Three-Tiered Waterfall

Three-Tiered Waterfall

The Middle Stream of Mount Tai originates from Huangxian Ridge, flowing lively alongside the mountain path. Its gurgling sound soothes the hearts of hikers as it reluctantly bids farewell to the mountain at the Queen Mother’s Pool. Along the section east of Doumu Palace, the stream runs over a dark riverbed, where the black rocks are the unique diabase porphyrite of Mount Tai, forming the famous barrel-like geological structure.

The splashing water creates white, foamy streams, with the white cascades dancing vividly against the dark ravine, resembling a lively little white dragon. Hence, this section of the stream is also called “Flying Dragon Ravine.”

Over years of erosion by faults, three round small pools gradually formed, each about 2 meters deep, with crystal-clear water revealing the bottom. On nights when the moon is full and bright, rising above the eastern mountain and lingering between Longquan and Linghan Peaks, with tree shadows crisscrossing the ravine and the water surface smooth and undisturbed, the moon’s reflection appears in all three pools. The water mirrors the moon goddess, the emerald pools cleanse the moonlight, ripples stir gently, and the silent moon hangs still—creating the breathtaking spectacle of “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.” Hence, this place is also known as “Three Pools Reflecting the Moon.” While Mount Tai’s “Three Pools Reflecting the Moon” may not be as famous as West Lake’s, its Three-Tiered Waterfall is incomparable to that of West Lake.

These three small waterfalls and pools are connected in sequence, with the waterfalls merging seamlessly into the pools. The three drops form a continuous rhythm, layering three waves upon each other, cascading down like large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate. Thus, it was aptly named: Three-Tiered Waterfall. Lush aquatic plants and swaying tree shadows nearby lend it the delicate charm of a Jiangnan-style garden.

This is the most delicate, graceful, and elegant waterfall on Mount Tai. To borrow the words of Su Dongpo: standing by the waterfall, with a gentle breeze blowing and the water surface calm, one hears only the voice of the wind on the water and sees the colors of the mountain moon—endless and inexhaustible gifts of nature’s creation. That such a majestic mountain as Mount Tai possesses such a graceful beauty is truly a blessing.

Thus, in 1914, Yuan Kewen, the leader of the Four Eminent Nobles of the Republic of China, took a rest at Doumu Palace and climbed here with five friends. Facing the lofty mountains and vast pools, they were reminded of the profound friendship between Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi, as expressed in the ancient qin melody “High Mountains and Flowing Water.” Looking around at their companions—like-minded fellow travelers who shared poetry and wine—they regarded each other as kindred spirits.

The place was surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with pine shadows covering the ravine untouched by dust—a setting perfect for seeking a soulmate in the “High Mountains and Flowing Water.” Moved by the scene, the Second Prince, who likened himself to Cao Zhi, picked up his brush and wrote three large characters: “Flowing Water’s Melody,” signing simply with two characters: “Cold Cloud,” omitting even his surname to display his unrestrained spirit. These characters were carved into the rock on the western side of Flying Dragon Ravine. Yuan Kewen’s calligraphy, bold yet graceful, complements the serene elegance of the Three-Tiered Waterfall, enhancing each other’s beauty. Moreover, this romantic nobleman left his mark here, adding a splendid chapter to the poetic legacy of Doumu Palace. Why so?

The formation of the three-tiered waterfall is related to intermittent uplifts from neotectonic movements, the erosive action of the river, and the development of vertical joints in the rock. On quiet nights when the bright moon hangs high, the wonder of “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” appears, earning it the nickname “Little Three Pools Reflecting the Moon.”

On the north side of the pool is a huge rock inscribed with “Flowing Water’s Melody” by Yuan Kewen, the youngest son of Yuan Shikai. Visitors come here to listen to the springs, admire the waterfall, sip tea, and enjoy the moon, losing themselves in the serene atmosphere. Qing Dynasty magistrate of Tai’an, Song Sirén, once praised in his poem “Doumu Palace”: “Pine shadows cover the ravine untouched by dust; at night, dragons return amid wind and rain.”