Baizhangji Hiking Guide

📍 Baizhangji is located within the Liu Bowen Hometown Scenic Area in Wencheng County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang. It is the highest single-drop tiered waterfall group in China. The three-tiered landscape—majestic first tier, unique second tier, and secluded third tier—is praised as "China’s tallest waterfall." This place is not only a natural wonder but also rich in cultural significance due to the legend of Liu Bowen, a founding strategist of the Ming Dynasty, who once lived in seclusion here. The cliff inscriptions, ancient trail relics, and surrounding mountains and waters together create an Oriental painting of "harmony between man and nature." 📅 Itinerary (2 days 1 night) Day 1: Enter from North Gate — First Tier — Second Tier — Tianding Lake Morning: Take the Wencheng shuttle bus from Wenzhou South Station (1.5 hours, 35 RMB) Transfer at Wencheng County to the scenic area shuttle to Baizhangji North Gate (30 minutes, 10 RMB) Recommended gear: non-slip shoes, lightweight raincoat, waterproof phone pouch Noon: Light meal at North Gate service area (recommended: high mountain dried bamboo shoot noodles) Afternoon: Hiking downhill route (North Gate → First Tier, about 40 minutes) First Tier viewing platform: experience the majestic 207-meter waterfall drop Second Tier Water Curtain Cave: walk through a 50-meter rock gallery for a fun “getting wet” experience Find Liu Ji’s cliff inscription of the poem "Watching the Waterfall" Evening: Stroll along the Tianding Lake boardwalk, enjoy the sunset reflecting on the lake and waterfall Stay overnight at a lakeside guesthouse (recommended: “Tingpoge” scenic room) Night: Join the guesthouse’s mountain and water tea party, taste Wencheng tribute tea while listening to the waterfall Day 2: Third Tier — Exit South Gate — Return Early morning: Watch the sunrise by the lake (around 5:10 AM in summer) Photograph the “Baizhang White Ribbon” phenomenon in the morning mist Morning: Hike the secluded valley of the Third Tier (widest waterfall section, ideal for slow walking and photography) Experience the rubbing workshop: create waterfall-themed stone rubbings Visit the Liu Ji Waterfall Pavilion ruins to learn about historical legends Noon: Farmhouse meal at South Gate (must-try: waterfall creek fish, stone ear mushroom stewed chicken) Afternoon: Rest at the cultural station, free reading of Liu Bowen-related classics Shop for souvenirs: waterfall craft beer, bamboo creative bookmarks Return: Take the shuttle from South Gate to Wencheng Bus Center (20 minutes) Take the bus back to Wenzhou 💰 Mid-range budget reference (per person 600-900 RMB) Item Cost (RMB) Notes Transportation 100-120 Includes round-trip bus + shuttle Tickets 65 Single ticket purchase (combo tickets offer better value) Accommodation 200-300 Lakeside scenic guesthouse Meals 150-200 2 main meals + 1 breakfast + snacks Experience 80-120 Rubbing workshop + tea party experience 🌟 Exclusive Experiences ✅ Waterfall yoga morning class: guesthouse lakeside platform morning exercise (30 RMB/person) ✅ Rainbow photography: capture double rainbows at the Second Tier in the afternoon (sunny days only) ✅ Sound diary: record and mix three different waterfall water sounds ✅ Hermit picnic box: custom picnic basket themed on the "Yuli Zi" legend ⚠️ Practical Tips Best waterfall viewing seasons: High water period (May–September): majestic flow, recommended to shoot in the morning with front light Low water period (October–April): ink-wash painting atmosphere, rainbows often visible Safety notes: Non-slip shoes required for Water Curtain Cave section; shoe covers available for rent in the park No crossing barriers or playing in water; some viewing platforms temporarily closed during rainy season Photography guide: First Tier: wide-angle lens recommended (16-35mm) Second Tier: shutter priority mode (1/100s to capture water curtain motion) Third Tier: polarizing filter (to reduce water surface glare) Cultural route: Recommended to bring "Selected Mountain and Water Poems of Liu Bowen" for reading along the way Scan QR codes for free smart guided tours with historical stories 🚶‍ Detailed Hiking Routes Classic loop (3.5 hours): North Gate → First Tier (downstairs) → Second Tier Water Curtain Cave → Third Tier Secluded Valley → South Gate Easy route (2 hours): South Gate → Third Tier → Second Tier → South Gate (suitable for elderly and families) Deep exploration (5 hours): North Gate → First Tier → Ancient trail exploration → Tianding Lake loop → South Gate 📸 Must-shoot spots 📌 First Tier low-angle shot: use foreground rocks for layered composition 📌 Inside Water Curtain Cave: shoot waterfall framed from inside out 📌 Third Tier stone bridge: low-angle slow shutter flow shots 📌 Lakeside sunset glow: viewing platform on the west side of Tianding Lake 🍜 Flavor Experience Location Specialty dishes Average cost per person North Gate service area Waterfall health soup (dendrobium stewed chicken) 40-50 RMB South Gate farmhouse Creek fragrant fish (charcoal slow-roasted) 60-80 RMB Guesthouse private dishes Bowen Ruyi roll (vegetarian) 30-40 RMB 📌 The Baizhangji journey is a modern practice of “mountain and water enlightenment”—feel the power of nature in the thunderous waterfall and experience Liu Bowen’s Eastern wisdom of “retreating into nature” by the tranquil lake. A mid-range budget can achieve a perfect balance of natural healing and cultural immersion by choosing non-weekend guesthouses (30% cheaper), bringing your own snacks, and deeply engaging in free cultural activities. 💧 When the waterfall mist drifts over the millennium-old stone inscriptions, you will hear nature and culture reaching eternal harmony—each drop of water reflecting the wisdom of history. 🌊📜 Note: There is no cable car in the scenic area; some physical fitness is required. It is recommended to buy combo tickets (including Liu Ji Temple) for better value. After heavy rain, the waterfall water is turbid; sunny days are best for visiting.