Atlas of China
Huangguoshu Waterfall 黄果树瀑布Huángguǒshù Pùbù
A thundering curtain of water you can walk behind through a cave in the cliff
- Best time
- Jun–Oct (strongest flow)
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Days to budget
- 1 day
- Stay in
- Anshun
- Region
- Guizhou
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area
Why go to Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu is one of China's biggest waterfalls, plunging into a deep pool in a lush karst gorge in western Guizhou. A path leads into the Water Curtain Cave behind the falls, where you watch the torrent from the inside. The wider park also takes in the broad cascades of Doupotang and the rock gardens and streams of Tianxingqiao.
The story
The name means 'yellow fruit tree'; local tradition links it to trees that once grew around the falls. Villages of the Buyi people nearby are known for houses built almost entirely of stone, roofs included.
What to see at Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Doupotang Waterfall 陡坡塘瀑布: A broad, low curtain of water over a wide ledge, which many visitors take as the first stop of the loop.
- Tianxingqiao 天星桥: A stretch of stone forest, caves, pools and small waterfalls along a walking path.
- Huangguoshu main falls 黄果树大瀑布: The main drop is about 67 m high and 83 m wide at the top, tumbling into a deep pool in the gorge.
- Water Curtain Cave 水帘洞: A cave of more than 100 m behind the falls, with openings that look out through the torrent; it is misty and wet, and usually needs its own advance booking.
How to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall
The three sections of the park (the main falls, Tianxingqiao and Doupotang) are more than 10 km apart, so everyone uses the sightseeing bus that links them. Guides disagree on the best order; many suggest Doupotang, then Tianxingqiao, then the main falls. A half day covers the main falls and Doupotang, and Tianxingqiao makes it a full day; book the Water Curtain Cave slot as soon as you arrive.
How to get to Huangguoshu Waterfall
High-speed trains from Guiyang reach Anshun in about 30–40 minutes, then it's under an hour by bus or taxi to the falls. Tourist buses also run direct from Guiyang.
Where to stay
Stay in Anshun, or in the Huangguoshu area for a dawn start before tour groups arrive.
What to eat
- Anshun rolled wrap 安顺裹卷: A rice-skin wrap filled with pickled radish, bean sprouts and kelp strips and dressed with chilli, an Anshun street snack.
- Zhenning bobo sugar 镇宁波波糖: A crisp, crumbly sweet of malt sugar and sesame from Zhenning county, where the falls lie.
Tips for visiting Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Bring a rain jacket or buy a poncho: the Water Curtain Cave will soak you.
- Summer brings the most water and the biggest crowds; arrive at opening time.
- Allow a full day to see Tianxingqiao and Doupotang as well as the main falls.
Nearby
Also within 30 km: Gaodang Buyei Ancient Village 高荡布依古寨 (under 10 km), Yelang Cave 夜郎洞 (10 km), Jiuxian Scenic Area, Guanling 关岭九仙 (20 km), Luobie Longjing Hot Spring Resort 落别龙井温泉度假区 (20 km), Guanling Fossil Park 关岭古生物化石群 (30 km), Longgong (Dragon Palace) Scenic Area 龙宫 (30 km).
On the map
Open Huangguoshu Waterfall on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Huangguoshu Waterfall on the map