Huangguoshu Waterfalls (黄果树瀑布) derive their name from the abundance of “Huangguo Trees” in the region. The centerpiece of the area is the Huangguoshu Great Waterfall, standing 77.8 meters tall and spanning 101 meters wide. Surrounding this iconic waterfall are 18 others, each with its own unique style, collectively forming a vast “family” of waterfalls.
The waterfalls are surrounded by towering peaks, dense vegetation, and a plethora of natural wonders such as canyons, caves, and stone pillars, showcasing the typical karst landscape of the region. Renowned since the Ming Dynasty, when the famous traveler Xu Xiake first documented it, the site has been passed down through generations and gained widespread acclaim as the Number One waterfall in China.
Huangguoshu Waterfalls tickets cover three main attractions: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Tianxing Bridge, and Doupotang Waterfall. The usual route for visitors is Doupotang Waterfall – Tianxing Bridge – Huangguoshu Waterfall. Tickets are valid for two days, allowing continuation if unfinished, but each site can be visited only once.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Highlights of Huangguoshu Waterfalls
- Vlog about Huangguoshu Waterfalls
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Huangguoshu Waterfall
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 160 RMB Sightseeing Bus: 50 RMB Elevator: 30 RMB for one way and 50 RMB for round trip Cable Car: 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 18.00 (1st April – 31st October) 7.30 – 18.00 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-400-800-9998 |
Location and Transportation
Huangguoshu Waterfalls Scenic Area is located in Zhenning County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, China. It is 128 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Guiyang City, and 45 kilometers from the city center of Anshun. Visitors can take a high-speed train to Anshun and then transfer to a direct bus to the scenic area.
Map of Huangguoshu Waterfall
Highlights of Huangguoshu Waterfalls
Huangguoshu Great Waterfall
Huangguoshu Great Waterfall, also known as the White Water River Waterfall in ancient times, derives its name from the widespread distribution of “Huangguo Trees” in the area. It’s the largest waterfall in the Huangguoshu Waterfall Group and one of the world’s famous waterfalls, renowned for its majestic water flow. With a height of 77.8 meters and a width of 101 meters, it’s a typical example of an erosion-type waterfall in karst landforms. Since the Ming Dynasty, Huangguoshu Waterfall has been regarded as one of China’s top waterfalls. During heavy flow, water droplets can spray onto Huangguoshu Street, over 100 meters away, with a thunderous roar audible from miles around.
Behind the waterfall lies a 134-meter-long water curtain cave that crosses the waterfall horizontally, comprising six windows, five halls, three spring sources, and six passages. Visitors can view the waterfall from inside the water curtain cave. In front of the waterfall lies a deep box-shaped karst canyon, with steep cliffs on the left, calcareous slopes and stalagmite mountains on the right, and connected pools like Rhino Pool and Horseshoe Pool. The Rhino Pool, 17 meters deep and often covered in water droplets, produces mist and rainbow reflections when sunlight refracts off it.
Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area
Located 6 kilometers downstream from Huangguoshu Waterfall, the Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area covers a planned area of 7 square kilometers, with a developed tourist area of 4.5 square kilometers. It consists of the Natural Bonsai Area, Tianxing Cave Area, and Water Stone Forest Area, integrating the essence of karst landforms, with mountains, water, forests, caves, roots, vines, stones, and waterfalls. After visiting Tianxing Bridge in 2003, writer Liang Heng penned a classic essay describing it as “a beautiful place across the bridge.”
Doupotang Scenic Area
Situated 1 kilometer upstream from Huangguoshu Waterfall, Doupotang Scenic Area features a waterfall with a top width of 105 meters and a height of 21 meters, formed by a calcium beach dam. It’s the widest waterfall top in the Huangguoshu Waterfall Group. On top of the Doupotang waterfall is a massive karst sinkhole covering an area of 15,000 square meters, with the waterfall flowing over a winding calcium beach dam over 100 meters long. Before every flood, the waterfall emits a roaring sound, hence its nickname “Roaring Waterfall.”
