Nine Dragons Waterfall in Luoping County, Qujing

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Overview

Chinese Name: 罗平九龙瀑布
English Name: Nine Dragons Waterfall (Jiulong Waterfall)
Location: East of Luoping County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province
Scenic Area: Luoping
Admission Fee: ¥95
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About The Nine Dragons Waterfall

The Nine Dragons Waterfall, also known as “Dadieshui” by the local Buyi people, is the most famous waterfall in Jiulong River. This stunning natural wonder spans a 2-kilometer section of the river and is the most unique part of its course. Over thousands of years, the river has carved out ten terraces of cascading waterfalls, each varying in height and width.

The largest cascade, known as “No.1 Cascade of Jiulong,” stands 56 meters high and 110 meters wide. During the wet season, the roar of the waterfall can be heard from several kilometers away. From below, it appears as if a massive cataract is roaring down from the sky with incredible force, enveloping everything in mist. In winter and spring, the cascade transforms into a silver chain hanging from the heavens, with spray filling the air. On sunny days, rainbows appear above the cascade, creating a vibrant display of colors.

The second cascade, called “Lovers’ Cascade,” is 43 meters high and 39 meters wide. At the base of this cascade is the serene Jiaobu Pond. Each of the other cascades along the river also has its own charm, and visitors can enjoy the full beauty of all ten cascades from a belvedere.

Bu He, vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress, praised the grandeur of the Jiulong Waterfalls, saying, “Jiulong Cascades has no match in its majesty in south China.” Each year, on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar, young people from all ethnic groups gather to celebrate the “Antiphonal-Style Singing Festival.” During the festival, they dress in their best attire, perform traditional dances, and engage in other activities that highlight the unique characteristics of their cultures. The highlight of the festival is the opportunity for young men and women to meet each other through the tradition of singing antiphonal songs.

Legend of the Nine Dragons Waterfall

According to local legend, long ago, Luoping was a vast ocean inhabited by nine black dragons and one white dragon, all of whom came from the lotus pond of the Pearl River source. The dragons competed for control over the sea, and the white dragon, being clever, managed to monopolize the ocean. However, the nine black dragons refused to accept defeat. They dug tunnels beneath the sea, causing the waters of the Luoping Sea to dry up. With no place to go, the white dragon perished at the edge of the sea, transforming into Baila Mountain.

Later, eight of the black dragons dug a river that irrigated the land of Luoping. However, the eldest black dragon continued to cause trouble, bringing drought to the area. The king of the underworld, aware of the situation, ordered the gods of wind, rain, and thunder to intervene. They transformed the long river into three platforms, with the highest platform being the Jiulong Waterfalls.

Attraction Transportation

By Bus:

• Take a regular bus from the Luoping Passenger Station to Banqiao (板桥), which costs 5 yuan per person and takes about 30 minutes.
• From Banqiao, take a mini-bus to the Jiulong Waterfall, which costs an additional 5 yuan per person and takes around 20 minutes.

Attraction Travel Tips

Festivals:

Several festivals are celebrated annually at the Nine Dragons Waterfall, including:

• Antiphonal Singing Festival: Celebrated on the second day of the second lunar month.
• Water-Sprinkling Festival: Held on the third day of the third lunar month.
• Torch Festival: Celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month.