Visit Baiyun Mountain This May Day Holiday for Free Hiking and Water Fun!

# Holiday Travel Alternative | Discover This Hidden Gem City with Free Mountain Hiking and Water Activities While holiday crowds flock to popular tourist destinations, why not explore a peaceful yet exciting hidden gem? Visit the Lishui Baiyun National Forest Park for a free adventure of hiking and water activities - its beauty awaits your discovery. Lishui Baiyun National Forest Park is like a green pearl set in this small city, located directly north of and adjacent to downtown Lishui. This proximity makes it extremely accessible by various transportation methods. The mountain's poetic name "Baiyun" (White Cloud) comes from the white clouds that often encircle its peaks, giving it a mysterious veil that beckons visitors. One of the park's biggest attractions is its free admission, offering visitors a cost-free opportunity to connect with nature. The park features diverse attractions like a beautiful painting scroll. Baiyun Temple, Sika Deer Breeding Base, Longtan Waterfall, and other spots each have their unique charm. A carefully constructed walking trail along the stream connects these attractions like a winding ribbon, providing visitors with an excellent place to escape the heat and enjoy the water - the closest refreshing retreat to the city. ## Thousand-Year-Old Temple - Baiyun Temple Built during the Tang Dynasty, Baiyun Temple has over a thousand years of history. Though modest in size today, the temple has a unique charm. It features two main halls - the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Grand Hall - creating a solemn atmosphere that instantly brings peace to visitors. Guests can receive free incense for worship, experiencing its sanctity and devotion. The temple also offers vegetarian meals three times daily, though advance reservations are required. Without a reservation, the temple may still accommodate guests if food is available - a thoughtful gesture that adds warmth to the experience. Imagine enjoying a vegetarian meal in this ancient temple while listening to the melodious temple bells, as if time itself has slowed down. ## Adorable Attraction - Sika Deer Garden The Sika Deer Garden is like a fairytale world built in the hillside forest. It's a paradise for children and perfect for family visits. The gentle sika deer are like friendly sprites. You can softly pet their fur and feel their warmth. Carrots are available for purchase outside at 6 yuan per pack to feed the deer. When you approach with carrots, the deer will gaze at you with their bright eyes - absolutely adorable. Children's laughter fills the forest as they interact with these gentle creatures. ## Convenient Transportation - Multiple Options ### Shuttle Bus At the South Gate, convenient shuttle buses serve as a link through the forest, taking you directly to Baiyun Temple. With multiple stops along the way, you can hop on and off as needed. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs only 2 yuan, with buses running every half hour (see Figure 8 for the schedule). Enjoy the scenic views along the way while riding the shuttle. ### Self-Driving Usually, you can drive up the mountain for free and experience the freedom of forest roads. Parking spaces are available along the inner side of the mountain road for scenic stops. However, during peak tourist seasons, traffic may be restricted for safety and better visitor experience, so it's best to check conditions in advance during these times. ### Electric Scooters The South Gate has three major shared electric scooter parking spots. If you're staying in the city, riding a scooter is very convenient. Enjoy the breeze while traveling between city and forest, exercising while taking in both urban and natural scenery. ## Tour Routes - Different Choices While Baiyun Mountain is extensive, the main tourist area concentrates along the line from the South Gate to Baiyun Temple. There are two main walking routes for ascending and descending: ### Buyun Ridge Hiking Trail After entering the South Gate, take the hiking trail on the left directly up the mountain. You'll pass Buyun Pavilion and Wangcheng Pavilion. Buyun Pavilion serves as a rest stop in the clouds, allowing you to pause and enjoy the surrounding views. Wangcheng Pavilion offers a panoramic view of downtown Lishui, showcasing the blend of city and forest. This direct route to Baiyun Temple is the shortest but steeper path, offering a pure hiking experience taking about 50 minutes. It's ideal for those seeking a challenge and enjoying the thrill of climbing. ### Streamside Walking Trail From the South Gate, follow the walking trail along both sides of Liyang Valley stream. You'll encounter Shuangxi Waterfall and Longtan Waterfall. Shuangxi Waterfall resembles two white ribbons cascading down the mountain, creating splashing water drops; Longtan Waterfall is magnificent with rushing waters creating thunderous sounds. Continue to the Sika Deer Breeding Base, then leave the stream to follow the hiking trail and vehicle road to Baiyun Temple (or continue along the stream to the Summer Resort at the very end). This route is gentler, perfect for enjoying the mountain and water scenery at a leisurely pace, taking about 2 hours. ## Recommended Routes - Based on Preference For hiking enthusiasts, try Route ① up and ② down. Challenge yourself on the Buyun Ridge Trail going up, then relax while enjoying the scenery on the Streamside Trail coming down. For those seeking a cooling retreat, take the shuttle up and Route ② down. Ride the shuttle to Baiyun Temple, then slowly explore along the Streamside Trail, enjoying the cool and tranquil environment. Note that while driving up is convenient, you'll need to return to retrieve your car after descending, which might be slightly inconvenient. Generally, half a day is sufficient to explore Baiyun Mountain. Beyond these main attractions and routes, Baiyun Mountain offers some off-the-beaten-path spots worth exploring. These include the historic Chenliao Ancient Trail on the east side, carrying traces of time and telling ancient stories; the cliff walkway, offering thrilling experiences and close encounters with nature's magnificent work; and the Antang Scenic Area, a peaceful and secluded paradise. This holiday, take a break from the crowds and visit Lishui Baiyun National Forest Park for a free adventure of hiking and water activities. Experience nature's charm and create beautiful memories.