Baiyangyu Scenic Area

Baiyangyu Scenic Area

Baiyangyu Scenic Area

The Baiyangyu mountain range belongs to the Hengshan Mountain Range and is located 20 kilometers west of Guangling County. It is one of the five major scenic areas of Nanhuzhong Forest Park, covering a total area of 100,000 mu. The area consists of five parts: mountains, water, forests, revolutionary sites, and temple ruins.

Baiyangyu is a typical natural scenic area where mountains, water, and forests are organically integrated. The valley stretches 15 kilometers with 15 bends. The entire mountain valley undulates gently, and the three mu forested area presents a magnificent sight. On both sides of the valley, emerald peaks rise in layers, and the forest and mountain landscapes blend seamlessly—mountains are dotted with forests, forests hide caves, and caves contain streams. Mountain springs are abundant, waterfalls hang high, and numerous small streams converge into flows that form the source of the Hulu River. Within the valley, the craftsmanship of nature has created a large number of uniquely shaped natural landscapes, including General Cliff, Fairy Peak, Crouching Tiger Mountain, Tiger Head Rock, Sedan Chair Mountain, Little Turtle Mountain, Laojun Cave, and the ancient “Eight Scenic Spots” of Guangling County—“Baiyang Evening Mist.”

Here, there are also beautiful and moving folk legends such as “Generals Playing Chess” and “Fairy Herding Sheep,” which add an air of mystery. In spring and summer, the area is covered with blooming flowers and filled with birdsong and fragrant blossoms. The forest is rich in a wide variety of natural medicinal herbs, with over a hundred species identified so far, and edible wild mushrooms are abundant. The wetlands through which valley springs flow are a feast for the eyes, and being there instantly refreshes the mind and lifts the spirit, making visitors linger and reluctant to leave, with their desire to explore further greatly increased.

Inside Baiyangyu and at the valley entrance, there are Baiyang Temple and Qingliang Temple, respectively, both of which have been destroyed, leaving only ruins. There are inscriptions on steles dating back to the “sixth year of the Yuandade era” (i.e., the ninth year of Yuan Emperor Chengzong, 1302 AD).

Address: 20 kilometers west of Guangling County, Datong City, Shanxi Province