Conghua Tianhu Tourist Scenic Area

Conghua Tianhu Tourist Scenic Area

The Conghua Tianhu Tourist Area is situated on the western bank of the Liuxi River. It is famous for its mountain forests, lake waters, waterfalls, and wild delicacies. The Tianhu Reservoir has a capacity of 10 million cubic meters and reaches a maximum depth of over 40 meters. Surrounded by mountains and dense forests with ancient trees, the area features lush green layers everywhere, making it a perfect spot for hiking, exploring nature, and escaping the summer heat. It is named “Tianhu” (Heavenly Lake) because it was built atop the high mountains where “a hundred-zhang torrent cascades from the heavens,” symbolizing a lake in the sky. It is home to the largest natural waterfall in South China — the “Hundred-Zhang Waterfall.” The late Marshal Zhu De personally inscribed the four characters “山舞银蛇” (Mountains Dance Like Silver Snakes), which are still engraved on the cliffs beside the waterfall. The renowned writer Guo Moruo once wrote a poem in admiration: “Three-tiered cataracts span a hundred zhang, a stream plays myriad reeds; springs fly over cliffs veiling the face, water strikes stone birthing blossoms.” Since the 1960s, many Chinese and international celebrities have been awestruck by the majestic presence of Tianhu’s waterfalls.

Tianhu Tourist Scenic Area

Tianhu is an artificial lake, constructed in 1972, known for its mountain forests, lake waters, waterfalls, and wild delicacies. In fact, the Liuxi River was once a riverbed that would frequently flood and submerge surrounding farmland and villages. The construction of the Tianhu Dam allowed for water storage and irrigation of the fields. It is named “Tianhu” (Heavenly Lake) because it is built at the top of the waterfall described as where “a myriad-zhang torrent cascades from the heavens.”

Below Tianhu, nestled among emerald peaks, lies the famous “Hot Spring Three Waterfalls.” These are natural waterfalls divided into five tiers. From top to bottom, the first to third are called the Hundred-Zhang Waterfall, the fourth is the Flying Rainbow Waterfall, and the fifth is the Perfumed Powder Waterfall. Among them, Tianhu’s “Hundred-Zhang Waterfall” is the largest natural waterfall in South China. Four kilometers to the west is the renowned Hot Spring Waterfall Area, which features three waterfalls: the Perfumed Powder Waterfall, the Flying Rainbow Waterfall, and the Hundred-Zhang Waterfall. Other notable attractions in the Hot Spring Scenic Area include: the Lush Greenery of Hot Springs, the Tranquil Orchids, the Beauty of Tianhu, and the Nantian Entertainment City.

Since the 1960s, many Chinese and foreign celebrities have marveled at and praised the grandeur of the Tianhu Waterfalls, leaving behind memorable stories. Marshal Zhu De personally inscribed the four characters “山舞银蛇” (Mountains Dance Like Silver Snakes), which remain engraved on the cliffs beside the waterfall. The renowned writer Guo Moruo composed a poem in its honor: “Three-tiered cataracts span a hundred zhang, a stream plays myriad reeds; springs fly over cliffs veiling the face, water strikes stone birthing blossoms.” Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia also found himself enchanted by the site, so enthralled that he insisted on having lunch on the rocks beneath the waterfall with his entourage…

Scenic Area Address: Western Bank of the Liuxi River, Conghua City, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

Transportation: Take a bus from Guangzhou to Conghua, then transfer to Conghua Bus Route 4 and get off at Qiaohong Garden Station.

Highway Route: From Guangzhou → Jingzhu Expressway → Jiebei Expressway → Daguang Expressway, exit at Wenquan Station → Wenquan Avenue → Conghua Tianhu Tourist Scenic Area

Self-Drive Route: From Guangzhou → Guangcong Route 8 → Wenquan Avenue → Conghua Hot Spring Town → Conghua Tianhu Tourist Scenic Area