Video exposes ‘natural’ China wonder waterfall as partially man-made with pipes

The site attracted seven million visitors last year, generating a staggering income of 650 million yuan (US$90 million), according to Henan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

About 1,200 years ago, Tang dynasty (618-907) poet Wang Wei climbed Yuntai Mountain, writing famous verses and his poems still draw many visitors to the site.

As well as enjoying the waterfall, visitors can explore caves and temples, and have a go at rock climbing.

Disappointingly for many admirers, a video posted on June 3 revealed that the waterfall may be partly man-made because it incorporates a number of pipes.

However, a member of staff at the site assured Henan media outlet Dingduan News that Yuntai Mountain Waterfall is a natural fault formed over billions of years, with water flowing naturally to the cross-section.

“The pipes are just auxiliary water diversion equipment built at the waterfall’s source to ensure its attractiveness during the dry season,” he said.

Due to the East Asian monsoon, northern China experiences seasonal rainfall. Consequently, Yuntai has a high water flow only during the rainy season in July and August.

“During the dry season, our waterfall has less water flow, which is common for northern waterfalls. However, many tourists still come from afar at this time of year, so we do this to enhance their experience.”

On June 4, the following statement was issued: “We will not disappoint you. We look forward to presenting the spectacular beauty of the waterfall in its most perfect, natural form in the upcoming summer.”

One online observer took to Douyin in support of what they viewed as a well-intentioned practical solution: “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the pipes. On the contrary, I’m touched by the local government’s efforts for this scenic site.”

“As a paid site marketed as a natural waterfall, tourists have the right to know the truth; otherwise, we feel deceived,” another person with a different point of view said.

“Whether artificial or natural, as long as the scenery is beautiful, it’s enough,” said a third.

In China, using artificial means to extend a scenic site’s year-round appeal is not uncommon.

In March last year, Daxiong Mountain Waterfall, also in Henan, used pipes to release water during the dry season to meet tourist expectations.