In recent days, there has been a scandal surrounding the YunTai Tian Waterfall in Henan Province, known as China’s highest waterfall. It was revealed that several large water pipes were used to create the waterfall scenery, sparking controversy over falsification. On June 4th, the scenic area was forced to admit that due to insufficient rainfall, water pipes were installed at the source of the waterfall to channel water.
According to park officials, the YunTai Tian Waterfall is not only the tallest waterfall in China but also in Asia with a drop of 314 meters. The waterfall boasts a majestic flow, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Local officials claimed that the waterfall is China’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, but it was never previously mentioned that the waterfall’s source relied on a hidden network of water pipes to propel the flow. However, videos circulating on Chinese social media recently showed tourists discovering several water pipes hidden in potential rocks at the source of the waterfall, spraying out a large amount of water.
The YunTai Mountain scenic area issued a statement on June 4th, attributing the use of water pipes to seasonal factors and calling it a “minor enhancement” during the dry season for the waterfall.
The statement did not provide detailed information about when the pipes were installed or how frequently they are used.
The topic gained traction on Weibo, with interactions related to the tags exceeding 14 million times. One netizen commented, “The main issue is that the water pipes were installed too crudely, other places would at least disguise it better.”
Some netizens bluntly expressed their disbelief, stating, “The tallest waterfall in Asia isn’t a natural wonder?! This not only disrespects the laws of nature but also the visitors. We’ve been deceived for so many years! It’s amazing that this can be faked!”
Others humorously remarked that if a water pipe were installed at the top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, wouldn’t it become the world’s tallest waterfall?
However, some netizens reacted more moderately to the incident. One netizen said, “It’s better than not seeing any water at all.” Another netizen mentioned, “In fact, many waterfall attractions are artificial.”
The person in charge of the scenic area told a reporter from The Top News that the filming location of the viral video is steep and not planned for tourist access, except for staff. The person also mentioned that after thorough investigations, the original video shooter was found to have accessed the area through a back road from another province.
The scenic area where the YunTai Tian Waterfall is located spans the border of Henan and Shanxi provinces. Its geographical position and significant status as a tourist attraction occasionally intensify tensions between the two provincial governments. There are concerns that the water pipe discharge could become “permanent.” Previously, officials from Henan province accused officials from Shanxi province of planning to build reservoirs and dams on YunTai Mountain, diverting water away from the waterfall, potentially causing it to dry up within months.
This is not the first time that a Chinese waterfall scenic area has been exposed for falsification. In March of last year, complaints arose when visitors to the Da Xiong Shan Waterfall scenic area in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, discovered that one waterfall was actually water being released from a high point through pipes. When reported to park staff, they explained that there had been little rain that season and advised visitors not to dwell too much on where the waterfall water came from.