The World's Largest Hot Spring Waterfall: Luoji Mountain 99 Li and the Legend of Fire and Water

The World's Largest Hot Spring Waterfall

1.Located in Qiaowo: Town, Puge County, within the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, Luoji Mountain 99 Li (Luoji Jiushijiuli) is a geological marvel that defies imagination. Situated about 45 to 50 kilometers from Xichang City, this National 4A Tourist Attraction is the core landscape of the Luoji Mountain scenic area. In 2013, it was certified by the World Record Association as the "World's Largest Hot Spring Waterfall," a title that acknowledges its sheer scale and uniqueness. Unlike typical static hot spring pools, the thermal waters here gush from cliffs and caves, forming a magnificent group of waterfalls with a daily flow exceeding 20,000 cubic meters. These cascades, ranging from 19 to 50 meters in height and spanning over 200 meters in width, create a spectacular curtain of steam and water that hangs over the valley, earning it the reputation of a "Fire Hot Wonderland under the Ice Mountain",,.

A Geological Wonder of Ice and Fire

2.The most defining feature of Luoji: Mountain 99 Li is the dramatic "Ice and Fire" experience. The hot spring water, maintaining a constant temperature of roughly 40°C (104°F), erupts from deep within the earth and cascades down into the valley. Here, it meets the icy, crystal-clear water flowing from the snow-capped peaks upstream. This convergence creates a natural phenomenon where visitors can experience the thrill of "Ice and Fire Two Heavens"—feeling the biting cold of the mountain stream and the soothing heat of the mineral-rich springs simultaneously. The water is a rare radon hot spring, described as drinkable, swimmable, and therapeutic. It flows through a series of natural basins, including the Hot Spring Islands and Cave Hot Springs, offering a "living water" bathing experience that is vastly superior to stagnant artificial pools. The mist rising from the warm waterfalls blends with the fresh mountain air, rich in negative ions, turning the valley into a natural oxygen bar and a sanctuary for health and relaxation,,,.

A History of Healing and Legend

The history of these healing waters dates back over a millennium. Recorded in the Huayang Guozhi during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the springs were described as "Warm Spring Hole, hot in winter and summer, used for bathing below to cure diseases." For centuries, local people have regarded this site as a sacred place for healing. The name "99 Li" refers to the scenic area's length, implying endless scenery where every "Li" (0.5 km) reveals a new wonder. Culturally, the area is deeply rooted in Yi nationality traditions. It is said that the hot springs were a gift from the God of Fire from the underground, clashing with the Water God of the snow mountains to create this balance of yin and yang. A unique local custom is the Yi tradition of "naked bathing" (using leaves for modesty), a practice that reflects a profound respect for nature and freedom, which the scenic area has preserved in specific zones,,,.

An Ecological and Visual Feast

Beyond the soaking pools, the scenic area is a visual feast of karst landforms and lush vegetation. The Hundred Waterfall Valley (Baipu Gu) is a verdant corridor where hundreds of waterfalls, large and small, thread through the forest. The Rainbow Waterfall is a particular highlight; when sunlight strikes the mist of the cascading thermal water, rainbows appear—sometimes numbering over 200 occurrences a year. The Hanging Hot Springs pour from the waist of the cliffs, creating a "Water Curtain Cave" effect where visitors can bathe behind a veil of falling water. Surrounding these hydro-wonders are primeval forests, ancient vines, and seasonal blooms like the Azalea (Solma flowers). Whether it is the steam-shrouded fairyland of winter or the cool, refreshing retreat of summer, Luoji Mountain 99 Li offers a profound connection to the raw power and beauty of the earth,,.