Plan at a glance
Tickets, opening times and time to allow
Admission requires a ticket. Adult prices vary by date, sales channel and discount, so check the price for your travel date when booking. Check separately whether boat rides, the glass slide and other activities are operating and whether they cost extra; do not assume they are included. The resort lists these hours: 8:00–17:30 from May 1 to October 31, with last admission at 16:30; and 8:00–17:00 from November 1 to April 30, with last admission at 16:00. Holidays or weather may bring changes; follow the day's notice.
The waterfall trail takes about two to three hours, including uphill walking, waterfall stops and the return. You can rest by Xiangsi Lake afterward. The glass slide costs extra and may not operate every day; if you do not ride it, confirm which downhill trail and exit are open.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Tiered waterfalls and named sights
The name Shibashui, meaning “Eighteen Waters,” comes from its ten waterfalls and eighteen bends or bays along the watercourse. Representative waterfalls include Dafo (大佛), Xiannü (仙女), Huangchou (黄绸) and Shenlong (神龙). The cascade group has a total drop of nearly 300 m and reaches about 60 m at its widest point; those figures describe the group as a whole, not Dafo Waterfall on its own.
Compare the forms of the falls along the route: Huangchou Waterfall has a broad, flowing curtain; Shenlong Waterfall splits into several streams; Xiannü and Dafo are two other major stops in the group. Water volume changes with rainfall and season, so the flow, rainbows and colors seen in photos are not guaranteed on every visit.
Seasonal flower area and Xiangsi Lake
There is a seasonal flower area near the entrance; blooms vary with planting and weather. Check the current notice before visiting for flowers. If boat activities are advertised during your visit, check whether they are operating and whether a separate ticket is required. After the waterfall trail, you can rest by Xiangsi Lake (相思湖).
Who may enjoy this visit
This visit suits people comfortable with steps who want to see waterfalls; spray may wet shoes and clothing. With children, choose a route that fits their age and walking ability. Visitors with limited mobility should ask which sections are accessible; the boardwalk still has steps and slopes.
A short lakeside visit or the waterfall trail
For fewer steps, make a short stop around Xiangsi Lake and the lakeshore sections open that day; stay out of the water. The waterfall trail includes uphill steps and a downhill section. Which falls you can reach and where you can return depend on the boardwalk and exit arrangements for that day.
For a separate forest and waterfall visit, see Gupo Mountain Tourist Area.
For a separate walk among pale stone formations and narrow karst paths, see Jade Stone Forest.
Build your day
The main waterfall walk
After entering, check the day's map and take the entrance trail into the waterfall area open to visitors. Shenlong, Huangchou, Xiannü and Dafo are representative sights; the order depends on which boardwalk sections are open. At the upper part of the trail, check the downhill path and exit before deciding whether to stop at Xiangsi Lake.
Allow about two to three hours for walking, waterfall stops and rest. If the glass slide is running and you meet its riding requirements, you can pay extra to use it on the way down. If you do not ride, first confirm the open walking route back, then follow signs to the exit. Do not cross railings or take closed shortcuts.
A gentler half-day visit
For a shorter waterfall visit, reduce the number of stops and follow the open steps out and back. If someone in your group gets tired, rest in an open area or return early along the signed route. Shibashui and Gupo Mountain sell separate tickets and have separate trails; allow separate time for the full walks at each place.
Get there
By car or ride-hailing
The scenic area is in Luhua Village (路花村), Huangtian Town (黄田镇), Pinggui District (平桂区), Hezhou (贺州), about 22 km from downtown Hezhou. Navigate to “Shibashui Original Ecological Scenic Area” (十八水原生态景区). On arrival, follow the parking signs and walk to the entrance. Parking charges follow the day's notice.
Bus and resort shuttle
A resort shuttle connects the visitor distribution center, Gupo Mountain (姑婆山) and Shibashui. Check the day's stops, departure times and last return service before setting out. If travelling by bus from downtown Hezhou, first check the nearest stop and the walking distance from it to the entrance, and plan your return.
Know before you go
Use open trails and supervised water activities only
Do not swim in water without safety supervision or enter undeveloped areas. Do not swim or collect drinking water from waterfall pools, streams or Xiangsi Lake. Join water activities only where the scenic area explicitly permits them and provides supervision and safety measures; follow signs and staff directions.
Slippery steps and weather
Waterfall spray makes nearby paths damp, and steps and boardwalks are more slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and keep an eye on children. Pause outdoor sections during heavy rain, thunderstorms or temporary closures. Do not enter closed trails to wait for a rainbow or seek heavier water flow. Bring drinking water and simple supplies, and protect phones and cameras from water.
Flower season, slide and dining
In 2024, the scenic area described a glass slide over 600 m long near the downhill route. It is optional, not a required way to descend. Check on-site notices for whether it is operating on your visit date, its price and riding restrictions. The flower area, dining and temporary activities may also change; check separately at ticket purchase whether any are included.