Towering peaks and a waterfall-like sea of clouds! A summer Bai Shi Mountain at 21°C, captivating at first sight!
The benevolent love mountains, the wise love waters. Whenever summer arrives, I feel an impulse to flee the clamor of crowds, escape the worldly chaos, and find a place with mountains, water, and coolness to watch the sun and moon shift and the clouds and wind transform.
Each season has its own beauty and moments that move us, but we always crave more from nature's gifts. This June, I chose Bai Shi Mountain, 200 kilometers due west of Beijing, where there is not only picturesque scenery but also a refreshing 21°C summer coolness all its own.
From Beijing to Bai Shi Mountain — take the Xiangyun Gate cable car up — Jiucai Garden to see the sea of clouds — Little Cave Heaven — Dolphin Rising from the Water — Immortal Gathering Platform — Bai Shi Clear Clouds — Huoran Cliff — Five Elements Platform
Take the bus up the mountain — Jiucai Garden — Little Bridge over Flowing Water — Jiucai Garden cable car lower station — Wangting Pavilion — Cliffside Corridor — Immortal Sunning His Boot — Lovers' Bridge — Nature's Corner Café — Three Cave Heavens — Spirit of the Taihang — Feiyunkou Cable Car — Feiyunkou — Vows Platform — Twin Heroes' Sky Mirror — Twin Heroes Guarding the Mountain — Piggy Takes a Wife — Taigong Fishing
[About Transportation]
Bai Shi Mountain is the 'back garden' for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Xiong'an New Area. It is located 200 kilometers due west of Beijing, a 3-hour drive by car; 197 kilometers from Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei Province, 2.5 hours; 268 kilometers from Tianjin, 3.5 hours; and 139 kilometers from Xiong'an New Area, less than 2 hours.
The Taihang Mountains stretch like an ocean, with waves that shake heaven and earth.
The mountain gorges twist nineteen times, and strange peaks stand facing you.
Bai Shi Mountain lies at the northernmost tip of the vast 800-li Taihang range, the crown of the Taihang, and its most remarkable peaks. Among its three summits, six platforms, nine valleys, and eighty-one peaks are endless scenic sights. Cliffs pierce the clouds, peak rocks and colorful forests, Buddha's light and seas of clouds — and a summer coolness of 21°C.
Bai Shi Mountain combines northern grandeur with southern grace; it reveals mystery in the ordinary and beauty in the majestic. It has long been said that in Bai Shi's scenery, sunny days are not as beautiful as rainy ones, rain not as mist, mist not as clouds. The mountain is mostly white marble, with its main ridge stretching 7,000 meters — the only famous peak forest mountain in China dominated by white marble. Its unique geology and geography create the dreamlike spectacle of sea of clouds and Buddha's light.
I had been drawn to Bai Shi Mountain for a long time, always longing to see its magnificent scenery. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, I had missed it time and again.
This time I made up my mind to fulfill this wish. So I made plans with friends, and we set off from Beijing, driving 3 hours to realize our dream.
As we neared Bai Shi Mountain, a light drizzle began to fall from the sky. The air carried a fresh scent, bringing summer coolness. A companion who had been here before said she had seen Bai Shi Mountain on clear days, but what it looked like in the rain — she had yet to see.
After a quick lunch, we eagerly took the Xiangyun Gate cable car up the mountain. As the car climbed, it entered the clouds, and mist obscured the view. At that moment, I couldn't help worrying about our trip, wondering what scenery awaited at the summit.
As the altitude rose, the temperature slowly dropped, and we felt a little chill. No need to worry — you can rent a thick jacket at the exit of the Xiangyun Gate cable car upper station to keep warm. Or, if you're feeling hardy, you can use the rain poncho you brought as a warm layer. Most of the cold at the top comes from the wind; block the wind, and you fend off the chill.
From Xiangyun Gate to the electric bus pick-up point, you pass through a large pine forest. After the rain, the pines were a delightfully vivid green, with raindrops quietly slipping from grass blades. Among the trees were cartoon figures like Bald Qiang hidden here and there. On fine days, this is a paradise for children, where they can swing and play hide-and-seek.
'Suddenly I hear there is a fairy mountain at sea, a mountain lost in the misty void.' This line is used to describe the mystical Penglai Fairyland, yet why must one go out to sea to see a fairy mountain? If you are devout enough, just as we were climbing Bai Shi Mountain in the rain, turn a corner and you'll bump right into the sea of clouds!
What is luck? This... is... luck!
Amid the ethereal sea of clouds, the majestic Bai Shi Mountain that we see on clear days showed us another kind of beauty — a touch hazier, a touch more charming. Like watching flowers through a veil of mist, or gazing at the moon reflected in water; stare hard at it, and it transforms into another form.
