It turns out there really are hot spring waterfalls in the world. How amazing is that?
by ANDERSON BREWER
Mar 7, 2025
📍Location: Qiaowo Town, Puge County, Xichang City, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province (Navigate to "Luoji Jiushiuli Hot Spring Waterfall")
🌋Quick Overview:
This is the world's largest hot spring waterfall, where 80°C sulfur springs cascade down a 40-meter-high cliff, forming layered natural hot spring pools. The scenic area combines geothermal hot springs, primeval forests, and Yi ethnic culture. It is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2023 as a "World Geopark."
📸Top 3 Must-Visit Spots:
1️⃣ Main Waterfall Viewing Platform (Free)
Recommended to arrive before 8 AM; when the mist rises, it looks like a fairyland. Using a telephoto lens, you can capture the "Milky Way Falling from the Sky" effect.
2️⃣ Cliff Hot Spring Pool (Free)
A private bath formed by natural volcanic rocks, with water temperature around 42°C. Overlooking the terraced fields below is incredibly soothing.
3️⃣ Rainbow Slide (30 RMB per ride)
A 300-meter-long glass slide that passes through bamboo groves, ending directly at the hot spring area.
🚗Transportation:
▫️Self-drive: Depart from Xichang, navigate to "Luoji Jiushiuli," exit at Xichang South on the G5 Jingkun Expressway. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. Parking is free.
▫️Public Transport: Take a dedicated shuttle bus from Xichang Tourist Distribution Center (departure times at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00). One-way ticket costs 25 RMB.
▫️Local Car Rental: For carpooling, the round-trip cost per person is 80 RMB. It is recommended to contact the scenic area customer service in advance to book.
🎒Travel Tips:
A two-day itinerary is recommended, for example:
Day 1: Main Waterfall → Cliff Hot Spring → Rainbow Slide
Day 2: Visit Luoji Mountain Scenic Area (take the cable car and visit Heilongtan), then return.
It is recommended to buy a combined ticket for the hot spring waterfall and Luoji Mountain for 168 RMB, which is 40 RMB cheaper than buying separately. There is also a hidden activity: hiking to the "Fairy Cave" at the back mountain, but a guide is required, costing 50 RMB per person. There is an underground hot spring inside the cave.
🏨Accommodation Recommendations:
✅ Luoji Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (Prices range from 800 to 1200 RMB)
The only hotel inside the scenic area, private bath rooms include double hot spring tickets.
✅ Yi Family New Village Homestay (Prices range from 200 to 300 RMB)
Recommended "Yunduan Yishe," where you can experience Yi ethnic cuisine.
❌ Not recommended to stay in downtown Xichang because the round-trip travel time is 3 hours. It is better to stay near the scenic area.
💡Local Tips:
1️⃣ Sun protection is essential! UV rays are strong; bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sun hats, and other sun protection items.
2️⃣ Must-try foods: Local specialties like roasted piglet meat and bitter buckwheat cakes at the scenic area entrance should not be missed.
3️⃣ Best photo spot: The viewing platform opposite the waterfall is the best place for photos. Drones can be used for panoramic aerial shots. Also, be mindful of the Yi totem poles when taking photos; do not touch them casually.
4️⃣ Avoid pitfalls: Weekends are crowded, so it is better to visit on weekdays. There are no changing rooms at the hot spring pools, so it is recommended to wear swimwear when entering.
Post by Brooks_56-Logan | Oct 15, 2025



















