Zengcheng Baishuizhai

Zengcheng Baishuizhai

Zengcheng Baishuizhai is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

The scenic area is located in Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, adjacent to Conghua Hot Springs, bordering Longmen’s Nankun Mountain to the east, and the west and northwest edges of Conghua’s Shimen National Forest Park. It is within a one-and-a-half-hour drive from cities such as Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Huizhou, and Hong Kong, offering convenient transportation. It is a newly renowned eco-leisure resort destination in the Pearl River Delta — Zengcheng Baishuizhai.

Baishuizhai features high mountains, dense forests, and abundant rainfall. With an annual precipitation of 2,200 millimeters, the area boasts a natural wonder of numerous springs and waterfalls. There is a large waterfall cluster in Dadongkeng, the majestic and vivid Town Mountain God Waterfall, and the spectacular Likeng River’s Water-Drilling Waterfall that plunges from the cliffs like a raging dragon from the sky, along with the Barrier Crocodile that leaps into the deep pool. Even more miraculous is the majestic waterfall on Baishuizhai Mountain at an altitude of 828 meters, which cascades down from the mountaintop. Renowned for its drop and appearance, it is the highest waterfall on the Chinese mainland, with a drop of 428.5 meters. Resembling an elegant and dignified ancient lady, pure as ice and jade, holding a white lotus and standing against the wind with flowing robes and a serene expression, it is said to be the incarnation of He Xiangu, one of the Eight Immortals. When she ascended to immortality, she transformed her form into this waterfall, hence called the Baishui Fairy Waterfall. With its flowing waters, the scenic area spans nearly 100 square kilometers free from industrial pollution, offering fresh air and high negative ion content. Near the Baishui Fairy Waterfall, the negative ion concentration reaches 112,380 per cubic centimeter, making it an “oxygen bar” for relaxation and lung cleansing — Zengcheng Baishuizhai.

Centered around the Baishui Fairy Waterfall and its stunning peaks, the area features a 9,999-step hiking trail, stretching 6.6 kilometers with over 19,000 steps, crossing three high mountains and connecting two major sky lakes. Dubbed the “Number One Heavenly Ladder in the South,” it embodies meanings such as “Seeking the Immortal in a Paradise,” “Leisurely Enjoying the Scenery,” “Advancing Despite Challenges,” “Warriors Striving Forward,” “Reaching Heights for Breathtaking Views,” and “Fulfilling Wishes at the Summit.” It is divided into six sections: Seeking the Immortal, Leisurely Enjoyment, Facing Challenges, Breathtaking Views, Warriors’ Ascent, and Reaching the Summit. Ascending step-by-step allows you to witness the wonders of the “Number One Heavenly Ladder in the South,” enjoy leisure, fitness, and sightseeing, and experience diverse charms. Completing all six sections and climbing the 9,999 steps leads to wishes fulfilled, improved health, smooth success, and lasting happiness.

The Zengcheng Baishuizhai scenic area has 28 attractions evenly distributed around it. Among them, the 1st to 399th steps of the Seeking the Immortal Ladder include six attractions: Shima Long Wetland Park (under construction), Jinghu Lake, the Number One Heavenly Ladder in the South, Shougui Pool, Echo Wall, and Huixian Bridge. The 399th to 1,299th steps of the Leisurely Enjoyment Ladder feature four attractions: Beautiful Cloud Forest, Listening to the Stream to Purify the Heart, Divine Turtle Valley, and Spring Snow in Summer and Autumn. The 1,299th to 2,099th steps of the Facing Challenges Ladder have three attractions: Waterfall Intimacy Platform, Soaring White Dragon, and Gurgling Springs Echoing on Rocks. The 2,099th to 5,599th steps of the Breathtaking Views Ladder include six attractions: Pointing at the Rivers and Mountains, Pine Forest Birdsongs, Fairy Bath Pavilion, Cloud-Bathing Pavilion, Fairy Origin Park, and Fairy Origin Cave. The 5,599th to 8,999th steps of the Warriors’ Ladder feature two attractions: Baishuizhai Sky Lake and Sky Viewing Platform. The 8,999th to 9,999th steps of the Reaching the Summit Ladder include three attractions: Ninth Heaven, Seven Fairies Lake, and Donglin Temple (planned). At the 5,599th step, the Pine Forest Birdsongs attraction offers a beautiful environment with birds chirping, refreshing visitors. Hikers reaching the 8,999th to 9,999th steps can admire attractions known as the “Southern Sky Lake,” such as Baishuizhai Sky Lake and Seven Stars Lake. The Southern Sky Lake resembles a piece of emerald or jade scattered among green mountains, uniquely green and azure. In spring and summer, it is shrouded in rain mist and rosy clouds; in autumn and winter, stirred by strong winds, it creates boundless artistic conception. At attractions like Shougui Pool and Divine Turtle Valley, visitors can not only see crystal-clear waters but also appreciate the uniquely shaped rocks crafted by nature.

