Baishuizhai Scenic Area is located in Paitan Town, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area features the spectacular Baishui Fairy Waterfall—one of the highest waterfalls in mainland China—and pristine mountain forest landscapes. It has a planned total area of about 200 square kilometers, with a core sightseeing zone of 8 square kilometers. Within the area, the well?known “No. 1 Ladder under Heaven” hiking trail consists of 9,999 stone steps. Built around the mountain and waterfall resources, the site offers mountaineering sightseeing, forest leisure, and water?side recreation. With high forest cover and excellent ecological conditions, it is a popular mountain getaway in the Pearl River Delta region.
History and Culture
Local folklore connects Baishuizhai with the legendary immortal He Xiangu. It is said that He Xiangu cultivated herself and attained enlightenment here. The waterfall’s shape resembles a fairy standing gracefully in midair, and local people have long believed it to be her embodiment. This legend has been passed down for centuries, giving rise to a distinctive “Fairy Culture.”
In modern times, Baishuizhai remained largely undeveloped virgin forest until the early 21st century, when the local government began developing the area as a scenic attraction—building hiking paths, viewing platforms, and supporting facilities. It officially opened to the public and has since grown into one of Guangzhou’s most famous mountain scenic spots. The region also has deep Hakka cultural roots; surrounding villages have been home to Hakka people for generations, and their folk customs and culinary traditions blend with the area’s tourism.
Major Attractions
Baishui Fairy Waterfall
The centerpiece of the scenic area, the waterfall drops 428.5 meters. Plunging from the mountaintop, it looks from a distance like a fairy in a flowing long skirt, hence its name. Its water comes from a high?mountain lake. During the wet season, the torrent is powerful and magnificent; in the dry season, it becomes gentler and more delicate. Several viewing platforms at different levels offer varied perspectives of the falls.
No. 1 Ladder under Heaven
This is the main stone?step hiking trail, with a total of 9,999 steps built along the waterfall’s mountainside. Rest platforms are set at intervals along the route, allowing visitors to enjoy close?up views of the waterfall and mountain scenery. The trail is divided into sections; the 4,099?step mark is the boundary at Fairy Pool. Below that level, visitors can get close to the water, while the upper section leads to the mountaintop lake.
Fairy Pool (Xiangu Tianchi)
Located at the summit, this alpine reservoir is the source of the Baishui Fairy Waterfall. It is an artificial high?altitude lake with clear, calm water surrounded by primeval forest. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It is also one of the end points of the full hiking route.
Fun Water Valley
At the foot of the mountain, this is a family?friendly water?play area with streams, shallow pools, and decorative landscape features. The gentle, flat paths are suitable for short strolls and splashing about, making it ideal for the elderly and young children—no climbing is needed.
Viewing Platforms
Scattered along the No. 1 Ladder at different levels, notable platforms include Guanyin Terrace and Puming Terrace. Each offers a unique angle for viewing the waterfall and is a prime spot for photography.
Suggested Routes：
Short leisure/water route (family?friendly): Main gate → Fun Water Valley → Puming Terrace → Guanyin Terrace → Return along the same path.
Classic mid?level hiking route: Main gate → Fun Water Valley → No. 1 Ladder under Heaven → Fairy Pool → Return along the same path.
Full summit route: Main gate → Fun Water Valley → Complete the entire No. 1 Ladder to the top → Fairy Pool → Hike down or take the sightseeing bus downhill.
Travel Tips：
For the most impressive waterfall views, visit during the rainy season (April to September); in winter (dry season), the flow is much reduced.
Visitors with average fitness are advised to climb only to the 1,499?step or 4,099?step platform and turn back—there is no need to force a summit of all 9,999 steps.
The hike is physically demanding; it is best to start in the morning and allow 4?6 hours for the visit.
Snack and drink stalls are available from the foot to the mid?sections, but supplies become scarce higher up. Bring drinking water and some light snacks.
For photography, morning light is softer and more flattering for the waterfall.
If you have limited mobility, you can simply enjoy the Fun Water Valley at the foot without climbing.
Important Notices：
The stone steps are steep and long; wear non?slip sports shoes. Do not wear slippers or high heels.
The area around the waterfall is very humid and rocks are slippery. Do not climb over railings and stay away from dangerous water edges.
In thunderstorms, stop hiking and avoid high places and the waterfall area to reduce lightning risk.
Open flames are strictly prohibited in the forest; do not carry flammable items, and do not litter—help protect the forest ecology.
On holidays, the site is crowded and parking is limited. Arrive early or consider public transport.
Hike within your limits. If you feel dizzy or exhausted, rest at a platform or turn back.
Pet policies apply; some sections of the trail do not allow pets.
Transportation：
Self?driving: Navigate to “Baishuizhai Scenic Area.” There is a parking lot near the main gate. From downtown Guangzhou, the drive takes about 1.5 hours.
Public transport: Take the metro to a Zengcheng station, then transfer to a Zengcheng rural bus heading to Paitan Town / Baishuizhai. Alternatively, take a direct bus from Zengcheng Bus Station to Baishuizhai.
Cross?city travel: Visitors from other Pearl River Delta cities can first travel to Zengcheng urban area, then transfer to a local bus or ride?hailing service to the scenic area.
Opening Hours：
Daily: 08:30 – 17:30; last admission is generally at 16:30. Hours remain largely stable on public holidays. In case of heavy rain, typhoons, or other extreme weather, the opening times may be adjusted or the park may close temporarily. Check official announcements before your visit.
Ticket Price：
60 RMB per person.