeous. As the crown of Taihang, its beauty, danger, and steepness bring different scenery with every turn.

In midsummer, under clear skies, on Baishi Mountain, capture your own beauty… The traces carved by time over millions of years – are they the vow of wind or the promise of rain? Touch these ancient memories with your hand; you and I are merely passersby, yet fortunate to appreciate such wondrous rock formations.

Walking along the plank path, you'll encounter a wordless heavenly book, formed billions of years ago. Who knows what beautiful verses are inscribed on it? This book awaits a destined person to glimpse its magical content.

Amidst the vast changes of time, all living things are but travelers. Today, climbing to the summit of Baishi Mountain and appreciating its beauty up close, how fortunate I am to once again encounter this cool and stunning summer season on Baishi Mountain.

Most practical tips:

Take the cable car to the summit. The cable car spans great heights, offering countless beautiful views along the way. With luck, you can even pass through the sea of clouds, as if flying to a fairyland. Coming to Baishi Mountain, hiking isn't strenuous. After the cable car, there aren't many steps to climb. However, I strongly recommend wearing soft, comfortable shoes. The mountain is too beautiful, and the three main touring routes are enough for a full day of walking on your feet.

When visiting Baishi Mountain, protect yourself from the sun on sunny days and from the rain on rainy days, so both rain gear and sun protection are a must. To take beautiful photos on Baishi Mountain, bring your most flowing skirts or coolest outfits. Every corner of this most extraordinary peak of the 400-kilometer Taihang can leave you with stunning memories.

Be sure to check the weather forecast. If it rains the day before, the chance of a sea of clouds the next day is very high, making the scenery look so ethereal you won't believe it's the real world.

Per person cost: Baishi Mountain entrance ticket 135 yuan, Xiangyunmen Cable Car (East Gate) one way 70 yuan, Feiyunkou Cable Car one way 45 yuan, Cuipingfeng Cable Car (West Gate) 80 yuan, shuttle bus one way 30 yuan.

Opening hours: 08:30-17:30

Detailed address: Fenglianggou Village, Baishishan Town, Laiyuan County, Baoding City, Hebei Province