In the misty drizzle, we walked along the cliff-side walkway, lilacs blooming on the hillsides swaying in the breeze. The gentle wind brought the fragrance of the flowers. At Bai Shi Mountain, what you come to see is the marble peak forest landform. In ancient geological times, where the Taihang and Yan ranges met, two old mountain ranges wrestled, forming Bai Shi Mountain's dense, sky-high, layered peaks with four wonders: many peaks, sheer cliffs, bizarre shapes, and dangerous terrain.
The lone peak named Dolphin Rising from the Water is best viewed after rain. When a sea of clouds fills the valley, the isolated peak looks just like a dolphin leaping from the sea. According to geological studies, the entire peak is composed of giant breccia formed 1.5 billion years ago.
The Ten-Thousand-Volume Heavenly Book is actually a giant collapsed boulder containing wavy stromatolites. Due to differences in composition and weathering resistance, the wavy stromatolites appear like thick pages of a giant book — a sealed heavenly book that cannot be opened, yet holds the codes to decipher geological changes.
Near the Five Elements Platform, the rain grew heavier, and the fog thickened. My friend in thin clothes complained of feeling cold. It was nearing 6 p.m., so we decided to head back and set out for Bai Shi Mountain again the next day.
Generally, there are three routes to tour Bai Shi Mountain. We chose the most challenging grand loop, also known as the photography route. Taking this line, you can basically see all of Bai Shi Mountain's highlight attractions.
The grand loop spans three altitude levels: 1,600m, 1,900m, and 2,000m. It's a route that gradually ascends in elevation. After a full circle, you'll not only rack up over 20,000 steps for your fitness tracker, but also see over 100 peaks scattered in a staggered, relatively independent array. Among the forest of bizarre peaks are crisscrossing ravines; sheer cliffs are like knife cuts with distinct sharp edges.
Mountain watching is about appreciating shapes and listening to stories and legends. Viewed from the side, it's a ridge; from the front, a peak — near and far, high and low, each perspective is different. Precisely because different viewpoints offer different perspectives, the graceful peaks of Bai Shi Mountain take on different looks at unique spots. People have given these special peaks beautiful names based on these views — 'Immortal Sunning His Boot,' 'Three Sages Paying Homage to Buddha,' 'Golden Tortoise Exploring the Sea,' 'Bai Shi Clear Clouds,' 'Piggy Takes a Wife,' 'Twin Heroes Guarding the Mountain,' 'Taigong Fishing'...
'Immortal Sunning His Boot' is one of the Twelve Sights of Bai Shi Mountain. Legend says: 'The Yellow Emperor roamed the land, his boots soaked crossing lakes and seas. One boot dried on Bai Shi Mountain, the other still rests in Huangshan.' 'Immortal Sunning His Boot' is essentially a geological wonder — a hanging rock. The rock mass has multiple sets of vertical joints. Over billions of years of slow physical weathering, surrounding rock fragments gradually peeled away, leaving the rock's center of gravity still on the main cliff. Through long-term weathering, it formed the shape of a boot perched atop a peak — a hanging rock spectacle.
'Spirit of the Taihang' is also one of these unique peaks. When I first heard the name, I thought it would be a tall, handsome, perilous peak. Only when we got close did I realize the 'Spirit of the Taihang' is a petite, delicate elegant peak. Perhaps at that moment, you'll sigh: 'You can't judge a person by looks, and the same goes for mountains!'
Legend says when Goddess Nuwa smelted five-colored divine stones to mend the heavens, she couldn't find pillars to support heaven and earth, so she cut off the four legs of a divine giant turtle to prop up the four poles of the world. This stone pillar at Bai Shi Mountain ('Spirit of the Taihang') is the leg that supported the North Pole. Over billions of years, this divine turtle leg absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, finally attaining the Tao and transforming into human form, becoming the 'Spirit of the Taihang.'
Near the Twin Heroes Stone, there's a snack city, a glass walkway, and a Sky Mirror. 'Twin Heroes Guarding the Mountain' is also a hanging rock. The whole cliff is tall and imposing, like two giants standing shoulder to shoulder on a steep precipice — sentinels guarding the peace of Bai Shi Mountain. It is said that during the Song-Liao period, Bai Shi Mountain divided the two kingdoms. Generals of the Yang family guarded the three passes, including this one. They named these two natural stone pillars 'Twin Heroes' to honor patriotic generals who defended the country.
When viewing mountains and forms, everyone sees something different. Besides these named scenes, among the bizarre peaks and ridges, there are also nameless peaks not yet given titles. Perhaps 'names are born from nature, caught by a deft hand.' While you tour Bai Shi Mountain, you might inadvertently bestow a name upon some peak. Why not give it a try?
Everyone hopes that when they say 'I love you' to their beloved, they will receive a lifelong, everlasting love. At Bai Shi Mountain, there is not only romantic scenery but also a place to witness love. Climb Bai Shi Mountain with your sweetheart, watch the sun rise in the east and the sea of clouds drift, make vows of love, and let the graceful peaks bear witness to a timeless love.
