Jade Maiden Stream Waterfall

Jade Maiden Stream takes its name from the folk tale of the Golden Boy and Jade Maiden. Originating from Golden Boy Mountain over 1,600 meters above sea level, the stream boasts pure clear water with a gentle, subtle and enchanting charm.

The scenic area stretches 997 meters from north to south and 640 meters from east to west, covering a total area of 1,000 mu. It ranks as the premium natural eco-tourism zone within the Two-River Gorge Scenic Area. Lush vegetation flourishes here with abundant wildlife. Experts have verified that this magical land nurtures more than 380 varieties of plants and over 100 species of animals. The concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air hits 128,000 per cubic centimeter, earning it the reputation of a natural oxygen bar.

Hiking upstream along the stream, visitors will spot countless pools, oddly shaped boulders, towering cliffs, blooming wild flowers, ancient gnarled trees tangled with creeping vines, green moss and swaying bamboo groves — presenting a stunning primitive and secluded wilderness landscape. Wandering along winding footpaths, you hear birds chirping and breathe in sweet floral fragrances. The serene scenery cleanses the soul of worldly filth, relieves anxiety, broadens the mind and nurtures a gentle, kind temperament.

Have you laid eyes on Jade Maiden Cascade? Legend has it that long ago, a group of long-haired jade maidens came here to bathe and wash their hair. Overcome with joy, they splashed water at one another and flicked their wet hair, sending waves surging out of the pool to form the cascading waterfall we see today.

Drawn by the maidens’ cheerful laughter, divine creatures including a sacred snail, gorilla, lion and dolphin traveled far to behold them. Stunned by the maidens’ beauty, they hid nearby to peek. The divine general guarding the mountain gate hurried over to stop them from misbehaving and froze all the creatures in place with a binding spell to this day. The Snail Rock, Gorilla Rock, Lion Rock, Dolphin Rock and General Rock we can now see are their petrified forms.

The most spectacular sight across Jade Maiden Stream Scenic Area is Jade Maiden Waterfall. It plunges over the top of a cliff more than 60 meters high, surging downward to spray countless crystal droplets and wispy mist with tremendous momentum. A vast white water curtain stretches from the cliff top to the ground. Years of erosion have carved a clear pool roughly 30 square meters wide at the base. Mist hovering over the pool resembles thousands of blooming snow lotuses, and brilliant rainbows often appear when sunlight refracts through the water vapor (if you wait patiently, you will surely witness this rare wonder).

Look at those two intimately intertwined trees — can you guess their age? Local elders say they have always stood this size, remaining evergreen all year round. Gracefully leaning against each other, they look just like a devoted pair of Golden Boy and Jade Maiden, infusing this pure land with extra ethereal grace and tenderness. Listen closely to the roar of water crashing into the pool — does it not sound like the Golden Boy and Jade Maiden loudly proclaiming their oath of love?