Location and Access

Where it is

Jiulong Waterfall is located in Luoping County, Yunnan Province. Specifically, it is about 22 kilometers northeast of the county seat. It lies along the Jiulong River (originally named Xijiu Creek). On a river course that is around 4 kilometers long, there are 10 levels of waterfalls formed due to the differences in the landform. These waterfalls vary in style, some are magnificent, some are precipitous, some are elegant, and some are gentle, presenting a breathtaking and incomparable beauty. The scenic area has rich landscapes, concentrated attractions, prominent features and charming scenery. The attractions combine the characteristics of grandeur, danger, uniqueness and beauty. The shoals and deep pools among the waterfalls are in various postures and colorful, and the scenery changes endlessly with the seasons and the amount of water flow.

How to get there

There are several common transportation options for tourists to reach Jiulong Waterfall. By bus, you can go to the south side of the Luoping County Passenger Station and take a shuttle bus to Banqiao. The ticket price is about 5 yuan per person and it takes around 30 minutes. Then transfer to a minivan to get to Jiulong Waterfall. The ticket price for the minivan is 5 yuan and it will take about 20 minutes.

For the transportation within the scenic area, there is a "Flying Magic Carpet" which costs 20 yuan per person. Also, on the relatively calm sections of the Jiulong River, there are manual bamboo rafts available at 25 yuan per person. And in the downstream area, there are electric bamboo rafts which cost 20 yuan per person.

The Magnificent Scenery

Overall view

From a distance, the Jiulong Waterfall presents a truly spectacular sight. With a considerable height and width, it stands as a magnificent natural wonder. As visitors first lay their eyes on it, they are often struck by its grandeur. The water pours down forcefully, creating a mist that shrouds the area around it, adding an air of mystery. Against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains and greenery, it forms a picture-perfect scene that seems almost like a painting come to life.

Unique features

What makes the Jiulong Waterfall stand out among others are its unique aspects. Its shape is not a simple, straightforward one. Instead, it consists of multiple tiers along the 4-kilometer-long river course, with each tier having its own distinct form. The water flow patterns are equally fascinating. Sometimes it gushes down rapidly in a powerful rush, while at other times it trickles gently over the rocks, creating a soothing sound. Around the waterfall, there are interesting rock formations. Some rocks are smooth as if polished by the continuous flow of water over countless years, while others have unique textures and shapes, almost like sculptures carefully crafted by nature itself. These special features combined make the Jiulong Waterfall a truly remarkable and unforgettable sight for tourists.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

In spring, Jiulong Waterfall takes on a fresh and vibrant look. The surrounding mountains and valleys come alive with lush greenery as new leaves sprout on the trees. The waterfall itself seems to be framed by a natural green curtain, enhancing its elegance. Along the banks of the Jiulong River, various wildflowers start to bloom, dotting the landscape with colors like bright yellows, soft pinks, and purples. The gentle breeze carries their delicate fragrance, making the air around the waterfall even more refreshing. The water flow at this time is neither too fierce nor too weak, cascading down gracefully over the rocks, creating a soothing and pleasant scene that attracts numerous visitors who come to enjoy the beauty of nature awakening in spring.

Summer

When summer arrives, Jiulong Waterfall transforms into a more powerful and magnificent sight. With the rainy season usually hitting during this time in the region, the water volume of the waterfall increases significantly. The once gentle stream now turns into a roaring torrent, thundering down the multiple tiers of the waterfall with great force. The mist generated by the falling water spreads out over a wider area, creating a cool and misty environment around the waterfall. The sound of the cascading water echoes through the valley, making it an awe-inspiring spectacle. It's as if the waterfall has unleashed its full energy, showing off its might and grandeur to all who visit, and providing a refreshing respite from the summer heat for tourists.

