Trip Overview
When: October (peak autumn foliage season)
Duration: 4 days
Travelers: Friends
Budget: ~1,500 RMB (~$210 USD)
Transportation: High-speed rail + bus + self-driving
Getting to Baiyun Mountain
Baiyun Mountain (白云山) sits in Luoyang (洛阳), Henan Province—about 1-2 hours by bus from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station. The mountain is accessible via public buses from Luoyang Longmen Bus Center (departures at 7:40 AM and 1:30 PM) or from Zhengzhou. For more flexibility, rental cars are available, with several scenic routes from different directions.
Day 1: Arrival at Baiyun Village
We departed Beijing via high-speed rail, arriving at Luoyang Longmen Station around late afternoon. After transferring to our pre-arranged car, we reached Baiyun Renjia Resort Hotel (白云人家度假酒店) by 5 PM. The check-in was smooth, and we settled into our rooms, ready for the adventures ahead.
The resort offers comfortable accommodations with essential amenities. Pro tip: Request a room with air conditioning and electric blanket—heated bedding is a lifesaver in the mountain's damp climate.
Day 2: Reed Valley and九龙瀑布
We started early with breakfast at the hotel (7:00-8:30 AM), then headed to Reed Valley (芦花谷)—a 3-kilometer stretch of babbling brooks and swaying reeds. The autumn views here are absolutely magical, with silver-white reed flowers dancing in the breeze like floating snow.
Reed Valley (芦花谷): Free with park admission. The best time to visit is late October when the reeds bloom. Wear comfortable shoes—the trail is uneven in places.
After lunch at the hotel (12:00-2:30 PM), we tackled the Nine Dragon Falls (九龙瀑布) scenic area. This 103-meter waterfall is the crown jewel of Baiyun Mountain, crashing down with such force it creates a permanent rainbow on sunny days.
九龙瀑布 (Nine Dragon Falls): Included in park ticket. The waterfall is most impressive after rain. Take the cable car back to save energy for dinner.
We returned to the hotel by 5:30 PM for a well-deserved dinner. The local specialties are must-try—fresh mountain vegetables and hearty Henan cuisine after a day of hiking.
Day 3: Yuhuang Peak and Baiyun Lake
Day three was all about reaching the summit. We took the Yuhuang Peak cable car (玉皇顶索道) up, arriving at the summit around 11 AM. At over 2,000 meters elevation, the temperature was noticeably cooler—glad we packed those extra layers!
Yuhuang Peak (玉皇顶): The highest point offers panoramic views of the three major river systems (Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe). Sunrise here is legendary—but requires an early alarm and warm clothes, even in summer.
We visited Liuhou Temple (留侯祠), a historical site dedicated to the famous strategist Zhang Liang, then enjoyed lunch back at the hotel.
Afternoon brought us to Wumasi Thousand-Year Ginkgo Forest (五马寺千年银杏林) via the Nine Dragon cable car. The ancient ginkgo trees were turning brilliant gold—an absolute photographer's paradise.
Five Horse Temple Ginkgo Forest (五马寺千年银杏林): Best visited mid-to-late October for golden foliage. Free with park entry.
We ended the day at Baiyun Lake (白云湖), where mirror-still waters reflect the surrounding mountains—a perfect wind-down spot.
Day 4: Return Journey
Final day was a leisurely morning departure, driving back to Luoyang Longmeng Railway Station for our return high-speed rail to Beijing.
Ticket Information
Adult Ticket: 75 RMB (~$10.50)
Discounted Ticket (children/seniors/students): 37.5 RMB (~$5.25)
Free Entry: Children under 6 or under 1.4m; seniors 70+; active military; disabled visitors
Note: The mountain is closed annually from November to March. Plan accordingly.
Travel Tips
1. The mountain is closed November through March—check operating dates before planning your trip.
2. Accommodations can be damp—request rooms with air conditioning and electric blankets.
3. Yuhuang Peak is over 2,000 meters high—temperatures are significantly cooler than at the base. Bring layers, especially for sunrise viewing.
4. Bring cash for small vendors and tickets—mobile payment coverage can be spotty in remote areas.
5. The glass walkway (悬空玻璃桥) at 1,900+ meters is not for the faint-hearted! Reality check: 90% of visitors find it terrifying—but the views are worth it.
Highlights Not to Miss
芦花谷 (Reed Valley): Don't miss the autumn reed flowers—3,000 meters of silver-white beauty. The valley comes alive in October with reeds swaying like snow.
Glass Skywalk (悬空玻璃桥): At 1,900+ meters elevation and 100 meters long, walking on this transparent bridge over Nine Dragon Canyon is an adrenaline rush. The steel-frame, tempered-glass structure offers views you'll never forget.
九龙瀑布 (Nine Dragon Falls): The 103-meter waterfall is the showstopper. The canyon is 3,000 meters long with a 1,300-meter drop, creating numerous pools and cascades. The most spectacular waterfall in central China.
The autumn colors here are beyond description—mountains painted in crimson, orange, and gold like nature's own impressionist painting. Baiyun Mountain truly comes alive in fall.