The Roaring Curtain of the Border City: Discovering the Urban Miracle of Dieshuihe in Tengchong

1.The Only: Urban Volcanic Waterfall in China

Located just 1 kilometer west of Tengchong City in Baoshan, Yunnan Province, the Dieshuihe Waterfall (Dieshui River Waterfall) is a rare natural wonder situated right on the edge of a bustling urban center. Unlike most grand waterfalls that hide deep within remote mountains or dense forests, Dieshuihe offers a spectacular encounter with nature's power within walking distance of the city streets. It originates from the Daying River (Dayingjiang), which flows from the northeast of Tengchong County. This river belongs to the vast Irrawaddy River water system, gathering numerous tributaries along its course to build up a substantial volume before reaching this dramatic drop.

A Spectacle of Thunder and Mist

The geography of the waterfall is defined by a sudden break in the landscape. As the Daying River flows through the city's edge, it encounters a massive fault in the volcanic rock terrain. The water tumbles down from a rocky cliff that is approximately 30 meters high, creating a thunderous roar that shakes the valley. Locals vividly describe the scene with the poetic phrases "Dragon Cave Hanging Curtain" (Longdong Chuilian) and "Continuous Rain" (Liyu Buting), capturing the essence of the waterfall's misty and persistent spray. The impact of the water hitting the pool below sends droplets flying in all directions, creating a visual effect described as "cotton balls flying without bowing" (Buyong Gongdan Hua Zisan)—a metaphor for the fluffy, white, cotton-like clouds of mist that rise up without needing to be fluffed by tools.

The Dance of Light and Water

One of the most enchanting features of Dieshuihe Waterfall is its interaction with sunlight. Because of the fine mist constantly hovering over the gorge, the area is famous for its rainbows. When the sun shines into the valley, particularly in the mornings, vibrant, colorful rainbows often span across the waterfall or hover in the mist, adding a mythical and romantic atmosphere to the rugged volcanic rock surroundings. This "City Waterfall" provides a unique sensory experience where the roar of the water drowns out the noise of the city, and the cool mist provides a refreshing escape from the subtropical heat.