Diaoshuiyan Scenic Area

Diaoshuiyan Scenic Area

Diaoshuiyan Scenic Area

The Diaoshuiyan area lies at the junction of Shuowo Township and Mazongling Town, approximately 17 kilometers from Nayong County. It encompasses the Diaoshuiyan Waterfall, the Cloud Lake, and a ten-mile expanse of azalea woods. The area features highly variable weather: the foothills are cool and pleasant in summer, while the mountaintop is hot and steamy; in winter, the summit is battered by frigid winds, yet the foothills remain spring-like. There’s a saying: “One mountain, four seasons; different weather within each.” Depending on where you go in the scenic area, you’ll experience varying climates, landscapes, vegetation, and even spot rare wildlife.

To reach Diaoshuiyan from Nayong, take the Nayong–Shuicheng highway and turn off at the 13-kilometer mark toward Shuowo Township. After driving just 4 kilometers, you’ll arrive at the scenic area. From the road in Shuowo Township, you can see the Diaoshuiyan Waterfall cascading down in tiered steps between two mountains, like a silver chain slicing through thick mist—like a stage flickering between light and shadow, giving rise to its nickname: the Three-Tiered Waterfall. The first tier is 3 meters wide and 86 meters high, with curtains of water plunging into a valley, sending up sprays that fill the hazy air with a refreshing, spring-like feel. Walking along a small path to the left of the first tier for less than five minutes brings you to the second tier. Beneath this lofty waterfall lies a spacious flatland. The area near the falls has been eroded by the rushing water into a clear, bright pool. The waterfall pours out from this pool...

...gently flowing over the “pebbles” scattered across the flatland, among blooming wildflowers and grass, creating an impression akin to meltwater from the Tianshan Mountains. Legend has it that in ancient times, hundreds of households in Shuowo Township cultivated thousands of acres of fertile farmland, living a life of plenty and joy. One day, an evil mountain god passed by and, seeing the people celebrating their harvest with songs and dances, grew envious since he could not join in the merriment. In a fit of jealousy, he drove away the rain god, plunging the region into endless drought and crop failure. Despite sacrifices to the heavens and the mountain god, nothing worked. Cracks split the parched fields under the scorching sun. Just as all hope seemed lost, suddenly...

...a celestial being known as the Dragon-Hiding Scholar descended from the sky. He told the people, “To make it rain, adult women must hang upside down from the cliff, connecting by their hair and feet to form a human ladder. Adult men must beat drums and sing rain-invoking songs to drive away the vile mountain god. Then, springs will gush forth from the cliff like a human ladder, irrigating the fields.” The people followed his instructions, and before long, two holes appeared in the rock, shaped like ox nostrils. From these, two streams of water poured out continuously, forming a waterfall about 30 meters high, crystal-clear, which nourished the vast farmland. To commemorate the arduous quest for water, later generations named the cave entrance “Ox Nostril Cave,” and the Shuowo fields have borne that name ever since. After viewing the second-tier waterfall, follow the small stone paths on either side of the Ox Nostril Cave. Accompanied by colorful butterflies and various insects, with a cool breeze brushing by and the fragrance of flowers and grass in the air, you’ll reach the third-tier waterfall in less than ten minutes. Located at the foot of the reservoir dam, it stands 186 meters high and 5 meters wide. The waterfall bursts forth from a crevice between two mountains, stirring up dense mist and creating a truly spectacular sight. The chill here is reminiscent of winter. If you cup your hands to catch the water, your fingers will go numb with icy cold. Among the uneven pines, firs, and shrubs, you may hear migratory birds echoing through the valleys, and catch fleeting glimpses of rabbits, wildcats, and pheasants foraging in the woods.

After exploring the third-tier waterfall, climb the nearly 70-degree artificial iron ladder to reach the mountainside. Pausing to rest, you’ll be struck by the feeling expressed in the line: “Stepping in Xie’s famed shoes, ascending a ladder to the clouds; halfway up, the sea sun appears; above, the celestial rooster calls.” Looking ahead, you’ll see the glowing sun and overlapping green mountains; looking back, the undulating waves of mist surge beneath your feet, a breathtaking and magnificent view. After climbing the ladder, you’ll enter the ten-mile azalea forest and the Cloud Lake, both situated atop the Mazongling Mountain range at over 2,000 meters above sea level. The small lake, commonly known as the Diaoshuiyan Reservoir, was built in 1978. The dam is 27 meters wide and 80 meters deep, with a water storage capacity of 2.72 million cubic meters. It’s like a mirror gifted by nature, perfectly reflecting the surrounding mountain scenery and the sky’s white clouds. The approximately 2-kilometer-long lake is embraced by a ten-mile belt of azalea blossoms. In April and May, the water reflects the flowers, and the flowers embellish the tranquil lake, together creating a scene akin to a fairyland on earth. Between the Small Lake and Daliangzi lies a flatland of several thousand square meters. Over generations, it has been shaped into a flower-jumping ground that can accommodate tens of thousands of people. On holidays, people spontaneously gather here to enjoy life.

Another feature of the Small Lake and the ten-mile azalea forest is the high-altitude heat. Around noon, the rising heat from the mountaintop can make you feel quite warm. At this time, apart from the ceaseless chirping of cicadas and busy ants scurrying through the grass looking for shelter, most other animals hide away. Even rolling on the ground will leave you drenched in sweat—there’s none of the coolness found at the foot of the mountain by the Diaoshuiyan Waterfall. But don’t worry—this hot period only lasts about five hours a day. By evening, the mountaintop cools down nicely. You can then pitch a tent on the wide grassy field, cook a picnic if hungry, drink water from the Small Lake if thirsty, and lie down to rest when tired. What could be more delightful?