China’s stunning Yuntai Mountain Waterfall, famously one of the highest in Asia, has been exposed for having pipes that create an artificial water flow. The scenic site in Henan province, central China, covers 280 sq km and is enjoyed for its natural beauty, particularly the waterfall, which has a drop of 314 metres. Tourists, who pay 120 yuan (US$17) a ticket, often refer to it as a “stairway to heaven reaching the clouds”.
The site attracted seven million visitors last year, generating a staggering income of 650 million yuan (US$90 million), according to Henan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. About 1,200 years ago, Tang dynasty (618-907) poet Wang Wei climbed Yuntai Mountain, writing famous verses and his poems still draw many visitors to the site. As well as enjoying the waterfall, visitors can explore caves and temples, and have a go at rock climbing.
Disappointingly for many admirers, a video posted on June 3 revealed that the waterfall may be partly man-made because it incorporates a number of pipes. However, a member of staff at the site assured Henan media outlet Dingduan News that Yuntai Mountain Waterfall is a natural fault formed over billions of years, with water flowing naturally to the cross-section. “The pipes are just auxiliary water diversion equipment built at the waterfall’s source to ensure its attractiveness during the dry season,” he said.
Due to the East Asian monsoon, northern China experiences seasonal rainfall. Consequently, .