Baishuizhai Scenic Area is located in Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Centered on the spectacular Baishuixian Waterfall and primitive mountain forest landscapes, it features Baishuixian Waterfall, one of the waterfalls with the largest drop in Chinese mainland. The planned total area of the scenic area is approximately 200 square kilometers, and the core sightseeing zone covers 8 square kilometers. The scenic area boasts the well-known mountain trail First Stairway under Heaven, which consists of 9,999 stone steps in total. Integrating mountain sightseeing, forest leisure and riverside recreation relying on mountain and waterfall resources, it enjoys high forest coverage and excellent ecological environment, making it a popular mountain leisure destination in the Pearl River Delta.
History and Culture
A folk legend related to Immortal He has been passed down locally in Baishuizhai. According to legend, Immortal He cultivated herself and attained enlightenment here. The shape of Baishuixian Waterfall closely resembles an immortal standing in mid-air, so local people believe the waterfall is the incarnation of Immortal He. For thousands of years, residents have preserved relevant folk tales, forming unique Immortal He culture with local characteristics.
Since modern times, Baishuizhai has long maintained its primitive mountain forest appearance. At the beginning of the 21st century, relying on natural mountains and rivers, local authorities launched the development and construction of the scenic area. Mountain paths, viewing platforms and supporting service facilities were completed, and the scenic area officially opened to the public. It gradually developed into a famous mountain scenic spot in Guangzhou. The region has profound Hakka cultural heritage. Villages nearby have been inhabited by Hakka people for generations, and local folk customs and food culture integrate with tourism of the scenic area.
Major Attractions
Baishuixian Waterfall
Baishuixian Waterfall is the core attraction of Baishuizhai, with a vertical drop of 428.5 meters. Water rushes down from the mountain top. Seen from afar, it looks like an immortal with a long flowing skirt, hence the name. Its water source comes from alpine lakes. The waterfall is magnificent in rainy seasons and gentle in dry seasons. Multiple viewing platforms are built around the waterfall, enabling visitors to appreciate the full view from different distances and angles.
First Stairway under Heaven
First Stairway under Heaven is the core stone mountain path of the scenic area, with a total of 9,999 steps built along the mountain beside the waterfall. Rest platforms are set at intervals along the trail, offering close-up views of the waterfall and mountain scenery. The trail is divided into several sections. The 4099th step marks the boundary of Immortal He Heavenly Lake. Visitors can get close to the water below the 4099th step, while the upper section leads to the alpine lake on the summit.
Immortal He Heavenly Lake
Situated on the summit of Baishuizhai, Immortal He Heavenly Lake is the water source of Baishuixian Waterfall, an alpine artificial lake. The lake features clear and calm water surrounded by primitive forests. After climbing to the top, visitors can overlook rolling mountains and valleys. It is also one of the destinations along the whole hiking route.
Fun Water Valley
Fun Water Valley lies at the foot of the scenic mountain, a riverside leisure zone equipped with streams, shallow beaches and themed landscapes. It suits short walks and water activities. The route is flat with no mountain climbing required, ideal for the elderly and children.
Baishuizhai Viewing Platforms
Numerous viewing platforms scatter along the trail. The most well-known ones are Waterfall Viewing Platform and Roaring Waterfall Platform, distributed at different elevations of First Stairway under Heaven. Each platform provides a unique viewing angle for visitors to feel the water mist up close. They are prime spots for photographing the waterfall.
Tour Routes
Route 1 (Short Leisure Riverside Route, suitable for families): Scenic Area Gate → Fun Water Valley → Roaring Waterfall Platform → Waterfall Viewing Platform → Return by the original route
Route 2 (Classic Medium Hiking Route): Scenic Area Gate → Fun Water Valley → First Stairway under Heaven → Immortal He Heavenly Lake → Descend by the original route
Route 3 (Full Summit Hiking Route): Scenic Area Gate → Fun Water Valley → Hike up the whole First Stairway under Heaven → Immortal He Heavenly Lake → Hike down on foot or take a sightseeing shuttle bus
Travel Tips
- Visit between April and September (rainy season) to see the waterfall with abundant water flow; the water volume is smaller in dry winter season.
- Visitors with average physical strength are suggested to turn back at the 1499th or 4099th step instead of forcing themselves to reach the 9999-step summit.
- Mountain climbing consumes plenty of energy. It is recommended to start sightseeing in the morning and reserve 4 to 6 hours for the trip.
- Supply shops are available from the mountain foot to the middle section, while supplies become scarce towards the summit. You may bring drinking water and some snacks in advance.
- Morning hours feature soft light, which delivers better effects for viewing and photographing the waterfall.
- Flat grounds are abundant at the foot of the scenic area. Visitors with poor stamina can just tour Fun Water Valley without mountain climbing.
Precautions
- The stone hiking path is steep and lengthy. Wear non-slip sports shoes; slippers and high heels are not suitable for climbing.
- Humidity is high around the waterfall and rock surfaces are slippery. Do not climb over guardrails and stay away from dangerous waterside areas.
- Stop hiking during thunderstorms, avoid high ground and waterfall areas to prevent lightning risks.
- Open flames are forbidden in mountain forests. Do not carry fire sources or litter randomly to protect forest ecology.
- A large number of tourists visit during holidays and parking spaces are limited. Arrive early or choose public transport.
- Arrange your hiking pace reasonably. Stop and rest on platforms or head downhill promptly if you feel dizzy or exhausted.
- Pet entry follows scenic regulations. Pets are prohibited from entering some hiking sections.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Navigate to Baishuizhai Scenic Area. Supporting parking lots are located near the main gate. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from downtown Guangzhou.
- Public transport: Take metro lines to relevant stations in Zengcheng, then transfer to Zengcheng rural bus routes bound for Baishuizhai in Paitan Town. Direct passenger buses to Baishuizhai depart from Zengcheng Bus Station.
- Intercity travel: Tourists from Pearl River Delta cities can first travel to Zengcheng urban area, then take local buses or online car-hailing services to the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Baishuizhai Scenic Area normally opens from 08:30 to 17:30, and ticket admission stops at 16:30. Opening hours remain generally stable during legal holidays. In case of extreme weather such as heavy rain or typhoons, the scenic area may temporarily adjust opening hours or close. Please check official announcements before your trip.
Ticket Information
The admission ticket costs 60 RMB per person. Search the WeChat official account "白水寨景区" to get the latest updates.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.