Qianlonggou Grand Waterfall is located in Jincun Village, Liangkou Town, Conghua District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, within the upper reaches of the Liuxi River. It is a natural ecological scenic area centered on pristine waterfalls, bamboo forests, and mountain landscapes. The scenic area stretches about 3 kilometers in depth, with its core features being a super-wide waterfall, stream tracing, and bamboo grove scenery. The Qianlong Grand Waterfall has a drop of approximately 80 meters and a width of up to 290 meters, making it a well-known wide waterfall in the Guangzhou vicinity. Developed from the original mountain valley waterways, the area boasts mountain canyons, clear streams, and contiguous bamboo forests. With high humidity, lush vegetation, and high negative oxygen ion content, it is a famous summer retreat and hiking sightseeing destination in northern Guangzhou.
History and Culture
The Jincun area, where Qianlonggou is situated, has long been a settlement of traditional Hakka villages in the mountainous region of Conghua. Local Hakka people have preserved a rural lifestyle of farming and mountain water collection for generations. In ancient times, the waterfall and streams in the valley served as vital water sources for villagers. The valley and bamboo groves have coexisted for centuries, and locals have long called this multi-tiered waterfall "Qianlong" – long meaning a rushing torrent or waterfall.
Folktales passed down in the area include stories of immortals leaving their footprints and a young dragon swimming upstream into the valley, adding a mythical touch to the landscape. In its early days, this was an undeveloped deep mountain stream rarely visited by outsiders. Later, tourism development took advantage of the rich waterfall resources, leading to the establishment of the Qianlonggou Grand Waterfall scenic area. It has since become a popular natural attraction in northern Conghua. The site contains no major historical relics; its cultural value mainly lies in the Hakka mountain village heritage and the ecological landscape of mountains and waters.
Main Attractions
Qianlong Grand Waterfall
The centerpiece of the scenic area, the waterfall plunges from a high cliff in a broad sheet, with a total drop of about 80 meters and a width of up to 290 meters. At its base lies a deep pool, and mist rises continuously. Viewing platforms allow visitors to appreciate the full panorama up close. Surrounding rocks are steep and covered with vegetation. During the rainy season, the water flow is powerful and roaring; in the dry season, it becomes gentler. On sunny days, rainbows can sometimes be seen above the falls.
Bamboo Sea with Warbler Songs
Located along the mountain trail near the entrance, this area features vast stands of moso bamboo lining both sides of the path. The bamboo groves stretch endlessly, and the shaded trail offers a cool, breezy walk. The native bamboo forest is dense, and birds often sing among the groves, making it a pleasant rest stop on the way to the waterfall.
Emerald Valley Stream
This section lies upstream of the waterfall, where the stream meanders through the valley. The riverbed is covered with natural stones of various sizes, with gentle, shallow flows suitable for wading and stream-tracing. Both banks are densely forested and ecologically pristine. Wooden boardwalks allow visitors to follow the stream upwards.
Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder
A stone stairway built along the mountainside, this path climbs somewhat steeply through the canyon. From higher points, visitors can look down over the valley and bamboo forest below.
Convergence Pool Waterfall
A small multi-tiered waterfall about halfway up the mountain, where several mountain streams join and tumble down into a clear, emerald-green pool. It serves as a scenic stop en route to the main waterfall.
Suggested Route：
Scenic Entrance → Bamboo Sea with Warbler Songs → Emerald Valley Stream → Hundred?Step Cloud Ladder → Convergence Pool Waterfall → Qianlong Grand Waterfall → Return along the same path to the exit (or take the sightseeing buggy downhill).
Travel Tips：
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours, allowing sufficient time for hiking round trip.
In summer, prefer morning visits to avoid afternoon heat; ideal for cooling off and playing in the water.
The rainy season offers the best waterfall views, but check the weather forecast before departure.
Visitors with limited mobility may stop at the mid?mountain viewing platform instead of going all the way to the waterfall base.
After the visit, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Xitou Village and Liuxi River National Forest Park.
Important Notes：
Most trails are stone steps with steep sections; wear non?slip sports shoes. Sandals or flip?flops are not recommended.
Rocks in the stream are slippery – take extra care when wading and avoid deep, fast?flowing areas.
Mosquitoes are abundant in summer; bring insect repellent.
Mobile signals may be unstable; download offline maps in advance.
Help protect the environment – do not litter.
During thunderstorms, stay away from the waterfall and tall trees, and be alert to flash flood risks.
Transportation：
Self?driving: Navigate to "Qianlonggou Grand Waterfall." From central Guangzhou, take the Daguang Expressway and then National Highway 105 to Liangkou Town, then follow rural roads to Jincun Village. The scenic area has a parking lot (fees apply).
Public transport: Take the metro or a long?distance bus to Conghua Bus Station, then transfer to a bus to Liangkou Town. From Liangkou, take a taxi to the scenic area. There is no direct bus to the site, so public transport is inconvenient – self?driving is strongly recommended.
Opening Hours：
Regular hours: 08:30 – 17:30, with last entry generally at 16:30. The scenic area may close temporarily in case of heavy rain, floods, typhoons, or other severe weather. Please check the latest announcements before your visit.
Ticket Price：
68 RMB per person.