Well-known scenic waterfall in China gains popularity after video suggests water flows from pipe.
Yuntai Waterfall is found in Yuntai Mountain Park, an extremely popular tourist destination in China's north-central Henan province. This park has achieved the highest rating, AAAAA, granted by the nation's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
However, the source of the water, described as "like the Milky Way falling" on the park's website, is now under investigation. A video published on Chinese social media this week seems to reveal a pipe supplying water to the 314-meter-tall (1,030-foot) cascade, potentially indicating that it's not entirely natural as suggested to visitors.
Yuntai Mountain Park's authorities responded to the video, explaining why alterations were made in the dry season.
"The waterfall cannot always maintain its stunning beauty due to seasonal changes," they said, while also mentioning that the falls were "slightly enhanced" during the dry months.
The Park's managers also showed appreciation for the attention, assuring visitors that a breathtakingly beautiful and totally natural Yuntai Waterfall would be available for the summer season.
The video left many people in China astonished. Yet, others on social media praised the park's reaction.
"The origin of a waterfall is not what people paid to see," remarked one Weibo user. "I don't believe the park is misleading their guests by any means."
"You're there to admire the peacock's tail, not to obsess over its backside," added another.
Yuntai is not the first waterfall in China to require some support during the dry season. The country's monsoon climate causes difficulties in keeping the water flow steady, with lower rainfall levels resulting in less water for the cascades.
China's Huangguoshu Waterfall, situated in the southwestern Guizhou province, suffered a similar fate. In 2004, a dam was constructed to guarantee it would keep flowing throughout the year. At that time, the province applauded the dam as a means of putting an end to the history of Huangguoshu Waterfall drying out.
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After the controversy about the Yuntai Waterfall's water source, many people are now discussing the importance of natural versus enhanced attractions in travel.
In light of this, some travelers are considering rethinking their criteria for choosing vacation destinations, potentially favoring those that prioritize natural beauty over artificial enhancements.
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