Waterfalls of Guizhou

There are many waterfalls in the province of Guizhou in China. The largest of them all is the Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布). Located on the Baishui River (白水河) in Anshun of Guizhou, it is also the largest waterfall in East Asia with a height of 77.8 m and a width of 101 m. Huangguoshu Waterfall literally means Fruits of the Yellow Tree Waterfall.

A fast stream

Water from forest

Together with other smaller waterfalls, Huanggoushu Waterfall is undoubtedly a destination for tourists, both local and international. It is also classified as 5As scenic area by China Tourism Agency.

Huangguoshu Waterfall's vista changes depending on the location of the viewer. One viewing spot is Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion (Guan Bao Ting), where you see the whole waterfall from a distance. Another is Water-Viewing Stage where you get a bird's eye view of the whole region. The third is Waterfall-Viewing Stage (Guan Bao Tai) in which you raise your head to see the waterfall.

Apart from viewing the waterfall from a distance, we also went up the hill and walked through a path in the mountain behind the waterfall. From here visitors can peep through the waterfall from behind, it is like seeing a huge water curtain, over hundred metres long with water came rushing down before our eyes. The experience is like having a big white curtain continuously spreading in front of us. The sight is awesome and one can imagine how nature can produce such a wonderful landmark full of life and excitement.


Huangguoshu Waterfall

After leaving the Huangguoshu Waterfall, we next embarked on an adventurous journey to the south of Guizhou, a place called the Jungle in water水上森林 . When we reached the destination, we were told to buy a pair of slippers from local vendors to put on as our shoes would definitely get wet as we had to walk on some paths which might be flooded  with water. Just as the tour guide said, after putting on the slippers, we began to walk through a jungle where a stream flows in the middle. There we had to walk dangerously on a narrow path besides this stream where water was flowing at a rather fast speed. On many occasions, we had to cross the stream to the other side by stepping on some stones laid across the stream. As the tide was high that day, all the stones were completely covered by the flowing water; these stones were barely visible to naked eyes. It was scary as we had to put our best foot forward, with nothing to hold on, and step onto the stones. If we missed one step, we couldn't imagine what would happen to us. The worst scenario would be that we fell into the stream and be carried away. Then one smart guy came up with a solution; that we were to hold hands together, side by side, we walked dangerously across the stream. This could also be fatal as if one fell, all would follow him into the stream. But then, together we should be able to overcome the difficulties ahead. Step by step, we inched forward carefully. Eventually we managed to cross the stream. After walking on the side of the stream for a while, we came to a place where we had to cross over to the other side yet again. This showed the hardship, thrill and excitement for this part of the tour, the jungle in water (小七孔水上森林探险). After an hour or so, we managed to complete the whole journey. One mishap was that my friend dropped his slippers and had to walk bare footed half way through the journey. It was both scary and fun as can be seen from the photo below.  

United We Stand

Oh dear, something dropped!

Whenever we recalled this episode in our trip to Guizhou, we always felt how lucky we were that no one was injured or found missing in the jungle. We tell ourselves, we will never again put ourselves in such danger during a tour. It was not easy all along as we were all carrying our walking shoes, drinking water and our photographic equipment. We were struggling to keep our path straight, not to miss any step and at the same time, still want to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. A few of us was in the late 60s and one could be in his 70s. It was just unthinkable that we made it to the end.

Maling River Gorge

If you like waterfalls and deep river gorges, this is definitely a place to visit. The waterfalls come in all sizes, some hidden partially in thick forests, others like a big pool with water gushing to the centre, creating a lot of waves and sound effects.

Even when were leaving this place on the bus, through the window we saw water flowing everywhere before ur eyes, from the streams, on the ground and in the midst of thick forests. This must be a blessing from nature.

Interesting Sight where water streaming to the centre

A poem to share on Jungle in Water:

水流急且速

手抓两旁树

脚踩水中石

小心看前路

（记小七孔水上森林探险之情景）