Qinglong Grand Waterfall

Qinglong Grand Waterfall

The Qinglong Grand Waterfall is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Wuyishan Qinglong Grand Waterfall is located upstream of the Nine-Bend Stream in Wuyishan, around the Wuyishan National Nature Reserve. The scenic area features a 2,300-meter-long walking trail situated in a fault zone with steep terrain and nearly pristine forest communities. Lush greenery thrives year-round, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Along the canyon trail, there are over 100 rare and ornamental tree species marked with signs. These uniquely shaped and distinctive scenic trees complement the flowing springs and cascading waterfalls in the valley, making the whole experience feel like a fairyland or a hidden paradise.

It has been measured that the Wuyishan Qinglong Grand Waterfall and its surrounding areas have the highest concentration of negative oxygen ions in the Wuyi Mountains, averaging 67,000 per cubic centimeter, with peaks reaching 136,000 and 112,000 per cubic centimeter respectively. It is truly a natural oxygen bar.

The nationally rare Qinglong Grand Waterfall is located on the western side of the Wuyishan Grand Canyon Ecological Park, 30 kilometers from the main scenic area and 2 kilometers from the Grand Canyon Eco-Drifting Wharf. Surrounded by dense forests and abundant water sources, the waterfall cascades down a deep valley cliff, stretching over 200 meters in length with a drop of more than 120 meters and a maximum width of over 40 meters. Upon arriving at the Qinglong Grand Waterfall scenic area, you can truly feel the overwhelming charm of nature. The rushing “Tongtian River” water resembles a silver dragon emerging from the canyon, while clusters of waterfalls pour down into one deep pool after another, surging with momentum, roaring powerfully, splashing waves, and sending up showers of droplets. The thunderous roar echoes, and from over a hundred meters away, misty waters appear as if a white silk ribbon hangs in the air with a silver dragon dancing, before finally swirling through the Red Cliff Canyon and merging into the Tongmu Stream.

As the saying goes, “The virtuous enjoy mountains, the wise enjoy water.” The Tongtian River Grand Canyon offers both. The first half of the canyon mainly follows the Tongmu Stream, an upstream section of the Nine-Bend Stream in Wuyishan. With significant elevation changes, some river sections feature rapid currents where the water crashes against rocks, producing not only rumbling sounds but also beautiful, spectacular sprays of silver waves. The highlight of the Tongtian River Grand Canyon that we see now is called “Splashing Stones and Silver Waves,” a quintessential part of the canyon. With water droplets flying and shimmering light reflecting off the surface, these snow-white waves inspire one to recite Su Shi’s poetic line, “The surging waves vanish, rolling up thousands of heaps of snow.” During the spring flood season, the current becomes even more rapid, with the entire valley splashing with flower-like spray and continuous thunderous roars, displaying even greater grandeur. In life, people often chase fame or profit, unable to let go of anything, even allowing their minds to gather dust and engage in petty rivalries. Faced with this scene and the thunderous sound of the waves, one feels a sudden sense of clarity and liberation, as if all worldly worries can be washed away. What in this world is there left to hold onto?

“Mountain viewing and water playing” often go hand in hand. The water of Qinglong Grand Waterfall and Tongmu Stream is absolutely world-class, completely unpolluted. In calmer sections beneath the waterfall, pools form. The pool we see now is called “Jade-Green Haze,” with emerald-green water resembling natural jade. Legend has it that this was where fairies bathed. If you’re interested, you might take a dip. Besides Jade-Green Haze, the Qinglong Grand Waterfall scenic area also has several other spots suitable for water play, such as “Cool Dragon’s Saliva.” The water isn’t very deep, and safety measures are in place to ensure your protection. However, please note that apart from designated areas, swimming elsewhere is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

The shrine is where ancient people burned incense when entering the mountains. It is a relic from the past and has been preserved in its original state without any later modifications during the development of the Qinglong Grand Waterfall scenic area. According to local Wuyishan customs, every mountain has its own mountain deity. Whether entering the mountains to chop wood, hunt, or gather herbs, one must burn incense at the entrance to pray for the mountain god’s protection. This is especially true for the mountain where the Tongtian River Grand Canyon is located—Tianzi Mountain—which is not an ordinary place to enter or exit casually. In the past, villagers would definitely burn incense before heading into the mountains.

The Heavenly Bridge: No bridge, no way across a chasm. Just as the Cowherd and Weaver Girl needed the Magpie Bridge to meet, and immortals descending to the mortal realm required a Rainbow Bridge, we too must cross the Heavenly Bridge to ascend to the heavens. Beyond the Heavenly Bridge lies a primeval forest area where you’ll find lithophytic and epiphytic plant communities, as well as a grove of Nageia. Such a large cluster of Nageia trees is rarely seen, as they are usually found as single trees or in scattered formations.

The Qinglong Grand Waterfall is 120 meters high and 40 meters wide, with three levels arranged in a stepped formation. The waterfall seems to leap from the cliff top as if falling from the sky, easily bringing to mind Li Bai’s verse, “Its torrent dashes down three thousand feet from high / As if the Silver River fell from the blue sky.” The waterfall is majestic, like a mighty army charging straight into the deep valley. Where the water flows, droplets splash and thunder roars. The water splashing against the pool surface resembles thousands of blooming snow lotuses—an awe-inspiring sight.

Transportation:

There is no direct shuttle bus; private car hire is required.

The typical cost for car hire is around 200 RMB per day.

Address: Upstream of the Nine-Bend Stream, Wuyishan City, Nanping

Type: Forest mountain waterfall

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0599-8832075

Opening Hours:

9:00-17:00

Ticket Information:

Not included in the general ticket package. Admission is 100 RMB, which includes the sightseeing bus.

Wuyishan Scenic Area

Dahongpao Scenic Area

Daanyuan Ecotourism Area

China Wuyishan Tea Expo Park

Nine-Bend Stream

Wuyishan Crape Myrtle Self-Drive Theme Park

Wuyishan Water Curtain Cave

Dawang Peak

One-Line Sky in Wuyi Mountain

Wuyi Palace

Tiger Roaring Rock

Cloud Nest

Jade Valley in Wuyi Mountain

Site of the Imperial Tea Garden

Jade Dragon Valley

Chengcun Han City Ruins

Memorial Hall of Liu Yong

White Cloud Rock in Wuyi Mountain