Waterfalls in Honghe Prefecture

Honghe Prefecture has a topography that is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. Divided by the Red River, it separates into the northern and southern regions. The eastern part belongs to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, while the western part is in the Ailao Mountain range with its deep valleys. The Ailao Mountains stretch along the southern bank of the Red River into Vietnam and are the main mountain range in the prefecture. The mountainous area accounts for 88.5% of the total area. The Tropic of Cancer crosses Gejiu City, Mengzi City, and Jianshui County.

The water system of Honghe Prefecture belongs to both the Red River and Pearl River systems. The southern part is part of the Red River system, while the northern part is part of the Pearl River system. Major rivers include the Lixian River, Tengtiao River, Nanxi River, Qujiang River, and Dianxi River. There are 180 rivers with a drainage area of more than 100 square kilometers within the prefecture (including the two main rivers, the Nanpan River and the Red River). Among these, 65 rivers belong to the Pearl River system and 115 rivers belong to the Red River system. There are 13 rivers with a drainage area of more than 1000 square kilometers, with 6 in the Pearl River system: Nanpan River, Qujiang River, Lujiang River, Shadian River, Dianxi River, and Nandong River; and 7 in the Red River system: Red River, Xiahebei River, Nanxi River, Lixian River, Siman River (Niukong River), Xiahei River, and Tengtiao River (Mengla River). The lakes in Honghe Prefecture are all freshwater lakes, located in the Nanpan River basin, including Yilong Lake, Chirui Lake, Sanjiao Sea, Datun Lake, and Changqiao Lake.

1. Jiutai Waterfall (石屏·昌明九台瀑布)

  • Location: Changming Village, Longwu Town, Shiping County, southeast direction.
  • Description: This majestic waterfall is nestled in the dense primeval forest. The river’s narrow and continuous flow creates a spectacular waterfall with significant altitude differences. The cascading water creates a stunning display of splashing droplets that form beautiful rainbows in the air.

2. Jiucheng Waterfall (屏边·九层瀑布)

  • Location: Daweishan National Forest Park, Pingbian County.
  • Description: Renowned for its grandeur, this waterfall features three tiers, each consisting of three levels, totaling nine tiers. Each tier is about 7 meters high and 4 meters wide. The waterfall is surrounded by lush forests. During the rainy season, it produces a thunderous roar, while in autumn and winter, it flows gently, resembling a natural melody. A clear pool at the base allows for scenic viewing of large rocks.

3. Dripping Waterfall (屏边·滴水层瀑布)

  • Location: Pingbian County.
  • Description: The Dripping Waterfall includes both Large Dripping Waterfall and Small Dripping Waterfall. The Small Dripping Waterfall features unique rock formations and a rainbow-like arch. The Large Dripping Waterfall cascades from high cliffs into a deep pool below, creating a dazzling spectacle under the sunlight.

4. Huayu Cave National Forest Park (河口·花鱼洞国家森林公园)

  • Location: Xiaonanxi Tropical Rainforest, Nanxi Town, Hekou County.
  • Description: This park combines karst formations, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. A unique four-tiered waterfall, 26 meters high and 10 meters wide, resembles a water curtain cave. The waterfall cascades over rocks, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene.

5. Dailu Waterfall (泸西·歹鲁瀑布)

  • Location: 44 kilometers outside Luxi County.
  • Description: The most famous waterfall in Luxi, it features 11 tiers within a 7-kilometer range, with the highest drop reaching over 70 meters. The waterfall creates a powerful and spectacular display as it crashes against the rocks.

6. Huo Shui Yan Waterfall (金平·滮水岩瀑布)

  • Location: Ma’andi Township, Jinping County.
  • Description: Situated deep in the Red River Butterfly Valley, this waterfall is 256 meters long, resembling a dragon plunging into water. The thunderous sound of the waterfall is striking, and visitors can reach the base where the clear pool and surrounding lush vegetation enhance the natural beauty.

7. La Deng He Waterfall Group (金平·拉灯河瀑布群)

  • Location: Upstream of Wutai River and its tributary Shidong River, Jinping County.
  • Description: This rare group of five waterfalls is situated at an elevation of 2621 meters. Each waterfall ranges from 60 to over 100 meters in height and 10 meters in width. The surrounding pristine forests contribute to its wild natural beauty.

8. Huanglian Mountain Waterfall (绿春·黄连山瀑布)

  • Location: Huanglian Mountain National Nature Reserve, Luxi County.
  • Description: The Huanglian Mountain Waterfall features three tiers, each about 60 meters high. During the wet season, it roars like a herd of galloping horses, while in the dry season, it flows calmly, forming three green pools at the base. The surrounding deep valleys and lush forests create a stunning natural landscape.