Tourist Trap? China's Yuntai Falls Have Artificial Water Supply

A prominent waterfall in Yuntai Mountain Scenic Resort, China has increasingly garnered attention after the release of a video on Phoenix TV’s YouTube channel. In the video, a vlogger claimed that the impressive cascades of the Yuntai waterfall may be artificial. These claims proved true with the visuals of pipes pumping large volumes of water. Thus, it was proved, that a part of the waterfall’s cascades is artificial. A record number of visitors arrive at the Yuntai Mountain Park to witness this towering waterfall. Now, the recent revelations have prompted widespread discussion amongst some social media users regarding the origination of waterfall.

Many viewers are not surprised by this discovery. According to one of the users, the vlogger who revealed this fact came to know about it late. The user further wrote that not only the Yuntai waterfall but there are also many other waterfalls as well that are artificial. Another question is whether the waterfall will stop at night. One of the users also posed a question regarding how much water is drained per second from the waterfall.

Now, in response, tourist officials at the Yuntai Mountain scenic resort have admitted to making a “small enhancement" to the waterfall. As per the officials, they have done this to improve the viewing experience for tourists. One of the officials told the Washington Post, “Depending on the season, I cannot guarantee that I am in my best condition whenever my friends come to see me". The officials did not specify when the pipes were constructed or how often they were used. They told the portal that during the wetter summer months, visitors would witness the waterfall’s natural magnificence.

What is Yuntai Falls?

Yuntai Falls, with a vertical drop of 314 meters, is a prominent feature of the Yuntai Geopark. This attracts more than seven million visitors each year. The park, one of 213 globally certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, influences its geological heritage to increase awareness of key societal issues. The Yuntai Falls’ enhancement also sparked tensions between Henan and the neighbouring Shanxi province.