Yuntaishan

Yuntaishan (Cloud Terrace Mountain) is a scenic area in Shibing County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, eastern Guizhou, and is one of the sites that make up the Shibing Karst UNESCO World Heritage listing. The mountain rises as a plateau of dolomite karst, with sheer cliffs, deep gorges and forested summit plateaus overlooking the Wuyang River valley. Its name refers to the cloud and mist that often drift around the summit. The main route climbs stairways and cliffside paths to a series of Taoist temples and halls, including a Ming era pavilion and the Cloud Terrace temple at the top, where visitors can look out across the valley and the winding river far below. Some sections of the walkway are cut into the cliff face or run along edges with railings. Visitors spend three to four hours on a typical visit, taking in temples, viewing platforms and the forested plateau. Spring brings green vegetation and wildflowers, and autumn offers clearer skies and cooler temperatures, which suit the climb. Mornings often bring mist and cloud, which make for atmospheric photographs but limited views, while afternoons are usually clearer. Crowds are modest outside public holidays. Paths include many steps, so comfortable shoes are important, and a light waterproof layer helps in changeable weather. Shibing town, about 1.5 hours by road from Kaili, has guesthouses and local dishes, including tofu and river fish, and is well placed for exploring the Wuyang River by boat. The scenic area is reached by bus from Kaili to Shibing, followed by a taxi.