Vlog about Huangguoshu Waterfalls
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Ticket Validity: Your entrance ticket is valid for three days, allowing you to explore the park at your leisure within this timeframe.
Recommended Itinerary: Plan your itinerary starting from Huangguoshu Waterfall, then proceed to Doupotang, and finally to Tianxing Bridge. Huangguoshu Waterfall offers the most visually striking scenery and is the farthest from the entrance. By starting here, you can ensure that you visit all the attractions and conveniently catch the shuttle bus back to Anshun West High-speed Rail Station after completing your tour.
Weather Preparedness: Given Guizhou’s variable weather and abundant rainfall, it’s wise to carry rain gear with you. Consider bringing a compact umbrella or a raincoat to stay dry in case of unexpected showers.
Visit Strategy for Tianxing Bridge: If you’re planning a one-day trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall, it’s advisable not to visit Tianxing Bridge first. Tianxing Bridge is divided into upper and lower sections, and completing the entire route can be tiring, taking around 3-4 hours. Opt to explore one section to avoid exhaustion.
Dining and Shopping: Dining and shopping options within the park are primarily concentrated around Huangguoshu Waterfall. You’ll find various food outlets offering quick bites like fast food and burgers.
Footwear and Rain Gear:
- Wear sturdy and slip-resistant shoes, especially if you plan to explore trails or walkways near the waterfall. During the rainy season, non-slip shoes are essential for safety.
- While raincoats are available for purchase at the park entrance for a nominal fee of 2 yuan per piece, consider bringing your rain gear if you prefer.
The Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area is divided into three sections: the Big Waterfall, the Doupotang, and the Tianxing Bridge. The Tianxing Bridge is further divided into an upper part and a lower part. In addition to the Big Waterfall, the lower part also features another waterfall that is said to be very beautiful, but it closes at 17:00 in winter. If you are short on time, it is recommended to visit the Big Waterfall first and then head to the… Read more »
During the flood season, the water volume is really impressive! Standing underneath feels like being caught in heavy rain, and you get soaked in no time. Still, I find it very beautiful! The Huangguoshu Scenic Area is a lot of fun – a natural oxygen bar! The karst caves are stunning to see!
I went to the Big Waterfall in the afternoon. The first and second times I saw the rainbow, it lasted for a very short time, and I didn’t manage to take a picture. The third time it appeared, it lasted for a long time. I feel like a lucky boy!
The weather is great, the temperature is just right, the water level is high, and there aren’t many people around—perfect!
I entered the park at 4 PM, and the crowd wasn’t too heavy, so I didn’t have to wait in line to take photos. However, the Water Curtain Cave has been closed for the past two days, so I couldn’t go in yesterday or today.
Currently, the Water Curtain Cave is closed, so don’t follow the online directions that suggest going through the cave to reach the Huangguoshu waterfall. Instead, follow the roadside signs down to the Huangguoshu Waterfall. The best spot for photos is at the very bottom layer.
During the summer vacation, when visiting Huangguoshu Waterfall, be prepared to maintain a stable mindset and expect crowded queues and crowds of people.
Huangguoshu Waterfall!!!! The period from June to August is the peak water season, and the weather can change suddenly. When we left the west high-speed rail station in Anshun, the sun was shining brightly. Taking photos at Huangguoshu Waterfall was very picturesque. In the afternoon, when we went to Doupotang Waterfall, the sky darkened. By the time we reached Tianxing Bridge, it started pouring rain. Be sure to bring a pair of flip-flops, And don’t forget sunscreen. If you encounter… Read more »
Due to the recent heavy rain, some areas of the Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area, such as the doupotang, Lower Viewing Platform of the Main Waterfall, and Water Stone Forest at Tianxing Bridge, are closed off. Visitors who are planning to come should be mentally prepared.
【Travel Itinerary】 〖Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area → Dipu Pond Scenic Area → Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area〗 1️⃣ Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area Upon entering the scenic area, walk for 5 minutes to reach the entrance of the escalator. However, it is recommended to walk down, it’s only a 15-minute stroll and very easy. Along the walking path, there is an observation deck which you won’t see if you take the escalator. When coming back up, you can choose to take the… Read more »