Fifteen kilometres further into the Changbai Stone Forest Scenic Area in Changbai County, a curtain of water hangs over the cliff and plunges straight down like suspended running water. This is the Diaoshuihu Waterfall, one of the Twenty-Four Sights of the famous Changbai Stone Forest Scenic Area.

Though less imposing than Lushan Waterfall and unable to evoke the poetic line "Is it the Milky Way falling from the ninth heaven?", it is still a remarkable scenic spot of Changbai Mountain.

The Diaoshuihu Waterfall plunges down a sheer cliff 35 metres high. The water column, more than three metres wide, crashes onto the rocks. Up close, one hears the rushing splash; from afar comes a thunderous roar that seems to shake the entire valley. The scene carries no small amount of momentum. Water splatters over the stones, filling the air with mist. Under the sunlight, a colourful rainbow arches across the spray, flickering like fairies dancing with gauzy veils. Visitors feel as if they have stepped into a fairyland.

In spring, melting snow and the seasonal peach-blossom floods pour into the gullies, turning the waterfall muddy ochre. When the flood season passes without heavy rainfall, the waterfall regains its tranquillity, flowing bright and clear like brocade and jade. In autumn, the current becomes thin and crystal clear. Seen from afar, it looks just like "a silver thread hanging high in the sky". In winter, the waterfall freezes solid into a pale green icy barrier stretching across the whole valley. Countless naturally formed ice sculptures of varied shapes greet visitors, drawing them into an art palace and making them reluctant to leave.

Behind the waterfall stands a solid, neat rock face. Grey stone steps rise before the fall, where the surging current breaks into delicate silver streams spreading out like fine silk gauze. On both sides stand ridged peaks densely covered with more than ten tree species including white birch, linden, poplar and elm. The vegetation sets off the waterfall in striking beauty. Especially in spring and summer, the cascade looks like a piece of sheer silk inlaid on a green curtain, elegant and graceful.

Born from Changbai Mountain and adorning its landscape, Diaoshuihu Waterfall has become a famous attraction of the mountain. It loves its mother, Changbai Mountain, with the pure and everlasting affection of an infant.

Written by Yin Ning Literature Section, Cultural Centre of Changbai County