Baishui Village (白水寨, Baishuizhai, White Water Village) is located in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou, covering an area of approximately 170 km². It lies on the Tropic of Cancer and is often referred to as the “Radiant Emerald on the Tropic of Cancer.” Baishui Village is a mountainous scenic area, with towering peaks and rugged terrain. There are nine peaks exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation, the highest being Niuguzhang at about 1,088 meters. The mountains are known for their grandeur, steepness, and scenic beauty, offering a dramatic landscape.
The Baishui Village Scenic Area is rich in rare natural resources, including pristine forests, shallow wetlands, and high-altitude lakes, which are uncommon in Guangdong. Its most famous feature is Baishuixian Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in mainland China with a drop of 428.5 meters. The waterfall cascades gracefully, resembling a celestial maiden descending from the heavens and is said to be the embodiment of He Xiangu, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese folklore. The full hike up the mountain takes about 5-6 hours, with the mountain trail featuring 9,999 steps. Most visitors, however, conclude their journey at the 4,099th step, where the scenic Tianchi Lake is located.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Baishui Village
- Vlog about Zengcheng Baishui Village
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 60 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30; Last admission: 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-020-82820098 |
Location and Transportation
Baishui Village Scenic Area is located at No. 74 Beishan Road, Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. To reach the scenic area, you can take bus routes 13, Zengcheng 16, or Zengcheng 42 and get off at the Baishuizhai Terminal. From there, it’s a short walk of about 600 meters to the entrance of the park.
Highlights of Baishui Village
Waterside Boardwalk
In addition to the famed “First Ladder of Southern China” hiking trail, Baishui Village offers the Waterside Boardwalk, which is a favorite among visitors. Built along the stream and leading into the heart of the valley, the boardwalk is shaded by lush greenery, making it a refreshing and serene path to walk. As you stroll along, the fresh air, gentle mountain breeze, and warm sunshine create an incredibly soothing atmosphere, accompanied by the sound of flowing water and the sight of verdant mountains. Many visitors take their time to enjoy the surrounding beauty and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Along the hike, there are four waterfall-viewing platforms, each offering a unique visual experience of the cascading falls. The closer you get, the more you can feel the beauty and power of the waterfall. For instance, at the 1,425th step viewing platform, the waterfall roars down beside you, with a thunderous sound akin to the galloping of thousands of horses, leaving a powerful impression.
First Ladder of Southern China
The “First Ladder of Southern China” is a remarkable feature of Baishui Village. Surrounding the Baishuixian Waterfall and its picturesque peaks, the trail consists of 9,999 steps, spanning a total length of 6.6 kilometers. It crosses three towering mountains and connects two large alpine lakes, making it a significant hiking challenge. The trail is divided into six sections: “Seeking Immortality,” “Enjoying the Scenery,” “Knowing Difficulty,” “Admiring the Wonders,” “The Brave,” and “Summit,” each offering unique views and experiences. Hikers ascending these steps can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the trail while enjoying the physical and visual journey. Reaching the 9,999th step is believed to bring good fortune, health, and success!
Baishuixian Waterfall
Baishuixian Waterfall, with a staggering drop of 428.5 meters, is the tallest waterfall in mainland China. It resembles a graceful ancient maiden, pure and elegant, holding a white lotus and standing serenely against the wind, with flowing robes fluttering around her. According to legend, the waterfall is the transformation of He Xiangu, one of the Eight Immortals, who ascended to immortality and left behind her form as this majestic waterfall. The area surrounding the waterfall is pristine, with no industrial pollution over its 100 square kilometers, offering fresh air rich in negative ions. In fact, near Baishuixian Waterfall, the concentration of negative ions reaches up to 1,123,800 per cubic centimeter, making it a natural “oxygen bar” perfect for rejuvenating your body and mind.
Dafengmen
Dafengmen Forest Park is a stunning, green expanse of forest with rolling peaks often shrouded in mist, and streams trickling through its steep cliffs. This area is a branch of Nan Kun Mountain and is home to numerous streams, including five significant ones, with countless smaller streams and waterfalls. Among the park’s remarkable features is a massive boulder, shaped over millennia by wind and water erosion into the form of a giant turtle. This “turtle” quietly rests in the clear waters of a deep pool, its head slightly raised, gazing at the surrounding mountains. Amazingly, a pine tree has grown on its back despite the absence of soil. Nearby, there are smaller stones resembling turtle eggs and hatchlings, sparking visitors’ imaginations.
Colorful Wildflowers
Baishui Village is adorned with blooming flowers throughout the year, adding vibrancy and energy to its serene green mountains and flowing streams. March is the peak flower-viewing season, when blossoms can be seen everywhere in the park. The wildflowers along the boardwalk bloom brightly, complementing the clear white waters of the streams. At the base of the mountain, peach blossoms and pinks thrive on the grassy meadows, with peach blossoms glowing like the morning sky and pinks forming a colorful, woven “carpet.” On the mountain slopes, rhododendrons bloom in vivid red, soft white, and pale yellow, dancing in the mountain breeze. Beyond the mountain, the fields of canola flowers along the countryside roads create a golden sea that stretches from the roadside all the way to the foothills, casting a golden hue across the landscape.
