[2025 Leshan Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiaodouyan Waterfall (Updated May)

The summer heat feels like an invisible steamer, making everyone restless and uncomfortable. Yet, Xiaodongyan Waterfall in Shawan is undoubtedly the perfect escape from this scorching weather. As you wind along the mountain path through lush forests, gradually approaching Xiaodongyan Waterfall, the thunderous roar of the falls greets you, as if nature itself is warmly calling out. From the viewing platform, the 400-meter waterfall plunges down the cliff like a silver dragon, roaring into the deep pool below. Sunlight dances on the cascading water, refracting into a dazzling spectrum of colors, creating a dreamlike, almost magical atmosphere. Step closer, and the playful spray leaps like mischievous sprites, splashing onto your face and body, bringing instant relief from the summer heat. At the base of the waterfall, the powerful torrent crashes against the rocks with a deafening roar, as if washing away all worries. The crystal-clear pool beneath the falls is icy cold—dipping your feet in sends a refreshing chill coursing through your entire body, drawing out a sigh of pure contentment. Nearby, the Xiaodong Cave is equally mesmerizing, maintaining a constant temperature of 18–20°C year-round, like a natural air conditioner. Inside, the whimsical stalactites and mystical ambiance transport you to an isolated underground world. My first visit here left me awestruck by its grandeur and refreshing coolness. Standing under the waterfall, letting the spray wash over me, all fatigue and stress melted away in an instant. The feeling of being so intimately connected with nature was truly intoxicating. Friends, don’t hesitate any longer💕! Come to Xiaodongyan Waterfall in Shawan and immerse yourself in its cool, awe-inspiring beauty. Let your mind and body relax and rejuvenate in nature’s embrace. I’ll be waiting here for you—let’s embark on this refreshing adventure together! 🌊🌊🌊

In the deep mountains of southwestern China's Sichuan region, there's a mysterious place rumored to conceal dreamlike waterfalls and extraordinary caves. What magical allure does it possess that captivates so many hearts and minds? With this curiosity, let's journey together to Leshan's Xiaodouyan Waterfall and unveil its mysteries. The Xiaodouyan Waterfall is located in Anchi Village, Niushi Town, Shawan District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province. Standing approximately 400m high, it cascades down from the cliff top with magnificent force, resembling the Milky Way falling from the heavens. Below the waterfall lies a massive natural sinkhole. Standing at the bottom and looking up, you're surrounded by steep cliffs with the waterfall hanging like a silver chain. Sunlight penetrates the mist, creating a dreamlike scene. If you're lucky, you might encounter a brilliant rainbow spanning across the sinkhole, like a bridge to a fairyland. The natural limestone cave at the bottom of the sinkhole is equally mysterious. Inside, the winding passages are adorned with stalactites of various shapes - some hanging like sharp swords, others blooming like lotus flowers. An underground stream flows gently, its sound echoing through the quiet cave, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. It's said that this was once an ancient saltpeter pool site, and the passage of time has draped the cave with a layer of historical patina. The surrounding natural scenery is equally captivating. Dense forests encircle the area, with intertwining vines and wildflowers blooming freely. Walking along the mountain paths, fresh air greets you while birdsong rises and falls, making you feel as if you've entered a secluded paradise. Beyond appreciating the natural landscape, you can experience various outdoor activities. Under professional guidance, challenge yourself with exciting rock climbing and cliff rappelling; or step onto the via ferrata to experience the thrill of walking along steep cliffs. You can also dress in ancient costumes and try high-altitude wire flying, feeling like a martial arts hero with flowing robes. Travel Routes from Beijing to Leshan Xiaodouyan Waterfall - By Air: Fly from Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing International Airport directly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, with a flight time of about 3 hours. Upon arrival, take a long-distance bus to Leshan, which takes about 2 hours; alternatively, take the airport shuttle to Leshan city center, then take a taxi or bus to Xiaodouyan Waterfall. A taxi costs approximately 150-200 yuan with a journey time of about 1.5 hours. - By High-Speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from Beijing West Station to Chengdu East Station, a journey of about 7-8 hours. From Chengdu East Station, transfer to a high-speed train to Leshan Station, which takes about 1 hour. Then take a taxi or direct shuttle bus from Leshan Station to Xiaodouyan Waterfall. - Self-Driving: The entire journey is about 1,900km along the Beijing-Kunming Expressway, Chengdu-Chongqing Ring Expressway, etc., taking approximately 22-24 hours. Self-driving allows flexible scheduling and enjoying scenery along the way, but long-distance driving requires proper rest planning. Recommended Hotels Nearby - RGB Xiaodouyan Luxury Campsite: Located 200 meters southwest of Xiaodouyan Waterfall, the campsite features tent rooms that combine outdoor camping style with modern elements. Rooms are equipped with floor heating, tea areas, Marshall speakers, Malin+Goetz bath amenities, and King Koil mattresses to ensure quality sleep. Price range: 800-1,500 yuan per night. - Leshan Shawan District Jinguang Business Hotel: Located at some distance from Xiaodouyan Waterfall but within Shawan District, offering convenient transportation and amenities. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy with good value for money. Price range: 200-400 yuan per night. - Leshan Shanshui S Hotel: Features comprehensive facilities and attentive service, providing a comfortable accommodation experience. Price range: 300-600 yuan per night. Leshan Xiaodouyan Waterfall is definitely worth visiting. Here, you can feel nature's power beneath the magnificent waterfall, explore the unknown in mysterious caves, relax in dense forests, and experience exciting outdoor activities. It's a feast for both eyes and soul, an unforgettable natural journey.

