Being one of the largest waterfalls in East Asia, Huangguoshu receives loads of tourists. But unlike Shilin, because of the hilly landscape, there is only one road to get to the waterfall. I was interested to see the waterfall and we found an easy way to get there, so easy that the route couldn’t be interrupted, not even to get out and take a picture.
Since the infrastructure in China is highly developed almost all roads have designated car stops, meaning that cars cannot stop anywhere but at these stops. The craziest viewing spots are always in other places.
There is one single way to the waterfall, there are no other ways around it, just follow the yellow brick road Dorothy.
The tourism industry in China has exploded in recent decades, with the number of travellers growing year after year. For the last few years China has spent more than anyone else on tourism. This boom has given rise to thousands of new jobs and increased economic prosperity for people with no education. Despite all these benefits, tourism leaves a massive waste footprint and has contributed to China becoming one of most polluted countries in the world. I will write about how much I hate tourism another time.
Along the “yellow brick road” locals sell illegal food and souvenirs, however they only hold licenses for the selling of certified goods.
Many people stop to take pictures on the way to the waterfall, which creates queueing around certain concentrated spots, many other places remain undiscovered.
This is the biggest waterfall in Asia.
Expectation.
Reality.
Clever Chinese got themselves plastic ponchos.
In China, I noticed that people have little interest in the charms of their land, rather than admiring the beauty, they prefer to take pictures of themselves in front of it.
The most courageous ones decided to go without a rain coat.
Next time I will write about taking photos of the most populous places without making them look populous. Which isn’t so hard, as I’ll show you.
Dew from the waterfall in the air blocks the light from passing through the trees.
If I could give one piece of advice for the people who hate crowds, it would be to not visit the waterfall.