By the mountain stream, a maiden washes silk, her eyes sparkling, her smile blooming like a flower; upon the stream, a scholar floats in a boat, holding a paper umbrella, eyes full of affection. A chance meeting of lovers, perhaps just a fleeting glance, leaves a memory that never fades. Lovers believe in love, are faithful to it, and trust in the great power of eternal vows.
The Vows Platform on Bai Shi Peak is a heart-shaped viewing platform on the mountain, taking its meaning from 'pledge of mountain and sea.' This spot is not only a popular photo destination but is also regarded as a sacred place for love blessings. People hope that loves and wishes witnessed at the Vows Platform will be sheltered and blessed.
Between lovers, there are always endless whispered words, so climbing the mountain involves frequent stops. When tired, sit a while at Nature's Corner Café, sip a coffee, read a good book, watch the sun rise and set, flowers bloom and fade — a tranquil, beautiful time.
Nature's Corner Café is a suspended coffee platform and a trendy spot at Bai Shi Mountain. On the viewing deck, drinking coffee, sipping tea, gazing at the peaks, and admiring the sea of clouds — the romantic ambiance gives the Bai Shi Mountain trip a unique flavor.
The Sky Mirror is Bai Shi Mountain's newest trendy attraction, a stunning scene you can capture without traveling far. The Sky Mirror doubles as the mirror of the sky, located at the Twin Heroes Stone scenic area on the 1,900m route. It covers the entire roof of the Twin Heroes Stone snack city, paved with specially crafted tempered glass mirrors covering about 400 square meters.
Elegant mountain ridges, pure skies, sunset silhouettes, ethereal seas of clouds — a succession of exquisite natural scrolls fills the eye, each radiating the ethereal beauty of the valleys.
Beauty doesn't need to be deliberately sought; it happens right beside you and before your eyes. Just press the shutter, and every shot is a masterpiece. The Sky Mirror reflects all things, and it also reflects the magical, elegant Bai Shi Mountain.
📍 Address:
Bai Shi Mountain Scenic Area, 15 km south of Laiyuan County, Baoding City
🕙 Opening Hours:
08:00~18:00
💰 Average Cost:
Entrance ticket: 135 yuan
Xiangyun Gate cable car (East Gate) one-way: 70 yuan
Feiyunkou cable car one-way: 45 yuan
Cuiping Peak cable car (West Gate): 80 yuan
Bus one-way: 30 yuan
🎢 Route Recommendations:
1️⃣ Study & Family Route:
● Altitude: 1,900m
● Duration: 2~3 hours
● Route: Feiyunkou — Vows Platform — Twin Heroes Stone Glass Walkway — Piggy Takes a Wife — Dolphin Rising from the Water — Jiucai Garden
2️⃣ Fitness Route
● Altitude: 1,600m–1,900m
● Duration: 3~5 hours
● Route: Jiucai Garden — Flying Fox Double-layer Glass Bridge — Immortal Sunning His Boot — Café — Spirit of the Taihang — Feiyunkou — Vows Platform — Twin Heroes Stone Glass Walkway — Dolphin Rising from the Water — Jiucai Garden
3️⃣ Photography Route:
● Altitude: 1,600m–1,900m–2,000m
● Duration: 4~7 hours
● Route: Jiucai Garden — Flying Fox Double-layer Glass Bridge — Immortal Sunning His Boot — Three Sages Paying Homage to Buddha — Spirit of the Taihang — Feiyunkou — Vows Platform — Twin Heroes Stone Glass Walkway — Twin Heroes Guarding the Mountain — Piggy Takes a Wife — Buddha Light Summit — Mantou Stone — Jiucai Garden
Everyone has a Bai Shi Mountain in their heart, and everyone sees a Bai Shi Mountain in their own eyes. When visiting, why not slow down and take a leisurely stroll?
At Bai Shi Mountain, there are many more fun, interesting, trendy, fantastical, and thrilling sights and activities. I won't give away too much here — more surprises await for you to discover in person.
Travelogue Contents: 1. [About the Itinerary] 2. [About Bai Shi Mountain] 3. Day 1: Through Wind and Rain, a Sea of Clouds Was the Best Welcome Gift 4. Day 2: Taking the Grand Loop to See Bai Shi Mountain's Highlights 5. [Magpie Bridge in the Sky, Vows Platform on Earth] 6. [Trendy Photo Spots, Every Snap a Masterpiece] 7. [Practical Tips] 8. [Afterword] Travel Info Hotel Index Travel Guide Index Flight Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Partnership and Cooperation Affiliate Distribution Alliance Friendly Links Corporate Gift Card Procurement Insurance Agency Cooperative Agency Hotel Partnership Destination and Scenic Area Cooperation More Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip News Contact Us Job Opportunities User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure
