Huangguoshu Waterfall

Huangguoshu Waterfall is the giant of Asian waterfalls — 77.8 metres high and 101 metres wide — thundering into a misty gorge in Guizhou's karst country. Its rare walk-through Water Curtain Cave lets you stand behind the falling water itself. With our private guide handling tickets, transfers and timing, you experience the roar without the logistics.

What it is

Huangguoshu — literally 'Yellow Fruit Tree' — takes its name from a local banyan said to have borne yellow fruit. The waterfall sits on the Baishui River in Zhenning County, Anshun, where the stream plunges 77.8 metres over a travertine cliff and spreads to 101 metres in flood. Long known to Miao and Bouyei communities, it gained national fame in the 1980s and was among China's first batch of 5A-rated scenic areas. The surrounding karst plateau, riddled with caves and sinkholes, explains the stepped cascades and the remarkable cave that runs behind the main fall.

The scenic area is far larger than the single famous drop. It comprises three main clusters: the Great Waterfall itself with the Water Curtain Cave, the wide Doupotang Waterfall upstream, and the multi-tiered Steep Slope (Luoshitan) cascade downstream. A one-way walking route of roughly 6–8 km links them, with escalators and shuttle buses easing the climbs. Because the falls are at their most powerful from June to October, paths can be slick and spray-heavy; outside peak season the flow is gentler and the crowds thinner. Our guides know which order to tackle the sites to avoid the biggest tour groups.

Highlights

Water Curtain Cave — A 134-metre-long passage cut through the travertine behind the main fall, with six openings that frame the water from inside; expect to get wet.
Doupotang Waterfall — The widest of the group at 105 metres, a broad curtain that starred in the 1986 TV adaptation of Journey to the West.
Steep Slope Cascade — A staircase of 68 linked falls and pools, best seen from the elevated walkway as it tumbles toward the Baishui River.
Rhinoceros Pool — The deep plunge basin below the main fall, where rainbows form in the mist on sunny afternoons.
Bouyei and Miao villages — Nearby stone-built settlements offer a cultural counterpoint, with batik, embroidery and sour-fish hotpot.

Tourists on stone pathway approaching Huangguoshu Waterfall viewing platform amid mist

How to get there

Huangguoshu is about 45 km southwest of Anshun and 130 km from Guiyang. Most travellers take a high-speed train to Anshun West (about 30 minutes from Guiyang North), then a private car or scenic-area shuttle for the final 40–50 minutes. Direct tourist buses also run from Guiyang's Jinyang Station. We arrange a driver-guide to meet you at the station, so the falls fit neatly into a day trip from Anshun or an overnight in the scenic-area hotels.

Tickets & practical info

Peak-season admission (March–November) is ¥160 per person, with a ¥50 discount in low season; the scenic-area shuttle bus is ¥50 and the escalator ¥30 each way. Opening hours are roughly 07:00–18:00, shorter in winter. Book via the official WeChat mini-program or Trip.com at least a day ahead — foreign passports are accepted, and WeChat Pay or Alipay linked to an international card works for payment.

Best time to visit

Visit from June to October, when summer rains swell the falls to full, roaring volume. Go early — gates open around 07:00 — to reach the Water Curtain Cave before the 10:00 tour-bus wave. Weekdays outside Chinese public holidays are noticeably quieter. If you prefer lighter spray and clearer paths, April–May and November offer gentler flow with fewer visitors.

Tips from our guides

Wear quick-dry clothing and grippy shoes; the Water Curtain Cave path is wet and slippery year-round, and ponchos sold on site are thin — bring your own.
Protect electronics with a dry bag or zip-lock; spray from the cave can soak a camera in seconds.
Start at Doupotang, then the Great Waterfall, then Steep Slope to move against the main tour flow.
Book tickets and shuttle online in advance and carry your passport, which is required for entry.
Allow 4–6 hours for all three clusters; the walking route is long, so use the escalator if knees or time are tight.

Inside Water Curtain Cave behind Huangguoshu Waterfall with falling water curtain

FAQ

Can I walk behind the waterfall?

Yes — the Water Curtain Cave runs 134 metres behind the main fall, with six window-like openings. It is included in admission, but the path is wet and narrow, so expect spray and go slowly.

How do I get there from Guiyang?

Take a high-speed train from Guiyang North to Anshun West (about 30 minutes), then a private car or shuttle for 40–50 minutes. Direct tourist buses also leave from Guiyang's Jinyang Station.

Is Huangguoshu worth a full day?

Yes. The scenic area covers three waterfall clusters and a 6–8 km walking route. Most visitors spend 4–6 hours, and an overnight nearby lets you start before the crowds.

What is the best time to see the falls at full flow?

June to October, after the summer rains. The volume is greatest then, though paths are wettest. April–May and November offer lighter flow and fewer visitors.