**Leshan Xiaodouyan Waterfall**, located near Chengdu, is a breathtaking natural wonder. The waterfall is magnificent, and the caves are mysterious and unpredictable. 🎫**Ticket Price**: Only 6.6 yuan! **Itinerary**: **Morning** 8:00–11:00 am: Depart from Chengdu and head to Xiaodouyan Scenic Area. It is recommended to bring some snacks and drinking water for the journey. **Noon to Afternoon** 11:00 am–4:00 pm: Arrive at the scenic area and begin your adventure. Climbing the several-hundred-meter mountain road can be a bit challenging, but the scenery along the way will surely amaze you. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes 👟 when entering the cave area to ensure your safety. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and mystery of the caves, and don't forget to take photos 📸. This is a great place for photography! You might even encounter a rainbow 🌈 in the afternoon. Also, remember to take sun protection measures! On the way down the mountain, stop by the Red House check-in point for some unforgettable memories. **Evening** 4:00–7:30 pm: End your pleasant journey and return to Chengdu. **Packing List**: * Hiking boots 🥾: Strong grip to help you navigate mountain roads and slippery surfaces. * Sun protection gear: Sun-protective clothing, hats 🧢, and sunscreen for all-around skin protection. **🔔Friendly Reminder**: Please pay attention to your personal safety during your adventure, especially inside the slippery caves. Capture every wonderful moment while ensuring your own safety.

😍 I must share the Xiaodouyan Waterfall in Leshan with you today! 🌊 When you get close to it, you will be shocked by its magnificence. The waterfall cascades from a high place, splashing water like a huge white silk dancing in the mountains. The roar echoes in your ears, as if telling the power of nature. 💧 When the sun shines, a faint rainbow 🌈 will appear around the waterfall, adding a touch of fantasy and romance to this magnificent scene. It is really a great place to take photos, and you can take a blockbuster with just a snap! 🚶 Walking along the path to the waterfall, you can feel the fine mist coming to your face, which is cool and comfortable, and instantly washes away your fatigue. The surrounding mountains, rivers, and green plants complement each other, forming a beautiful natural picture, which makes people immersed in it and reluctant to leave. 💕 If you like to get close to nature and love to see the beautiful scenery of waterfalls, don't miss it. Come here and feel its unique charm!

Can you imagine? There is a mysterious sinkhole near Chengdu! This place is little known, with sinkholes, waterfalls, underground rivers, and stalactites. When you step into it, it's like starting an exciting "Journey to the Center of the Earth"! Looking up from the bottom of the huge pit, a waterfall pours down from the top of the cave about 400 meters high, and moss grows wantonly at the entrance of the cave. The place is very primitive, wild, and dark. When the sun shines into the cave, the darkness is instantly dispelled, as if you are in a lost world. Location: Xiaodouyan Waterfall, Anchi Village, Niushi Town, Shawan District, Leshan City Tickets: CNY 9.9/person Opening hours: 9:00–17:30 Tips: 1. Self-driving: Navigate to "Xiaodongyou Farmhouse." The parking fee is CNY 10. The last section of the road is narrow and has many bends. 2. Walk for about 20 minutes from the parking lot to Xiaodouyan Waterfall, and then walk down for half an hour to reach the sinkhole. 3. Do not go deep into the bottom of the pit. It is dark inside without lights, and there are complex underground rivers. 4. There are many large stones covered with moss at the bottom of the pit, which are very slippery. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes! 5. The hiking route is very simple. Walk down from the top, and return the same way after reaching the bottom. It's just tiring to go up... 6. If you are lucky, you can see a double rainbow, which is very spectacular! 7. There is almost no mobile phone signal in the cave, so pay attention to the return time. 8. Bring enough food and water to replenish your energy.