Autumn

Autumn bestows a unique charm upon Jiulong Waterfall. The foliage around the waterfall starts to change colors, presenting a vivid palette of warm hues. The leaves on the trees turn into shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a beautiful contrast against the clear blue sky and the white water of the waterfall. As the autumn wind blows, the fallen leaves dance in the air and then gently land on the ground or float on the surface of the water pools below the waterfall. The combination of the colorful leaves, the flowing water, and the serene atmosphere makes for a picturesque autumn landscape. It's a season when photographers and nature lovers flock to capture the captivating autumnal beauty of the waterfall.

Winter

In winter, Jiulong Waterfall has its own set of unique characteristics. On colder days, ice formations can be seen around the edges of the waterfall and on the rocks nearby. The water freezes in various shapes, some looking like delicate icicles hanging from the rocks while others form small ice shelves along the riverbanks. The usually lively and dynamic waterfall takes on a quieter and more tranquil air. The reduced water flow during winter gives it a sense of calmness, as if it's resting after the energetic displays of the other seasons. Against the backdrop of the winter landscape, with the surrounding mountains covered in a thin layer of snow in some cases, the waterfall presents a serene and almost otherworldly beauty that makes it a special sight to behold even in the cold months.

Visitor Experiences

Hiking and walking trails

There are several wonderful hiking and walking trails around Jiulong Waterfall. One of the popular ones allows tourists to get quite close to the waterfall and explore it from different angles. The difficulty level of these trails is generally moderate, suitable for most visitors with a basic level of fitness. The estimated walking distance along the main trail around the waterfall is about 2 to 3 kilometers. As you walk along the trail, you can feel the gentle breeze on your face and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding greenery and the magnificent waterfall at the same time. You can choose to take a casual walk (you can say "take a walk" or "go for a stroll") or have a more brisk hike (using the word "hike") depending on your preference and energy level.

Photography opportunities

For photography enthusiasts, Jiulong Waterfall offers numerous excellent spots. If you want to capture the whole magnificent view of the waterfall, there is an open area a little distance away from the waterfall where you can set up your camera and take in the entire sight of the waterfall cascading down with the surrounding landscape as a backdrop. For those detailed close-up shots, you can walk along the trails closer to the waterfall and find spots where you can photograph the unique rock formations beside the flowing water, or the water droplets splashing when the waterfall hits the rocks below. The constantly changing light conditions throughout the day also create different photographic effects, making every shot a potential masterpiece.

Relaxation and enjoyment

Visitors can truly relax and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere around the waterfall. You can sit by the water's edge, feeling the coolness of the water and listening to the soothing sound of the flowing water as it pours down. It's a great place to have a picnic too. Just spread out a blanket on the grassy areas nearby, take out your favorite snacks and drinks, and enjoy a leisurely meal while surrounded by nature. You can also simply close your eyes, take a deep breath of the fresh air filled with the mist from the waterfall, and let all the stress and tiredness melt away. It's a perfect spot to unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Surrounding Attractions

Nearby natural spots

Apart from the magnificent Jiulong Waterfall itself, there are several other appealing natural attractions nearby. For instance, along the Jiulong River, there are some small and charming water bodies like serene pools and gentle streams. These are perfect spots for visitors to take a break and enjoy the tranquility of nature while listening to the soft flowing sounds of the water. Additionally, the surrounding areas are dotted with lush forests. The trees here are rich in variety, and in different seasons, they present different beautiful looks. In spring and summer, they are a sea of green, providing a refreshing and cool environment. In autumn, the leaves turn into vibrant colors like red, orange and gold, creating a picturesque scene. There are also some scenic viewpoints around. From these viewpoints, tourists can have a panoramic view of the waterfall along with the surrounding natural landscapes, getting a better appreciation of the harmonious combination of mountains, waters and forests in this area.

Cultural and historical sites

In the vicinity of the Jiulong Waterfall, there are also some cultural and historical sites that add extra charm for travelers. There are ancient villages not far away. These villages have a long history and unique architectures. The traditional houses with their characteristic styles tell stories of the past generations who lived here. The layout of the villages and the daily items used by the villagers in the old days can give tourists a glimpse into the local traditional lifestyle and folk culture.