Hiker’s discovery sparks online debate
A hiker’s video has ignited a social media storm in China, revealing that the water flow of Yuntai Mountain Waterfall, the nation’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, is fed by a pipe. The video, which has garnered thousand of likes since its posting on Monday, shows water being pumped through a pipe embedded in the rock face.
Operators defend their actions
The operators of Yuntai Mountain Geopark, where the 312-meter waterfall is located, explained that the pipe was installed to maintain the waterfall’s appearance during the dry season. This “small enhancement” ensures that visitors have a worthwhile experience, they said. The caption of the viral video by user “Farisvov” humorously notes, “The one about how I went through all the hardship to the source of Yuntai Waterfall only to see a pipe.”
Public reaction and official investigation
The revelation has sparked widespread discussion, with the topic trending on social media platforms Weibo and Douyin, amassing millions of views. In response to the uproar, local government officials visited the park to investigate and urged the operators to inform tourists about such enhancements in advance.
The park later issued a statement on behalf of the waterfall, acknowledging the “enhancement” and emphasizing that it was meant to ensure the waterfall looks its best during dry periods. While some social media users expressed understanding, noting the benefit of not disappointing visitors, others criticized the practice as disrespectful to nature and tourists.
Precedents in China
This is not the first instance of artificial measures being used to augment famous waterfalls in China. The Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou province has benefited from a water diversion project since 2006 to sustain its flow during dry seasons.
Located in Henan province, the Yuntai Mountain Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark that attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its ancient geological formations dating back over a billion years. Park officials assured that the water used in the enhancement is spring water and poses no harm to the natural landscape.