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Imagine the respiration of dragons breathing out as liquid silver, engraving emerald patchwork into the land’s soul. China offers a breathtaking experience to witness the most dramatic artistry of nature. Forget insignificant trickles and get ready to be amazed by the roaring sounds and elegant dances of the most magnificent waterfalls in China. From the ancient cascades that inspired poets to hidden gems covered in mist, this article unveils the top 10 waterfalls in China- a collection of treasures that will redefine your point of view about natural beauty. Get ready to be mesmerised by these 10 miracles’ ethereal grace and tremendous strength.
Top 10 Waterfalls In China
Apart from famous rivers, lakes and mountains, you can find some of the best waterfalls in China attracting a large number of visitors every year.
1. Huangguoshu Waterfall
Photo: Huangdan2060 / Wikimedia Commons
Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest waterfall in China and East Asia, situated on the Baishui River. This waterfall is one of the most typical and wonderful karst waterfalls in the world. It is 101 meters wide, falling 78 meters down into the Xiniu Pool or Rhinoceros Pool. Huangguoshu is one of the largest and famous waterfalls in the world, which can be viewed from different angles. From one spot, the waterfall can be seen from a distance. Another water-viewing spot shows the bird’s eye view of the waterfall, and in the third stage, visitors need to raise their heads to enjoy the view.
Location: Anshun City, Guizhou Province
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Huangguoshu Waterfall National Park, Tianxing Bridge, Stone Village
2. Hukou Waterfall
Photo: Leruswing / Wikimedia Commons
Hukou Waterfall is the largest yellow waterfall located on the Yellow River and the second biggest waterfall in China. The word “Hukou” means “Teapot Mouth” as the yellow waters pour down like tea from a large teapot. The width of this waterfall changes with the season; it is usually 30 meters wide, but during flood season, it increases to 50 meters. The giant yellow colour of the water makes this waterfall so special. The Yellow River rushes into the narrow teapot mouth with a huge force, which creates a thick mist that resembles smoke rising from the water’s surface.
Location: Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to November
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Dragon Cave, Ten-mile Dragon Trough (Shi Li Long Cao), Circumzenithal Arc, Hukou Village for Drum Fight Show, and Mengmen Mountain
3. Ban Gioc- Detian Waterfall
Photo: 张元柏 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Detian Waterfall is a transitional waterfall, situated on the Guichun River. It is the largest transitional waterfall in Asia and the fourth worldwide. It is more than 200 meters wide and has a drop of 30 meters. It is known as Detian Waterfall in Guichun River on the Chinese side and Ban Gioc on the Vietnamese side. The water of the Detian Waterfall cascades in three layers and turns between towering old trees, providing a spectacular view of the waterfall. This waterfall is divided into three layers- in the upper layer, the water rushes along the vertical bluff and falls into the deep pool.
Location: Guangxi Province, the border between China and Vietnam
Best Time To Visit: May to November
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Nature walk, boat ride, Magic Carpet conveyor belt, and enjoy Vietnamese snacks
4. Nuorilang Waterfall
Photo: Travel Coffee Book / Wikimedia Commons
Nuorolang Waterfall is situated at an altitude of 2365 meters, it is one of the largest Travertine waterfalls. With a height of 20 meters and a width of 270 meters, it is a shooting location for Chinese films and TV series. Nuorilang is a Tibetan word which means god as a symbol of height and majesty. The scenery of this waterfall changes in four seasons- during spring, it creates a green and vibrant scene, whereas during autumn, the valley looks colourful.
Location: Inside Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve, Sichuan Province, China
Best Time To Visit: Spring and Autumn
Timings: 7 AM – 18 PM
Nearby Attractions: Jiuzhaigou Valley Huanglong National Park, Muni Valley, Songpan Ancient Town
5. Jiulong Waterfall
Photo: Zhangmoon618 / Wikimedia Commons
Jiulong Waterfall, comprising 10 cascades, is known as Nine-Dragon Waterfall. The entire waterfall is 4 Km long, which looks like a silver dragon winding through the green mountain. The grandest No. 1 waterfall is 114 meters wide, and it is arch-shaped. If you see this waterfall from a huge rock situated beside it, it will seem like the water is pouring onto earth from heaven. These waterfalls change according to the season. In summer and autumn, they are the most breathtaking and mesmerising.
