A waterfall at Maluan Mountain in Pingshan District. Photo by Yan Wenting

When summer temperatures soar, there’s nothing quite like seeking a cool retreat. Tucked in Pingshan District, Maluan Mountain Country Park offers a lush, shaded escape — home to the Maluan Waterfall and the Biling Waterfalls.

Biling Waterfalls 碧岭瀑布群

The Biling Waterfalls are Shenzhen’s largest natural waterfall cluster. A true geological marvel, they showcase the city’s densest and most diverse collection of waterfalls.

Along a 3-kilometer trail, five main waterfalls are connected by more than 20 pools and streams. Each waterfall is named after lines from Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai’s poem “Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu”: Yinhe (Galaxy), Qianchi (Thousand Feet), Ziyan (Purple Smoke), Feiliu (Flying Stream), and Jiutian (Nine Heavens).

Yinhe Waterfall 银河瀑

A 10-15 minute walk from the northwest gate leads you to the first cascade — Yinhe Waterfall. This is a triple-layer waterfall, with water spilling over a broad rock face into a plunge pool. After heavy rain, it lives up to its grand, celestial name.

Yinhe Waterfall. Photo by Su Jingju

Qianchi Waterfall 千尺瀑

Continue along the boardwalk and you’ll soon reach Qianchi Waterfall. You can admire it from a distance or climb up the steps for a closer view. There, the only soundtrack is the powerful rush of water — a refreshing sight and sound.

Ziyan Waterfall 紫烟瀑

Featuring seven connected plunge pools, this waterfall is nicknamed “Seven Pearls.” It marks the halfway point of the trail, with a nearby pavilion nearby — an ideal place to pause before going deeper into the forest.

Feiliu Waterfall 飞流瀑

Known as a seasonal fall, Feiliu Waterfall is most impressive after periods of substantial rainfall.

Jiutian Waterfall 九天瀑

The final — arguably most breathtaking — waterfall is Jiutian Waterfall. With a dramatic drop and graceful form, it seems to pour down from the sky into a deep, tranquil pool. Hidden among the mountains, it feels like a secret reward for those who venture the farthest.

For access to the Biling Waterfalls, it’s recommended to enter the park via the northwest gate. Beyond the waterfalls, the route offers another hidden highlight at the mountain’s foot: a dawn redwood forest. Along a streamside path, tall, straight trees line up on both sides as the water flows through at varying depths.

Getting to the northeast gate: Take Metro Line 14 to Baolong Station (南约站), Exit D, then take a taxi.

Jiutian Waterfall. Photo by Su Jingju

Maluan Waterfall 马峦瀑布

Maluan Waterfall is a single-drop cascade plunging 30 meters, delivering a powerful visual impact. To reach it, enter the park via the north gate.

Getting to the north gate: Take Metro Line 14 to Jinlong Station (锦龙站), Exit B, then take a taxi.

Tips & warnings

• For the best waterfall views: Visit 2-3 days after rainfall. Avoid rainy or typhoon days — conditions can be slippery and dangerous.

• Wear the right shoes: Some sections are steep and slick. Wear comfortable sports shoes and consider bringing a trekking pole.

• Protect yourself: Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

• Plan your supplies: There are no food or water points along the trail. Restrooms and water vendors are available near the park entrances.

• If you want to play in the water: Bring a change of clothes and sandals.