The Baiyun Hills are much loved by Guangzhou locals for their scenic beauty and the relief they provide from the crowded city. They have long been the subject of lyrical descriptions and traditional paintings: a favorite view is of the peaks wreathed in clouds after rain – which they usually are.
There are about 30 peaks, the highest of which is Moxing Ling (Star-Scraping Ridge) which is 382 meters high. There are fine views of the Pearl River and Guangzhou from the summit. The area now includes modern amenities like a golf course, a botanical garden and a sculpture park. A particularly popular attraction is the Mingchun Valley aviary.