Tiger Leaping Gorge Waterfall

Tiger Leaping Gorge Waterfall ranks among the five most distinctive waterfalls in Wangtian'e Gorge (also known as Xianqiao Gorge) in Shiwudaogou, Changbai County, Jilin Province. It lies roughly 40 kilometres west of Shuangchatou West Branch.

In late spring, following the western route marked on the travel map of the four major scenic spots in Changbai, our party set off from the county seat. Chatting cheerfully along the way, we soon reached the entrance of Shiwudaogou Valley. Then we traced upstream into Wangtian'e Gorge, eager to catch sight of the Tiger Leaping Gorge we had long dreamed of visiting.

The journey into the gorge opened our eyes wide. To reach this waterfall, we had to pass Pearl Curtain Waterfall, Nine-Tier Colourful Waterfall, White Dragon Waterfall and Wangtian'e Waterfall in sequence. Tiger Leaping Gorge Waterfall is the last cascade along the valley. We stopped repeatedly to admire each waterfall we passed. When the road came to an end, we got out of the vehicle and trudged along the rugged mountain trail. We scrambled over rocks and leaped across gullies, sweating profusely yet unwilling to turn back. We finally caught our first glimpse of the waterfall near noon.

Seeing is truly believing. Only when the scenery unfolded fully before our eyes could we appreciate its unique wonder. The gorge is deep and narrow, strewn with jagged reefs standing upright or lying askew. Torrential currents surge and collide, plunging headlong down the cliff. From afar, it looks like a great white dragon dashing downward, head rearing high and body rolling violently as it winds through the ravine. The impact sends sprays flying, forming layers of silver cascades that roar into the deep pool beneath the cliff.

This four-tiered waterfall stretches more than twenty metres in total. The first tier: the White Dragon trailing a long silk ribbon; The second tier: the White Dragon threading through the mountain ravine; The third tier: the White Dragon spitting out pearls; The fourth tier: the White Dragon diving into the deep pool. This fantastic scene of a white dragon wandering through the gorge is rarely seen anywhere on earth.

According to local legend, long ago a hunter came here and witnessed groups of Siberian tigers frolicking and leaping across the ravine. Hence the unnamed gorge was given the name Tiger Leaping Gorge. Today no more tigers bound across the chasm, yet the enchanting natural scenery remains unchanged.

Standing on the riverbank with eyes half closed, you seem to hear heavenly troops descending amid rolling thunder and resounding war drums. A sudden chill sweeps over you, as if you have wandered into a world of ice and snow, momentarily losing all sense of place. When you turn back, bright sunshine bathes you and warm spring breezes brush your cheeks. Silver curtains of falling water stretch out once more, wrapping visitors in an intoxicating fairyland.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Waterfall is not only one of the five famous waterfalls in Wangtian'e Gorge, but also an unmissable highlight of Changbai Mountain tourist resort. A visit to Wangtian'e Gorge will let you experience what a genuine fairyland truly looks like.