Hanging Springs Waterfall

Hanging Springs Waterfall

Hanging Springs Waterfall is one of the eight major scenic attractions around Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) in the Xinjiang Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area. The other seven are: “Stone Gate Line,” “Dragon Pool Bright Moon,” “Sky-Supporting Three Rocks,” “Sea-Piercing Needle,” “Viewing Snow on South Mountain,” “Pines on West Mountain,” and “Sea Peak Display.” The scenic Hanging Springs Waterfall (officially named “East Small Tianchi Drainage Waterfall”): The northern bank of the East Small Tianchi features steep cliffs nearly 100 meters high, hence called the “Hundred-Meter Cliff.” In late spring and early summer, as snow and ice melt, the water level rises and spills over the northern bank, forming a nearly 100-meter-high waterfall that cascades down like flowing silver and splashing jade, with a thunderous roar. When sunlight refracts through the mist, rainbows appear across the sky, creating a breathtaking scene. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Hanging Springs Waterfall is in late spring and early summer. The mountain climate here is distinctly divided into cold and warm seasons within the year. The cold season is mostly sunny, with deep snow cover in mountains, basins, and valleys below 3,000 meters, often accompanied by fog and frost. The warm season (summer) sees frequent rain and snow above 3,000 meters, while the area below remains cool. Humidity levels vary by altitude. In the Tianshan Mountains, especially in the western section, a distinct temperature inversion layer often forms in winter. This inversion begins in October and dissipates by April of the following year, peaking in January with an inversion layer up to about 3,000 meters. Historical & Cultural Significance: A poem describes Hanging Springs Waterfall as: “Pearl-like springs hang midair, / A silver chain suspended in misty air. / Wisps of smoke drift o’er the sun’s bright gleam, / A rainbow arcs ‘cross peaks so green.”

Address: Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Opening Hours: 9:30–18:30