Lingyun Mountain rises directly above the river confluence where the three rivers meet. The mountain is part of the same scenic area as the Giant Buddha and Wuyou Temple, and the path through it is the route you take to reach the top of the statue and the staircase descent. The path through the forested upper slopes is pleasant, and several viewpoints along the ridge look down over the rivers.
At the summit is Lingyun Temple, an older Buddhist foundation that predates the statue below. It is considerably quieter than the main tourist areas and worth a short visit before or after the descent.
The whole Lingyun-Wuyou scenic area is large enough to occupy a full day. Buy your ticket at the main entrance gate; it covers the Giant Buddha descent, Wuyou Temple, and the mountain paths.