The Chinese city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, has been growing at a breakneck pace for the last decade or so, but one of its most striking features has remained the same for centuries. White Cloud Mountain (Baiyun Shan), ten miles north of Guangzhou, gets its name from the unique ring of clouds that gathers around it when the sun shines after a rain shower, but it's a spectacular sight to see no matter what the weather. With thirty peaks to climb, visitors to the park can get a good workout and enjoy spectacular views of the city and of the famous Pearl River Valley below. Six different parks provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking and relaxing, including a 46-hectare sculpture park filled with classic and contemporary sculptures, and a bird park that features the world's largest natural birdcage. (I wonder how big the birds are.) And if you really want to feel like you're flying, take a cable car ride to the top of Moxing Ridge, which, at nearly 400 meters, almost earns its nickname, "star-scraping ridge." You'll have plenty to talk about over tea and dumplings at Luming Restaurant. The park is a short drive from the luxurious Westin Guangzhou.

[image via Best of Guangzhou]