The Rainbow Veil of the Bamboo Kingdom: Seven Colored Waterfall and the Misty Soul of Shunan

The "Soul" of the Bamboo Sea

1.Deep within the emerald embrace of the Shunan: Bamboo Sea (Shunan Zhuhai), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage candidate and National 5A Tourist Attraction, lies its most dynamic and mesmerizing feature: the Seven Colored Waterfall (Qicai Feipu). Located at the junction of Changning and Jiangan counties in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, about 80 kilometers from the city center, this spectacular waterfall sits at an altitude of approximately 800 meters. Known historically as the "Bamboo Sea Flying Waterfall" (Zhuhai Feipu), it is celebrated as the "Soul of the Shunan Bamboo Sea." Unlike the silent, static beauty of the surrounding bamboo forests, the waterfall introduces a thunderous rhythm to the landscape. It is situated in the Gulu Canyon, where the vast "Green Ocean" of bamboo meets the dramatic verticality of karst cliffs. The waterfall is renowned not just for its height and power, but for the ethereal optical phenomenon that gives it its name: when the midday sun strikes the mist rising from the plunge pool, brilliant rainbows frequently manifest, arching over the valley like a bridge for immortals, creating a dreamlike scene of "Seven Colored Rainbows" dancing amidst the verdant bamboo.

A Masterpiece of Karst and Light

2.The Seven Colored: Waterfall is a magnificent example of a multi-tiered karst waterfall. The main drop plunges approximately 100 meters down a sheer cliff face, divided into four distinct tiers that cascade with a deafening roar, creating a curtain of white water that contrasts sharply with the red sandstone cliffs and green bamboo. The water volume is abundant, especially after rains, when the flow transforms into a majestic "Jade Belt" draped over the mountain. The most defining feature, however, is the "Seven Colored Flying Rainbow". Due to the specific orientation of the canyon and the fine mist generated by the waterfall's impact, rainbows appear with remarkable frequency—sometimes multiple bows at once—spanning the gorge. Visitors standing on the viewing platform or near the "Dragon Pool" at the base can witness this dazzling interplay of light and water, which has been described by poets as "A rainbow bridge arched in the deep valley, where immortals tread." The area is also a geological museum, featuring nearby formations like the "One Line Sky" (Yixiantian), a narrow crevice where the sky appears as a mere thread, adding a touch of thrill to the scenic beauty.

Legends of Immortals and Cultural Echoes

Culturally, the waterfall is steeped in local folklore and history. Legend has it that this was the bathing place of the seven celestial fairies, whose presence imbued the waters with magical properties; seeing the rainbow is said to bring good fortune and health. The site also bears the mark of the region's rich literary history. Ming Dynasty scholar Yang Shen (famous for the opening lines of Romance of the Three Kingdoms) once lived in seclusion in the Shunan Bamboo Sea. Captivated by the waterfall, he penned verses praising its "Seven colored rainbow lights that bridge the immortal's path," cementing its status in Chinese literature. Furthermore, the area is influenced by the vibrant culture of the Yi people living in neighboring villages. During the Torch Festival (around lunar June), the canyon comes alive with the spirit of fire worship. It is said that local Yi people would parade with torches near the waterfall to dispel evil spirits and pray for a bountiful harvest, blending the "Fire Culture" of the people with the "Water Culture" of the falls.

An Immersive Ecological Journey

Today, the Seven Colored Waterfall offers a deeply immersive ecological experience. The surrounding area acts as a "Natural Oxygen Bar," with an incredibly high concentration of negative oxygen ions generated by the crashing water and the dense bamboo forest (which includes rare species like Qiong Bamboo and Human Face Bamboo). Walking along the winding stone steps that lead to the bottom of the valley, visitors are enveloped in a cool, misty microclimate that serves as a perfect summer retreat. The pool at the base is crystal clear, inviting visitors to dip their hands in the "Holy Water." The trail connects to other scenic marvels like the Meeting of the Immortals (Xianyu Dong) and the Forget-Worry Valley (Wangyou Gu), creating a comprehensive loop of exploration. Whether you are a photographer chasing the elusive double rainbow, a nature lover seeking the solace of the forest, or a traveler looking to wash away the dust of the world, the Seven Colored Waterfall provides a powerful and purifying connection to the raw energy of nature.