As a significant part of Huangguoshu National Park, Huangguoshu Waterfall in China is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Together with Tianxingqiao Scenic Area and Doupotang Waterfall, the scenic area attracts millions of tourists every year. There are 18 waterfalls in this area, consisting of the largest waterfall clusters in the world, among which Huangguoshu Waterfall is the most spectacular one.
Huangguoshu Waterfall Facts
- Location:Huangguoshu Town, Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province
- Type: Waterfallclusters
- Size: About 8.5 km²
- Best timeto visit: June to August (rainy season)
- Time needed:6-7 hours
- Popular activities:Photography, hiking
- Opening hours:07:00 – 18:00 (Mar. to Nov.); 07:30-18:00 (Dec. to next Feb.)
- Tickets:Covered in the ticket of Huangguoshu National Park with CNY 160
- Highlights: Water-Curtain Cave, Tianxingqiao, Silver Chain Waterfall
Overview of Huangguoshu Waterfall & Reasons to Go
As the largest waterfall in Asia, Huangguoshu Waterfall is a must-see attraction on your travel to Guizhou. It got its name from a commonly seen plant Ficus virens, which is named Huangguoshu in Chinese. The great waterfall is 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide, with lush forests surrounding it.
Besides, Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou presents different views in different seasons. In summer and autumn, the water volume increases significantly, giving the waterfall great momentum. In winter which is the dry season, the waterfall cascades and turns graceful. Furthermore, Huangguoshu Waterfall is the only waterfall that allows visitors to admire it from six different angles, even from the back of it. By the way, there are many rare plants and wild animals near Huangguoshu Waterfall in this scenic area.
Reasons to Go to Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Huangguoshu Waterfallis the largest waterfall in Asia and one of the most beautiful places in China, the magnificence of it cannot be missed. Visiting this wonder of nature, you will be shocked.
- This scenic area offers good hiking opportunities, and it must be a wonderful experience for you to hike the trails to marvel at this area.
- As Huangguoshu National Parkis located in Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, you can visit the Buyi and Miao ethnic minorities nearby and learn about their culture.
How was Huangguoshu Waterfall Formed
The origin of Huangguoshu Waterfall dates back to the Middle Triassic period more than 200 million years ago, when a set of extremely thick carbonate rocks was deposited in the area. Baishui River in the formation period of Huangguoshu Waterfall was an overland river that developed between 100,000 and 500,000 years ago and evolved from “wide Valley stage” to “Canyon stage” in the middle and late Pleistocene of Quaternary. Later, the crustal uplift during the “Himalayan Movement” caused the base level of river erosion to fall, which led to the strengthening of the downcutting effect of river erosion and dissolution, and formed a “crack point” where cracks, karst caves and hidden rivers were very developed.
Baishui River formed a karst erosion fracture point type waterfall. Later, under the influence of factors such as the intermittent uplift of the crust and the gradual increase of hydrodynamic force in the warm and humid climate of the late Pleistocene, the roof of the sinshui cave gradually collapsed, and Huangguoshu Waterfall finally appeared. It has a history of 50,000 years.
Major Attractions in Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area
Water-Curtain Cave
This is a karst cave behind the Huangguoshu Waterfall, from which you can see the soul-stirring waterfall. If you are interested in unique rock formations and stunning water features, never miss this place.
Potted Landscape Garden
The bonsai garden is located at the main entrance of Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area, covering an area of about 40 mu. There are more than 3,000 pot of bonsai with different gestures and more than 30 kinds of tree species in the garden. Here, we can see succulent plants such as cactus, Huangbiglan and magnolia, as well as koelteria, Milan and so on, which are unique to the south.
Rhino Pool
Rhino Pool is located under the Huangguoshu Waterfall, formed by the year-round impact of the waterfall. Rhino Pool is more than 100 meters wide and 17 meters deep. As the sun sets, sunlight reflects the mist rising from the waterfall, creating a double rainbow of seven colours that flickers in the air over the Rhino Pool via the refracted aperture across the waterfall.
Other Attractions in Huangguoshu National Park
Tianxingqiao Scenic Area
Located 6 kilometers downstream of Huangguoshu Waterfall, Tianxingqiao is a newly developed scenic area. It has three scenic spots, including the Tianxing Bonsai, Tianxing Cave, and a stone forest on the water. Besides, this area attracts visitors for its dense stalagmites and lush forests.
