Baishuichong: mountain waterfall

Baishuichong Waterfall (白水冲瀑布) is one of the most picturesque natural attractions in Ningbo, located in the Simingshan Mountains (四明山). The water falls from a height of 50 meters and is about 15 meters wide. During the rainy season, the stream turns into a powerful cascade, and in sunny weather a rainbow often appears above the waterfall.

This place has been known since ancient times: Taoist hermits chose the local cliffs for meditation, and poets of the Tang Dynasty praised the "white water falling from the heavens." Nearby is the Baishuigong Temple, built in honor of a legendary healer. And on the mountain slopes are the famous Yuyao tea plantations, where "Simingshan" oolong is produced. The tour combines natural beauty, cultural heritage and gastronomic discoveries.

🏞️Height 50 m
🍃Tea terraces
🏯Baishuigong Temple
🎋Bamboo groves
📸Amazing photos

Main beauties of the waterfall

What awaits you

  • Departure from Shanghai (06:30) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, comfortable minivan (~3 hours to Yuyao).
  • Arrival at the waterfall area (~10:00) — restroom, short briefing, ticket purchase.
  • Walk to the waterfall (10:15–11:30) — easy trekking along an eco-trail through the bamboo forest, reaching the upper and lower viewing platforms.
  • Visit to Baishuigong Temple (11:30–12:15) — ancient Taoist temple with a view of the waterfall, stories about legends.
  • Lunch at a village restaurant (12:30–13:30) — local cuisine: braised bamboo, river fish, vegetables from the plantations.
  • Tea ceremony on the terraces (13:45–15:00) — tasting of "Simingshan" oolong and a walk among the tea rows.
  • Return to Shanghai (15:30–19:00) — arrival at Xinzhuang metro station around 19:00.

Sample tour itinerary (1 day)

*An option by high-speed train Shanghai–Ningbo + taxi/car rental is available (more details from the guide).

TimeActivityDetails
06:30\ Departure from Shanghai (Xinzhuang metro)220 km road, ~3 hours, one 15-minute stop.
09:40Arrival at Baishuichong Waterfall scenic areaRestroom, ticket purchase (included in package).
10:00Start of the eco-trail walkPath along the mountain stream (1 km to the waterfall). Moderate ascent, benches available.
10:30–11:30Viewing the waterfall and observation platformsPhoto session at the main cascade, rainbow on sunny days. Visit to the upper cliff.
11:30–12:15Baishuigong Taoist TempleHistory of the temple, viewpoint over the waterfall and valley.
12:30–13:30Lunch"At the Source" restaurant: home cooking, vegetarian options.
13:45–15:00Tea terraces and tastingWalk through tea plantations, tea-picking master class (seasonal), purchase of fresh oolong.
15:15Departure for ShanghaiApproximate departure time.
~19:00Arrival in ShanghaiDrop‑off at Xinzhuang metro station.

💡 Important notes:

  • Footwear should be comfortable and water-resistant – there is spray from the waterfall.
  • Bring a light windbreaker (cool from the water), water, passport, cash in yuan.
  • The trails are safe, suitable for families with children aged 6 and above.
  • Best season: April–October, especially after rain when the waterfall is fullest.

Price and conditions

💰

Tour cost

Train + taxi

Economy

Guide meets you at the entrance. Transfer to the station on your own.

290$per group 1–3 pers.
Train tickets, entrance, lunch – extra

By car

Comfort

Guide services, hotel transfer in Shanghai by sedan/minivan.

390$per group 1–3 pers.
Entrance tickets, lunch – extra
🎫

Additional expenses per person

  • Entrance ticket to the waterfall park80¥ (~11$)
  • Electric cart from parking to entrance (optional)10¥ (~1.5$)
  • Lunch at a restaurant60¥ (~8$)
  • Train ticket Shanghai–Ningbo (round trip, 2nd class)~220¥ (~30$)
  • Taxi from Ningbo to the waterfall (round trip, per group)~200¥ (~28$)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Children under 1.2 m – 50% discount on entrance.
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Duration

~12.5 hours
departure 06:30, return ~19:00

Additional services

🚗
Minivan rental (5–7 pers)
+80$
🏨
Overnight in Ningbo (4* hotel + breakfast)
+130$
📷
Photo session at the waterfall
+50$
✈️
Transfer from Shanghai airport (Pudong/Hongqiao)
+100$
📍

What else can be visited nearby

🏯 Ancient city Cixi (慈城)Well-preserved Tang Dynasty city, 25 km.
🌊 Dongqian Lake (东钱湖)Largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang, 35 km.
🎋 Zhangjian Bamboo VillageBamboo craft workshop, tasting of bamboo shoots.
🍵 Yuyao Tea MuseumHistory of tea culture, tasting of premium varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to move along the route to the waterfall?
No, the path is comfortable, with railings on steep sections. From the parking lot to the waterfall – 10–15 minutes of easy walking. Suitable for the elderly and children (from 5 years old).
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a windbreaker or fleece jacket (humid near the waterfall), spare socks, a bottle of water, passport, cash, camera. In the rainy season – an umbrella or raincoat.
Is it worth going?
Absolutely! The waterfall is magnificent at any time of the year, and the tea terraces and temple add cultural depth. It's an ideal nature getaway without exhausting hikes.
Can you swim?
Swimming directly under the waterfall is prohibited for safety reasons. However, downstream there is an equipped area for relaxing by the river (shallow water, allowed in hot weather).
Are there restrooms and cafes?
Yes, restrooms at the entrance and near the temple. A restaurant and kiosks with water/ice cream near the parking lot. There is also a small tea house on the terraces.
Best time to visit?
May–September – maximum water flow after rains. Autumn is beautiful due to red leaves in the mountains. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes – an unusual sight.
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Important information

Prices are valid for 2026. A 100% deposit is required for booking (PayPal, card). If canceled 48 hours in advance – full refund, less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets are purchased in advance). The organizer reserves the right to change the program due to weather conditions or force majeure. Spray from the waterfall may wet clothes – we recommend a waterproof cover for camera equipment.