Live Your Best Lives
At Sanla Waterfall, visitors can enjoy a refreshing hike through the surrounding forest, take photos of the cascading waterfall, and explore the natural pools below the falls. It's a great spot for nature walks, photography, and cooling off in the waterfall’s mist during hot days.
Sanla Waterfall is located near Sanla Village, 20 kilometers east of Babao Town, Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture. In the Zhuang language, "Sanla" means "the place where three rivers converge." The Babao River flows into Babao Town and was formerly known as Xiangquan Waterfall. Sanla Waterfall cascades down three terraces, named Yuping Terrace, Yuyu Terrace, and Gonghua Terrace. It is a truly spectacular waterfall in Yunnan.
The Babao River, traversing the Chongxuan Mountains, cascades here, cascading over a precarious cliff face over 10 meters wide. The three tiers cascade, each a 120-meter drop. The waterfall's powerful force and roar are deafening. Due to the mountain's topography, the waterfall cascades in three stages, each a pool of water. The first and second tiers are narrow and powerful, while the third tier is wider, with a drop of over 40 meters. In summer, the waterfall cascades with a torrent of water, while in winter, it resembles a white silk curtain hanging from the sky.
The subtropical monsoon climate offers mild winters and mild summers, with cool, dry weather and warm, rainy weather coexisting in the same seasons. The annual temperature difference is small, and the oceanic climate is more pronounced, with spring temperatures higher than autumn. It is suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The Sanla Waterfall cascades down three terraces, each with a pool. From top to bottom, they are named Yuping Terrace, Yuyu Terrace, and Gonghua Terrace. Yuping Terrace is the first stage of the waterfall, with a width of 20 meters and a drop of 40 meters.
The second-level waterfall has a drop of 30 meters and a width of 20 meters. It is surrounded by lush willows and clear water flows down from the upper pool along the stone wall.
The water of the second waterfall rushes through the green trees for more than 10 meters, then falls straight out of the cliff and roars into the valley bottom, forming the third waterfall with a width of 15 meters and a drop of 50 meters.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
20 yuan/person
08:30-17:30
Sanla Waterfall is one of the natural treasures in Wenshan, Yunnan, known for its impressive cascade and the surrounding lush, green environment. It holds local cultural significance as a natural landmark, drawing visitors for both its beauty and serene atmosphere.
Sanla Waterfall is located in Wenshan, Yunnan Province. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car from Wenshan city center, which takes about an hour. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car or taking a taxi is recommended.
The waterfall is accessible year-round, with no specific opening hours. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season (October to April), as the waterfall is most impressive after rainfall. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.
The entrance fee for Sanla Waterfall is typically low and can be paid at the entrance on-site. Tickets are sold offline, and no online booking is required.
Booking in advance is not necessary. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance on the day of your visit.
To fully explore the area, including hiking around the waterfall and taking in the views, expect to spend about 1 to 2 hours.
The main highlight is the waterfall itself, which is stunning from multiple vantage points. The surrounding forest and the natural pools at the base of the waterfall are also popular areas to explore.
There are no formal guided tours or audio guides available. However, local guides may be available for hire at the site, and they typically speak Mandarin.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the falls, where you can capture the entire cascade, as well as from the base, where the mist from the waterfall creates a beautiful effect. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for photos.
Start by hiking towards the waterfall’s base to capture the view from below. From there, walk up along the trails to find higher vantage points. Make sure to take time at the base to feel the spray of the waterfall and enjoy the natural surroundings.
There are no night visits, light shows, or special tours available at Sanla Waterfall. The attraction is best enjoyed during daylight hours.
The waterfall is generally not very crowded, but weekends and public holidays can attract more visitors. Weekdays, especially early in the morning, tend to be the least crowded times to visit.
There are basic facilities like toilets and rest areas. Small vendors may sell snacks and drinks nearby, but there are no major shops or restaurants at the site. It’s advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
While the site is accessible to children and elderly visitors, the terrain around the waterfall can be uneven and may not be suitable for disabled visitors. Some areas involve steep paths, so extra caution is needed.
Cash is commonly used at the entrance and for small purchases. Mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay may also be accepted, but it's best to carry some cash for smaller transactions.
There are no major restaurants inside the waterfall area. However, small local eateries are available nearby, offering basic Chinese cuisine. For more options, the town of Wenshan offers a wider variety of dining establishments.
Vegetarian food options are available at local eateries near the waterfall. Vegan and halal options may be more limited, but Wenshan city has more variety for specific dietary needs.
There are basic guesthouses and hotels in the nearby town of Wenshan, which is about an hour away from the waterfall by car. For more upscale options, visitors can explore hotels in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Wenshan Xihua Park, a peaceful green space, and the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. A day trip can easily combine a visit to the waterfall with these natural and cultural landmarks.
There are no large souvenir shops at the waterfall, but small local vendors sell handcrafted items like trinkets and souvenirs made from natural materials. Traditional local crafts and souvenirs can be found in Wenshan city.
After visiting the waterfall, you can return to Wenshan by taxi or private car. From there, buses and taxis are available to continue your journey to other destinations within the region.
