Dieshuihe Waterfall and Taijiqiao Bridge in Tengchong County, Baoshan

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💎 Key Highlights

China’s Only Urban Volcanic Landslide Waterfall

Located right in the heart of Tengchong City (腾冲城区), this waterfall plunges 46 meters as the Daying River (大盈江) crashes over a fault cliff. The cascading waters create a mesmerizing scene described as “water folding like cotton, naturally scattering without a bow”—a spectacle that famed explorer Xu Xiake once called the “drought that never clears.” 💦🌈

The cliff face is adorned with neatly arranged volcanic basalt columns, a rare geological marvel known as the “Dragon Cave Hanging Curtain” — one of the ancient Twelve Views of Tengyue (腾越十二景). 🪨🐉

Taiji Bridge: A Century-Old Cultural Landmark

Built in 1912 under the initiative of Governor Zhang Wenguang (张文光), this stone bridge spans the top of the waterfall. The bridge’s pillar bears an inscription dated “September, Year 2 of the Republic of China,” and in 1984 it was declared a protected city-level cultural relic.

Suspended above the rushing water, Taiji Bridge offers visitors a close-up of the waterfall’s mighty force—often accompanied by rainbows on sunny afternoons. 🌉🌈

🏞️ Scenic Route & Layout

• Waterfall Viewing Path:
  Start at Xianle Temple Entrance (仙乐观, admission 10 RMB) → Taiji Bridge viewpoint → descend along the boardwalk to the waterfall base to feel the mist up close.

• Climb Longguang Terrace (龙光台):
  Originally built during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era, this terrace offers a grand view of the waterfall. The site houses a 206-character couplet written by Qing dynasty scholar Cun Kaitai and features stone inscriptions from various historic figures.

• Cultural Treasures:
  The Longguang Terrace courtyard preserves numerous ancient stone carvings and poetic steles, while Xianle Temple hosts a unique Taoist “stacked character” couplet full of mysterious meanings.

📝 Visitor Tips

• Opening: The site is rated AA-level and open daily (hours unspecified). Entry fee is 10 RMB; Longguang Terrace requires a separate climb.

• Best Time to Visit:
  Rainy season (June–October) brings abundant water flow and frequent afternoon rainbows. Winter sees calmer water and fewer crowds for a peaceful visit.

• Safety: The boardwalk can be slippery—wear non-slip shoes. The base is misty; waterproof gear is recommended for photography.

🌟 Summary

The Dieshui River Waterfall is China’s only urban mountain waterfall, uniquely combining volcanic geology with powerful natural beauty. The century-old Taiji Bridge adds historic charm, together forming the “Dragon Cave Hanging Curtain + Rainbow Drinking Stream” — a poetic symbol of Tengchong’s rich cultural and natural heritage.