Location: Yidule Village, Luoping, Yunnan
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Visit Duoyi River Park, explore Rape Flowers in Luoping, and enjoy Nine Dragons Festivals and the water splishing festival
6. Changbai Waterfall
Photo: EditQ / Wikimedia Commons
Changbai Waterfall is famous as the highest volcanic waterfall in the world. If you see this waterfall from far away, it appears like a white ribbon suspended in midair. As you go nearer, you can hear the roar and feel the chill of the waterfall. This waterfall is situated at a height of 68 meters. If you are an adventure lover, you can climb up to Heifengkou on the main peak. It will provide a panoramic view of the waterfall. Changbai Waterfall becomes most dramatic during the summer season, as it is the snow-melt season.
Location: Yanbian, Jilin, China
Best Time To Visit: June to September and November to January
Timings: 7:30 AM – 17:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Changbai Hot Springs
7. Pearl Shoal Waterfall
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Pearl Shoal Waterfall is famous for its calming nature. This waterfall is named after the shoal’s beautiful, pearl-like complexion formed by sunlight reflecting on it. This waterfall is 162.5 meters wide and 40 meters tall. It is situated in a part of the national park in Jiuzhaigou Valley, and by extension, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve. This waterfall is a large series of falls that descend over a rocky cliff in stages. This waterfall is surrounded by pine trees and Chinese firs, which enhances the beauty of the scenery.
Location: Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan, China.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and mid-October to early November
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Mirror Lake, Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Panda Lake and Shuzheng Lake
8. Yuntai Waterfall
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons
Yuntai Waterfall is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. Descending 314 meters, this towering waterfall plunges gracefully through a rough cliff, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant rocks. Visitors can witness the beauty of this waterfall from nearby trails and viewpoints, which offer an appropriate spot for photography and relaxation. The calm sound of rushing water, along with the fresh mountain ai,r makes Yuntai Waterfall a wonderful and tranquil escape from a busy life. The majestic height and scenic beauty of Yuntai waterfall are a must-visit place for nature lovers and travellers exploring the serenity.
Location: Jiaozuo City, Henan Province
Best Time To Visit: Summer and Autumn
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Red Rock Gorge, Spring Waterfall Gorge, Pool Waterfall Gorge, Zhuyu Peak and Wanshan Temple
9. Zhaga Waterfall
Photo: rheins / Wikimedia Commons
Zhaga Waterfall is one of the mesmerising natural wonders and the largest travertine waterfall in China. It is 93.2 meters wide and 35 meters high, and flowing over a limestone formation, it creates an extraordinary layered appearance that shines like glitter in sunlight. This waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and colourful wildflowers, which makes Zhaga Waterfall a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for photography and nature enthusiasts. Here you can enjoy walking along scenic trails and wooden platforms to get close to the falls, where the cool mist and sound of water create a relaxing and serene atmosphere.
Location: Sichuan Province
Best Time To Visit: Summer and Spring
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Erdao Lake, Munigou Scenic Area and Huanglong National Scenic Reserve
10. Shuzheng Waterfall
Photo: rheins / Wikimedia Commons
Shuzheng Waterfall, a natural wonder, is famous for its layered cascades and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This waterfall gracefully pours down over the terraced steps, covered by lush greenery and rocky formations and thus creates a beautiful and picturesque landscape. As the water flows over the bright moss-covered rocks, it sparkles in the sunlight and becomes a dream destination for photographers. The sound of rushing waters combined with the peaceful environment offers a serene escape from busy life.
Location: Jiuzhaigou, Aba, Sichuan
Best Time To Visit: April-June
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Enjoy a Shuzheng Village walk, visit Tiger Lake, Rhinoceros Lake, Tibetan House Museum and Local Handicraft Shops
China has spent huge amounts to preserve its natural assets as well as to reduce natural disasters taking place in the country. With these efforts, natural attractions including these waterfalls continue to hold life and provide visitors a lifetime experience. Plan a trip with TripXL to witness these natural wonders and the majestic waterfalls in China.
Cover Photo: Reto Wiezel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
