Tiantaishan Waterfall – 9 cascades and glass bridge

Tiantaishan Waterfall (天台山大瀑布) is one of the most impressive natural waterfalls in China, located in the Tiantai Mountains of Zhejiang province. Its total height reaches 325 metres, and the flow splits into 9 picturesque cascades. You will be able to enter the cave behind the water curtain, climb mountain trails, see a rainbow in the spray cloud, and walk across the famous ‘Meeting with the Fairy’ glass bridge. Nearby is the ancient Buddhist Guoqing Temple – the cradle of the Tiantai school.

💧325 m, 9 cascades
🌈Rainbow at the waterfall
🌉Glass bridge
⛰️Cave behind the water

What awaits you at Tiantaishan Waterfall

  • Majestic waterfall (9 cascades). You will see the 325‑metre stream plunging from the mountain plateau. The power and beauty of these cascades will be remembered for a long time.
  • Cave behind the water curtain. A unique opportunity to walk right behind the falling water – like in a real water grotto.
  • ‘Meeting with the Fairy’ glass bridge. The bridge is 345 metres long at a height of more than 100 metres. The glass floor with a 5D “cracked glass” effect takes your breath away!
  • Rainbow in the spray cloud. On sunny days around noon, a bright rainbow appears at the foot of the waterfall – an ideal place for photos.
  • Mountain trails and elevator. A walk along well‑kept routes among subtropical vegetation. A paid elevator (about 30¥) can be used for the ascent.
  • Lunch with a panoramic view. At the restaurant at the top you can try local dishes while enjoying the opening panorama.

Sample tour itinerary

*Times may be adjusted according to your wishes.

TimeProgram stageDetails
07:00Departure from ShanghaiMeeting at the metro, transfer to the Tiantai Mountains (≈3.5–4 h, 293 km).
10:30Arrival at the footTicket purchase, start of the ascent along the trail.
11:30Viewing platforms.Viewing the waterfall from lower and middle levels.
12:30LunchRestaurant at the top with a panoramic view or a café at the foot.
13:30Glass bridgeWalk across the ‘Meeting with the Fairy’ bridge, photos.
14:30Top point and rainbow.Watch the rainbow (in sunny weather), cave behind the water.
15:30Descent and free time.Walk along the lower trails, souvenirs.
16:30Meeting and return transfer.Departure to Shanghai.
20:00Arrival in Shanghai.Drop‑off at the metro station.

💡 Important notes:

  • 👟 Comfortable non‑slip shoes – steps can be wet.
  • 🧥 Raincoat or waterproof cover for your camera – many splashes.
  • 📷 Camera is essential, especially for the rainbow.
  • 💳 Have cash in yuan (tickets, meals, elevator, souvenirs).

Cost and conditions

💰

Tour cost

Train + taxi

economy

Guide services, help with train tickets, transfer from the station. Transfer to the station on your own.

400$per group of 1–3 people
Entrance tickets and meals – separate

By car

comfort

Guide services + sedan/minivan rental for the whole day, transfer from your hotel in Shanghai.

450$per group of 1–3 people
Entrance tickets and meals – separate
🎫

Additional expenses

  • Waterfall entrance ticket100¥ (~14$)
  • Glass bridge80¥ (~11$)
  • Lunch at the restaurantfrom 80¥ (~11$)
  • Elevator (optional)30¥ (~4$)
*Prices are approximate and may change.
⏱️

Duration

12–13 hours
including travel

Additional services

🚗
Minivan rental
+80$
✈️
Airport transfer (to/from)
+100$
📸
Photo session
+60$
📍

What else can be visited nearby

Guoqing Temple (国清寺) The oldest Buddhist temple in China (598 AD), cradle of the Tiantai school. (~5 km)
Chicheng Mountain (赤城山) Famous for its red cliffs and ancient Taoist temples. (~8 km)
Houan Village (后岸村) A picturesque village at the foot of the mountain, with peach blossoms in spring. (~25 km)

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the waterfall from Shanghai?
We arrange a comfortable transfer from your hotel. Travel time is about 3.5–4 hours (293 km).
Is special physical fitness required?
The route is accessible to people with average fitness. There are equipped paths and stairs (an elevator is available).
When is the best time to see a rainbow at the waterfall?
The rainbow most often appears on sunny days from 11:00 to 14:00. We plan our arrival around that time.
What should I bring?
Comfortable non‑slip shoes, a raincoat, a camera, cash in yuan, sunglasses.
⚠️

Important information

Prices are valid at the time of the offer. Booking is confirmed after prepayment. Cancellation less than 48 hours in advance is non‑refundable. Programme changes may occur due to weather or events.

The cost does not include: transport expenses (except the “with driver” option), entrance tickets, meals and personal expenses. We recommend having cash in yuan.