Leshan Niedouyan is a waterfall that is about to become apparent. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a mountaineering enthusiast, or an outdoor enthusiast, this place deserves your attention!!! Nitong Cave is located in Shawan District, Leshan, Sichuan. There are more strange stones at the bottom. However, when I went there, the sun was not out and I didn’t see a rainbow. It was a pity! It takes three hours to drive from Chengdu. There are more than ten kilometers of mountain roads. It is quite easy to drive. Now the roads have been repaired. 📝Note tips: Navigation: There is a parking lot next to (Niedongyan Farmhouse) and the fee is 10 yuan. If you go there very early in the morning, you can drive up there without walking. You can go directly to the payment window. The fee is: 6.6 yuan for the ticket. Dressing: Girls: 1. Long skirt 2. Sling 3. Jackets (but brighter colors are better) Boys: 1. overalls 2. Jackets (more colorful ones are better) 3. Vest Things to note: 1. If you want to take photos inside the waterfall, I suggest you bring an extra set of clothes and shoes. 2. Make sure to bring a flashlight. If you want to bring a camera, you can buy a waterproof case for the camera. 3. Shoot with a wide angle. Friends who use cameras must bring a wide angle. 4. You can bring a fill light, but I’m just lazy so I didn’t bring one. 5. Pay attention to the fact that you can find many camera positions when shooting. 6. The stones will be slippery, so you must take your time. This is the most important thing.

The unique underground landform, the rushing waterfall, the light and shadow imaging in the cave, the Yandou Rock Waterfall on a rainy day is particularly spectacular, and the Yandou Cave is even more profound and mysterious. Standing on the rock and feeling the cool rain mist of the waterfall is very, very refreshing. 📍Location: Leshan Yandouyan Scenic Area Line information: 🚌Transportation: 3 hours one way 🚶🏻 ♀️Hiking distance: about 6 kilometers round trip ⛰️Altitude range: 450~900 meters 🧗🏻 Cumulative climb: 450 meters ⭐Difficulty level: 1 star ⛰️Road conditions: Cobblestone road ⚠️Notes 1️⃣ The waterfall is eroded by water and the rocks are slippery. Be careful when taking photos and checking in. 2️⃣The internal space is quite large, be careful not to venture into the cave~ 3️⃣There are few trash cans, please take away the trash and travel in a civilized manner

I can only say that this place is too photogenic! ⛰️ Whoever takes photos at the waterfall looks good! 1. Photo spot📷 Waterfall! Xiaodou Rock has always been famous for this waterfall! So, on the way down the mountain, the most important thing is to find the waterfall to take photos haha! Actually, there are many camera positions📷❗️ Walking down, I saw at least 3-4 photo queuing spots❗️ So you can walk down and see, wherever is suitable, wherever has fewer people, that's where to shoot👀 Cave! At the very bottom of the mountain road to the waterfall is the cave! It's very dark inside, so it's best for buddies to have a headlamp. A mobile phone flashlight can also work~ When you walk inside, there is a relatively high rock🪨, climb up and your friends can take photos for you from below! If possible, prepare a light💡! Taking photos inside the cave is very photogenic😊 2. Hiking difficulty🌟 For hikers, there is basically no climbing difficulty here! You actually enter in the middle of the waterfall, and then all the way down, you reach the bottom of the waterfall, and at the very bottom, there is a cave, the scenery is just these two parts. 3. Hiking gear❗️ 1⃣️Shoes👟, you'll fall like a fool when getting soaked in the waterfall❗️ The rocks are very hard! 😅 Surrounded by big rocks on three sides, I was drenched under the waterfall💧 because there are big rocks🪨 and moss everywhere❗️ It's best to wear anti-slip stream-crossing shoes👟, especially! 2⃣️👔Change of clothes If you take shots of getting soaked by the waterfall, you'll be drenched, including your pants haha! Change a coat or something. Just bring the clothes you want for posing❗️ There's really nothing else special to bring, even the food I brought was not used, the journey is very short.

