Huangguoshu: A guide to the Largest Waterfall in China

Published by Marcos Silva on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest waterfall in China and one of the largest in Asia. This impressive waterfall, located in Guizhou Province, is known for its size, natural beauty, and for being one of the few waterfalls in the world with an accessible cave behind the curtain of water.

Huangguoshu Waterfall is situated in Guizhou Province, a mountainous region in southwest China, famous for its stunning natural beauty, ethnic diversity, and rich cultural traditions. Guizhou borders Yunnan (to the west), Guangxi (to the south), Hunan (to the east), Sichuan (to the northwest), and Chongqing (to the north).

Although Guizhou is not one of the most well-known provinces among international tourists, it has experienced a remarkable growth in local tourism in recent years, thanks to its dazzling landscapes, such as rice terraces, majestic karst mountains, and the vibrant culture of the ethnic communities that inhabit the region.

How to get to Huangguoshu Waterfall?

The waterfall is specifically located in Anshun County, about 45 kilometers west of Anshun City, and is part of the Huangguoshu National Park, one of the main tourist attractions in the province. There are different ways to go to Huanguoshu National Park:

• From Guiyang (Capital of Guizhou):
  • Public Transport: The most common way to reach the park is by taking a train or bus from Guiyang, which is about 130 kilometers from the waterfall.
  • Car or Taxi: If traveling by taxi or a rented car, the journey from the capital takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

• From Anshun City:
  • Public Transport: From Anshun Train Station, you can take a local bus to the park where the waterfall is located.
  • Taxi: From Anshun, you can hire a taxi to Huangguoshu National Park. The trip takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs between 100–150 RMB (approximately 15–25 euros).

• By Air: The nearest airport is Anshun Huangguoshu Airport, which mainly serves domestic flights, especially those from Guiyang.

Characteristics of Huangguoshu Waterfall:

Size and Natural Spectacle

• The waterfall has a height of 77.8 meters and a width of 101 meters, making it one of the largest waterfalls in Asia.
• Its main drop is 67 meters and is renowned for its impressive water volume, especially during the rainy season from May to October.

Access and Attractions

• A special feature of Huangguoshu Waterfall is the Water Curtain Cave (Shuiliandong), a natural cave located behind the curtain of water. Visitors can walk through this 134-meter-long cave and view the waterfall from the inside—a truly unique experience.
• There are several viewpoints around the waterfall, each offering different perspectives, including upper, lower, and side views.
• Huangguoshu Waterfall is part of a scenic park that includes other smaller waterfalls, grottoes, and stunning natural landscapes.

Cultural Significance

• Huangguoshu Waterfall holds great significance in Chinese culture, being mentioned in various works of classical Chinese literature. It is one of the few waterfalls in the world that allows visitors to view it from multiple angles, a feature that makes it a symbol of the grandeur and natural beauty of the country. This has established it as a destination of national pride.
• Its name, “Huangguoshu,” means “Yellow Fruit Tree Waterfall.” It is believed that the name originates from a type of yellow fruit tree that once grew in the region.

Legend of the Dragon of the Waterfall

• One of the most popular legends about Huangguoshu Waterfall tells the story of a water dragon that lived in the river. According to the legend, this dragon was the guardian of the waterfall and the surrounding region.
• One day, the dragon decided to transform itself into the waterfall so that the waters could flow continuously and keep the land fertile. In Chinese mythology, dragons are closely associated with water, rain, and the fertility of the earth, making this story a powerful reinforcement of the spiritual connection between the site and the culture of the region.

Huangguoshu Park Infrastructure:

The Huangguoshu National Park is designed to ensure visitors’ convenience and comfort, featuring modern infrastructure that allows for safe and effortless exploration of the area. Some of the most notable facilities include:

1. Escalators:
   • To make access easier, especially for seniors and families, the park has escalators that take visitors from the entrance to the observation areas closest to the waterfall.
   • These escalators are optional, and using this service may incur an additional fee, typically around 50–60 yuan (approximately 7–8€), though prices may vary.
2. Facial recognition systems:
   • The park has implemented facial recognition technology at the entrance to enhance security and streamline the access process. This allows visitors to enter quickly without needing to repeatedly show their tickets.
   • This technology is also used at certain checkpoints within the park to ensure that only authorized visitors access restricted areas.
3. Internal transportation:
   • The park provides electric carts to transport visitors between various zones and viewpoints. This service comes at an additional cost, generally around 50 yuan (approximately 7€), making it easier to explore the park’s extensive grounds.
4. Food services and souvenir stores:
   • The park features restaurants, rest areas, and souvenir shops, offering items typical of Guizhou and Chinese culture. This ensures visitors have a complete experience without needing to leave the park for meals or gifts.

Tips for a Better Experience

The Huangguoshu Waterfall is truly awe-inspiring, and the surrounding facilities are well-designed to accommodate visitors, especially during the peak season when thousands come daily to admire its beauty. While the modernization of the area might slightly detract from its natural charm, it is particularly beneficial for those seeking comfort and accessibility, such as families and the elderly.

• Visit During the Off-Season:
  • For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during the low season. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy the waterfall in a more serene setting, in closer harmony with nature. Alternatively, you might explore the Nine Dragons Waterfall in Luoping, Yunnan, which, though smaller, is stunning and much quieter.
• Explore Lesser-Known Trails and Viewpoints:
  • To make your visit even more unique, spend time on the lesser-traveled trails and explore secondary viewpoints. These will offer different and less crowded perspectives of the waterfall, making your visit even more special.
• Bring a Good Camera:
  • Make sure to bring a quality camera with plenty of storage space, as you’ll want to capture countless photos and videos of Huangguoshu Waterfall from all its stunning angles.

If you’d like to see an example of the waterfall’s breathtaking views, here’s a link to a spectacular video showcasing its grandeur.

Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall with us:

If you’d like to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, consider checking out our Alternative Route through China, where the itinerary includes the waterfall along with other incredible destinations, such as the Avatar Mountains, the ancient city of Fenghuang, and the best spots in Yunnan Province.

If you’re specifically interested in exploring Yunnan, we also offer a separate route focused exclusively on this breathtaking region, complete with a driver and guide to enhance your experience.

I hope this post has been helpful! If so, feel free to share or leave a comment. Safe travels, adventurers!