Baishuizhai is surrounded by towering mountains and peaks, with 9 peaks over 1,000 meters in elevation, the highest being Niuguzhang at 1,088 meters. The mountain is steep and rugged, combining grandeur, wonder, danger, and beauty. The mountaintop features bizarre granite "spherical weathering" rock eggs and caves formed with many cracked circular patterns on the rock surface — a rare sight in southern China’s granite regions, truly a marvel of nature. There are awe-inspiring cliffs, thousand-ton boulders atop the mountain, a reclining Buddha lying at the mountain’s foot, a majestic General Stone, a sacred Breast Milk Stone, as well as stone elephants, stone qilin, and stone dolphins... The sights are too numerous to take in — Zengcheng Baishuizhai.

Baishuizhai boasts abundant high-mountain hot spring resources, with water temperatures between 28–73°C, a daily output of 3,400 tons, and minerals including fluorine, sulfur, chlorine, calcium, potassium, and zinc. It is a rare silicic acid spring with significant health benefits. Additionally, the scenic area is dotted with ancient villages, featuring a rural layout and simple, traditional architecture that combines both Cantonese and Hakka cultural characteristics. The widely told legends of He Xiangu and the stories of Taiping Rebellion leader Shi Dakai are captivating, and the local customs are unique.

Baishuizhai has many lakes and sky pools, scattered like sapphires or emeralds and jade among the green mountains. The “Southern Sky Lake” — Dafengmen Reservoir, Baishuizhai Sky Lake, and Seven Fairies Lake — are bodies of beautiful water that remain full and radiant year-round, uniquely green and azure. In spring and summer, they are veiled in rain mist and rosy clouds; in autumn and winter, stirred by strong winds, they create endless artistic charm. Along the hiking path, there is also a new Seawood Route.

Baishuizhai is a key mountain destination in Zengcheng, Guangzhou. It features lush trees and fresh air, along with a 9,999-step stone stairway for hiking and enjoying the views. Moreover, the area is most famous for its waterfall, which has multiple viewing platforms where visitors can get close to the Baishui Fairy Waterfall and feel the power of its rushing waters.

The Baishuizhai Scenic Area is located in Paitan Town in the northern mountainous region of Zengcheng District, Guangzhou. Its hiking trail crosses three high mountains and connects two major sky lakes, with a total of 9,999 steps. Key attractions along the way from bottom to top include Qiqu Water Valley, Seawood Plank Walk, the 1,499-step Boom Platform, the 2,199-step Water-Intimacy Platform, the 3,299-step Water-Bathing Platform, and the 4,099-step Fairy Pool. The entire hike takes about 5–6 hours. Most visitors end their journey at the 4,099-step Fairy Pool, as the section beyond is mainly hiking with less impressive scenery. Those with lower stamina often stop at the 2,199-step platform.

Starting from the mountain foot, the first attraction is Qiqu Water Valley, where you can see colorful paintings on trees and rocks — perfect for photos. Then comes the Seawood Plank Walk, which starts from the same point as the hiking trail and leads to the 1,499-step Boom Platform. Built close to the water, the plank walk features several pavilions and viewing platforms. Strolling along it, you can enjoy the waterfall and play in the water while breathing fresh air. Arriving at the 1,499-step platform, you’ll reach the first zero-distance waterfall contact point — the Boom Platform — where you can feel the majestic force of the cascading waterfall.

Next, you can continue hiking up to the second waterfall contact point — the Water-Intimacy Platform at the 2,199-step level. Since descending from the 2,199th to the 899th step requires walking, it’s wise to conserve energy for the descent. If you still have energy, you can proceed further to the 3,299-step level to reach the third zero-distance waterfall contact point — the Water-Bathing Platform. Here, the waterfall water from the 428.5-meter drop is right before your eyes. After passing through the “Fairy Valley,” you’ll arrive at the 4,099-step Fairy Pool, the source of the waterfall. You can also continue upward, as the hiking trail goes up to the 9,999th step, but most people end their hike at the Fairy Pool and then walk down.

Zengcheng Geological Park Museum

Zengcheng Geological Park Museum

Baishuizhai Scenic Area Attractions Distribution Map

Address: Baishuizhai Scenic Area, Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City

Type: Forest Mountain Waterfall

Recommended Visit Duration: 1 day

Phone: 020-36799580; 020-82821188

Official Website: http://www.bsz.cc

Opening Hours:

8:30–17:30 (Ticket sales stop at 16:30)

Ticket:

Ticket: 60 RMB

Address: Baishuizhai Scenic Area, Paitan Town, Zengcheng City, Baishui Fairy Waterfall Scenic Area

Paitan Town: Overview: Located at the northern end of the Pearl River Delta, Paitan Town is the largest mountainous town in northern Zengcheng. It is 28 km south of downtown Zengcheng, 60 km from Dongguan, 22 km west of Conghua’s city center, 70 km from Guangzhou, and borders Longmen County to the northeast. The town covers a total area of 289.5 square kilometers, with a population of 76,799 at the end of 2004. It governs 34 administrative villages and one neighborhood committee. The town area spans 1.5 square kilometers (with a planned area of 14.38 square kilometers), housing over 8,820 permanent residents and 2,210 households. Transportation... More detailed information on Paitan Town++

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