Plan at a glance
The scenic shuttle gets you near the falls, but the valley still requires walking
Dabie Mountains Rainbow Waterfall is in Huangwei Town, Yuexi County, Anqing, with the entrance at the scenic-area gate. The location is remote, so driving is more convenient. Public transport takes longer, and it may be difficult to find a car for the return.
Allow 2–3 hours for the basic visit, centred on the scenic shuttle, the waterfall viewpoint and the valley path. To walk Taiji Gorge and join the designated waterfall-interaction area, allow 3–4 hours. Even with the shuttle, the walk from the car park to the falls and valley is substantial; the round-trip walking takes about 1–1.5 hours.
Tickets and opening arrangements
The entrance ticket is usually sold together with the return scenic-shuttle ticket. Online channels may offer discounts, and the ticket type and inclusions depend on the travel date. The usual arrangement does not require a reservation, but holidays or special events may change the process; check the entry-stop time if arriving in the afternoon.
Water is usually fuller after rain or during the rainy season, but the paths also become wetter. A rainbow is only possible when the sun, water volume and viewing angle align, so the waterfall and canyon path should remain the main focus.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
View Visit Optionsvia Trip.comChoose your visit
The waterfall viewpoint and valley path
The main viewpoint shows the overall flow of the falls, while the pools in the valley are better for seeing the falling water and reflections up close. The path follows the valley through wooded sections, and the short route suits visitors who want the main scenery without a long mountain climb.
The streamside sections and stairs make the actual walk longer than a map's straight-line distance suggests. With older adults or children, pay particular attention to the descent from the viewpoint to the valley and the effort required to climb back out.
Taiji Gorge and the waterfall interaction area
Visitors who enjoy canyon walking, water play and getting close to the falls can choose the Taiji Gorge route. The designated waterfall-interaction area requires a rain jacket, and clothes and shoes will get wet.
This route suits visitors with good footing who are comfortable on wet surfaces. If the water is high, rain is heavy or the interaction area is closed, the viewpoint and valley path are the better alternative.
Photos and weather conditions
The front-facing waterfall viewpoint works for wider scenes, while the valley pools are better for water-flow and reflection shots. A rainbow needs the right combination of sunlight, water volume and viewing angle; on cloudy or misty days, you may see only the waterfall.
Clear weather is useful for photography at the viewpoint, but do not delay the return until closing time while waiting for a rainbow. Rock surfaces near the falls are slippery, so take photos only within the open areas.
Build your day
Basic route: shuttle to the viewpoint, then down to the valley
Car park → scenic shuttle to the waterfall viewpoint → descend along the path to the valley → see the falls and pools up close → return to the viewpoint, then take the shuttle back to the entrance. Allow about 2–3 hours, with most of the walking between the viewpoint and valley.
This route suits first-time visitors and anyone who mainly wants to see the waterfall. Before descending, check the return direction and path conditions; the way back still includes uphill walking and stairs.
Canyon route: Taiji Gorge followed by the waterfall
Car park → scenic shuttle to the Taiji Gorge entrance → hike through the gorge → join the designated waterfall interaction → continue to the waterfall viewpoint → return to the entrance. Allow about 3–4 hours. The interaction area requires a rain jacket, and shoes with good grip are recommended.
This route involves more walking and more wet-weather exposure than the basic route. If the weather worsens, the path becomes slippery or the interaction area closes, return along the open path and do not continue into restricted sections.
Combine it with other Yuexi mountain stops
Dabie Mountains Rainbow Waterfall can be paired with Mingtang Mountain during a Yuexi trip, but the two have separate entrances, tickets and transport. If you visit both on the same day, allow enough time for driving, parking and the return transfer between them.
Get there
Drive to the scenic-area gate
Navigate to “Dabie Mountains Rainbow Waterfall Scenic Area” (大别山彩虹瀑布景区) and enter through the main gate. The scenic area has a large car park; after parking, transfer to the scenic shuttle. Visitors arriving by public transport still need to arrange how they will move in and out.
The drive from Yuexi County town or Tianzhushan Station is fairly long. Non-drivers should arrange the return in advance, as a car may take time to arrive after the visit.
The shuttle covers only one section
The scenic shuttle takes visitors close to the waterfall or canyon entrance, but the valley, viewpoint and streamside sections are on foot. After entering, note the shuttle stops and last service, then choose the basic route or the canyon route.
Know before you go
Water volume, rainbows and rain gear
Rainy-season and post-rain conditions usually give the falls more water, but wet stairs and streamside rocks also become more common. With enough water and sunlight, a rainbow may appear near the falls; sunlight angle and water volume affect it, so do not arrange a trip solely around the rainbow.
For water-play or waterfall-interaction areas, a light rain jacket, spare clothes and grippy shoes are useful. Stay below the falls and beside the stream only in open areas, and keep children with an adult.
Walking and supplies
The shuttle does not replace the walk down to the valley. Older adults and children may tire noticeably between the descent and the climb back out. Supply points inside the scenic area are limited, so buy water and snacks before entering.
The area generally opens in the morning and closes in the evening, with entry stopping before closing. If you arrive in the afternoon, check which route still fits before starting the descent or entering Taiji Gorge.
Food after the visit
Farmhouse restaurants operate around the scenic area, where you can eat Yuexi-style local food after the walk. If you are continuing to another attraction, collect the car first and then stop for a meal on the way.