Doupotang Waterfall
Located at the upper stream of Huangguoshu Waterfall, this waterfall is known for its unique horseshoe shape. It is 21 meters high and 105 meters wide, which makes it the widest waterfall in Huangguoshu National Park. Besides, it is a popular spot for photography.
Silver Chain Waterfall
This is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the scenic area. Located near the Huangguoshu Waterfall, this waterfall is funnel-shaped at the upper part with a gouge puddle at the bottom. The water is divided into chains by the Gaihua Beach and falls into the deep pond, presenting a stunning view.
Zhenning Buyi and Miao autonomous county
Nearby Huangguoshu Waterfall, Zhenning County has a long history and profound cultural heritage, and is one of the birthplaces of Buyi culture. There are 29 ethnic groups living in Zhenning County, such as Han, Buyi, Miao, Gelao and Hui. Ethnic minorities account for 59.06% of the county’s total population. It is the only autonomous county with three Buyi dialect areas.
The history of Zhenning can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty. Today the ancient buildings and ancient villages are relatively intact. Whether it is the ancient village of Buyi nationality or the stilt house of Miao nationality, it seems to tell the story of the past.
Best Time to Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall
The best time to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall of Guizhou in China is from June to August when the waterfall is at its most spectacular due to the rainy season. Since summer is the peak season, consider getting there in the early morning to avoid crowds. If you prefer a less crowded experience, you can also visit there in spring or autumn when the Huangguoshu Waterfall also greets you with beautiful scenery.
How to Get to Huangguoshu Waterfall
From Anshun
Go to Anshun West Bus Station or Anshun East Bus Station to take a bus to Huangguoshu National Park where the Huangguoshu Waterfall is located. It takes about 45 minutes and costs 22 RMB per person. Besides, if you travel by plane and arrive at the Anshun Huangguoshu Airport, you can take a taxi to Huangguoshu Waterfall, which costs about CNY 100.
From Guiyang
Guiyang is 150 kilometers from Huangguoshu Waterfall. You can go to Guiyang North Railway Station and take a train to Anshun West Railway Station, and the bus station is next to it. From there, take a bus to Huangguoshu National Park. Besides, you can also take a direct bus to the Huangguoshu Waterfall from Guiyang Old Bus Station or Guiyang North Bus Station, which takes about 2.5 hours and costs CNY 55.
Tips for Visiting Huangguoshu National Park
- Recommended route: Huangguoshu Waterfall- Doupotang Waterfall – Tianxingqiao Scenic Area
- The trails in the scenic area are slippery, so don’t wear high-heeled shoes or plastic sandals.
- Take a raincoat with you, especially inthe wet season. Or you can get a raincoat in the scenic area, which costs CNY 5.
- Huangguoshu Waterfall will be less crowded in the morning, so consider staying in a hotel within this scenic areaand visiting there earlier. By the way, Huangguoshu Grand Valley Hotel Resort is not a bad choice.
- To preserve the clean water supply, visitors should refrain from littering as the waterfall’s water comes from the Huangguoshu subterranean river.
- It is advised to purchase tickets in advance as the Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area can accommodate up to 30,000 visitors every day.
Attractions Nearby Huangguoshu Waterfall
Anshun is a beautiful city with many tourist attractions. Below are the popular places near Huangguoshu Waterfall.
- Dragon Palace Cave: This is a unique karst landform where you can see limestone caves, valleys, waterfalls, and forests.
- Tianlong Tunpu: This village is a world of stones, and it kept the ancient architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Never miss the local drama performances on your Guizhou tours to Tianlong Tunpu, which is really
- Buyi Village:There is an ancient Buyi village near the Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area, which has a history of over 600 years. The small village mainly features stone architecture, including stone walls, residences, and roads.
Recommended Guizhou Tours including Huangguoshu Waterfall
- 4 Days Guizhou Highlights Tour
- 4 Days Guizhou Karst Landscape and Waterfall Tour
- 6 Days Magic Guizhou Hiking Tour with Hidden Tribes
