A Fairyland Hot Spring Waterfall Journey

The "world's largest hot spring waterfall" is located in the Luoji Mountains Ninety-Nine Scenic Area in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. This natural wonder, hidden among the mountains, consists of dozens of hot spring waterfalls of varying sizes. The water temperature remains at around 40℃ all year round. The waterfalls cascade down the cliffs of the mountainside, forming terraced hot spring pools, like a fairyland.

Pre-trip preparation

Best season: Suitable for all seasons, but autumn and winter (October to March of the following year) are the most comfortable for hot springs, while summer (June to August) can be used for summer vacations.

Transportation:
- Plane: The nearest airport is Xichang Qingshan Airport. After arriving, you can rent a car or take a tourist bus (about 1.5 hours' drive).
- Self-driving: About 6–7 hours' drive from Chengdu. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yaxi Expressway along the way.
- Public transportation: The Xichang Tourist Passenger Transport Center has direct buses to the scenic area.

Must-have items: Swimsuit (can also be purchased in the scenic area), waterproof mobile phone bag, non-slip slippers, sunscreen, bath towel (provided for rent in the scenic area).

Travel Guide

Ticket information:
- Peak season (April to October): CNY 140/person
- Off-season (November to March of the following year): CNY 100/person
- Includes sightseeing bus fee

Recommended route:
1. Waterfall sightseeing area (recommended 2 hours): Take a sightseeing bus directly to the core area and enjoy the spectacular view of hundreds of waterfalls along the way. Don't miss "Fairy Pool" – a semicircular hot spring pool surrounded by waterfalls, an excellent location for taking pictures.
2. Hot spring experience area (recommended 3–4 hours):
- Cliffside hot spring: A hot spring pool built on a vertical cliff, experience the thrill of "soaking in the air"
- Cave hot spring: A hot spring pool in a natural cave, full of mystery
- Rainbow Waterfall Hot Spring: Rainbow spectacle appears when the sun shines in the afternoon
3. Yi ethnic culture experience: There are Yi folk performances in the scenic area (two shows daily at 11:00 and 15:00). You can taste special delicacies such as Tuotuo meat and buckwheat cakes.

Accommodation recommendations:
- In the scenic area: Hot Spring Waterfall Hotel (you can see the waterfall when you open the window, about CNY 600/night)
- Surrounding area: Xichang city hotels (more choices, prices range from CNY 200–400)

Useful tips

1. Avoid crowds: Arrive before 10:00 every day to enjoy a quieter experience. There is a large flow of people on weekends and holidays.
2. Safety tips: Some hot spring pools are deep, and children need to be accompanied by their parents; the cliffside road is slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
3. Photography suggestions: The morning when the water vapor is misty is the most suitable for shooting fairyland effects. Drones need to be reported in advance.
4. Special experience: Limited area open at night (19:00–22:00), it is a special experience to soak in the hot spring under the stars.

Nearby attractions

- Qionghai Wetland Park (30 minutes from Xichang city): A plateau freshwater lake, suitable for cycling and bird watching
- Lushan Mountain (adjacent to Qionghai): A spiritual mountain where Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism coexist
- Satellite Launch Center (about 1.5 hours' drive): An important aerospace base in China

Note: The altitude of Liangshan Prefecture is high (about 1,500m), so avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive; respect the Yi customs and do not photograph locals without permission.

This miracle created by geothermal heat perfectly combines the beauty of waterfalls and the healing properties of hot springs. When the warm water flows down from a high place and hits your shoulders and back, the unique pleasure of enjoying it between heaven and earth is the most precious memory of this trip.