Xiaodouyan Waterfall, a secluded paradise nestled within Leshan City, Sichuan Province, is known as the "Number One Waterfall in Southern Sichuan" for its majestic and pristine natural beauty. Here, the verdant mountains complement the cascading waterfall, showcasing nature's miraculous craftsmanship. 🍀【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Reach the top of the waterfall: Hike up the winding mountain path, admiring the lush greenery, uniquely shaped rocks, and babbling brooks along the way. Arrive at the source of Xiaodouyan Waterfall and feel the powerful surge of water from the cliff top, as if you're in a fairyland amidst the mist. 2. Waterfall viewing platform: Stand on the viewing platform below the waterfall to admire the massive water curtain formed by the falling water up close. Listen to its thunderous roar, feel the coolness of the splashing droplets, and capture stunning images if you're a photography enthusiast. 3. Forest trekking adventure: The pristine forest around Xiaodouyan Waterfall is well-preserved, with a rich ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. Follow the clearly marked hiking trails into the forest to seek out the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers, enjoying a peaceful and wild forest journey. 4. Play in the water downstream of the waterfall: The clear and turquoise pools formed downstream of the waterfall are ideal for summer fun. Fish leisurely or splash around in the water, letting your body and mind completely relax in the embrace of nature. 🍀【Address】 Xiaodouyan Waterfall Scenic Area, Jianban Town, Muchuan County, Leshan City, Sichuan Province 🍀【Transportation Tips】 ① Self-driving: Depart from Leshan city center, drive along the G93 Chengyu Ring Expressway for about 1 hour to the Muchuan exit, then switch to the provincial road S307, and drive for about 40 minutes to reach Xiaodouyan Waterfall Scenic Area. ② Public transportation: Take a bus or train to Muchuan County, then rent a car or hire a car locally to Xiaodouyan Waterfall, which takes about 1 hour in total. 🍀【Food Recommendations】 1. Muchuan bamboo rice: A local specialty, fresh bamboo tubes are filled with glutinous rice, cured meat, peas, and other ingredients, wrapped in bamboo leaves and roasted, offering a fragrant and soft taste. 2. Jianban dried tofu: A specialty of Jianban Town, the dried tofu has a fine texture and a strong five-spice flavor, suitable for both drinking and dining, making it a great choice for tasting local snacks while exploring. 3. Sour and spicy fish: A characteristic dish of the Leshan area, with a sour, spicy, and savory taste, and a rich soup that can effectively relieve travel fatigue. 🍀【Nearby Attractions Recommendations】 1. Mount Emei: A World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, one of the four famous Buddhist mountains in China, about a 2-hour drive from Xiaodouyan Waterfall. Climb to the Golden Summit to watch the sunrise, visit the Wannian Temple to savor the Zen atmosphere, and experience the profound Buddhist culture and beautiful natural scenery. 2. Leshan Giant Buddha: A world-famous giant stone-carved sitting Buddha, about a 1.5-hour drive from Xiaodouyan Waterfall. Visit the Buddha's feet to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient sculptors and overlook the magnificent confluence of three rivers. 3. Jiayang Steam Train in Qianwei: The only narrow-gauge steam train still in operation in the world, about an hour's drive from Xiaodouyan Waterfall. Ride the train through the rapeseed flower sea and experience a nostalgic journey back in time.

📍Detailed address: Sichuan Province, Leshan City, Shawan District, Niushi Town, Anchi Village Transportation strategy: 🚗Drive navigation (Xiaodongyan Farmhouse) park here (10 yuan💰) then a half-hour walk to see the waterfall Leshan Xiaodong, also known as Xiaodouyan, is located on the banks of the Dadu River upstream of the Dongjiezi Hydropower Station reservoir area. It is the longest known cave in Sichan, hidden within a huge natural sinkhole. Above the cave is a waterfall with a drop of over a hundred meters, and the cave's underground river stretches on, with variously shaped stalactites scattered throughout. Xiaodouyan also offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets. When the first rays of sunlight sprinkle over the mountains, the entire Xiaodouyan is tinged with gold, and at sunset, the sky is painted with colorful hues, reflecting off the mountains and forming a breathtakingly beautiful picture. 🌟Notice: Bring your own food and water, take your trash with you, be careful of slipping when walking, it's easy to take a big fall. The cave is dark and damp, bring a change of clothes, do not walk deep into the Xiaodong, there is no lighting inside, and there are many underground rivers and other complex environments!