Fangcheng's Seventy-Two Pools: China's Premier Stone River! A Comprehensive Guide to Water Tracing and Water Activities in Central China. A National 4A-Level Scenic Area and part of the Funiu Mountain World Geopark.
Fangcheng's Seventy-Two Pools: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Trip – A Top Spot for Stream Tracing and Water Activities in Central China
A national 4A-level scenic area and an important part of the Funiu Mountain World Geopark, this 150-million-year-old granite canyon features seventy-two clear pools and waterfalls cascading down its four-kilometer length. The main attractions are waterfall walking and stream tracing. The canyon offers a cool respite from the summer heat, and there are also various high-altitude recreational activities. It's perfect for family water activities and short hikes. Combined with Qifeng Mountain, it can form a one-day self-driving loop in Fangcheng.
Basic Scenic Area Information
Location: Dahekou Village, Yangji Town, Fangcheng County, Nanyang City
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Ticket Price: Adults 55 RMB (lower price online); Children under 1.4 meters, seniors over 60, active military personnel, and disabled persons are admitted free of charge upon presentation of valid ID; Students receive half price upon presentation of valid ID.
Secondary Expenses: Sightseeing bus 20 RMB one way; 3D glass bridge, glass slide, high-platform grass skiing, aerial acrobatics, and boat rides are optional paid attractions; package deals offer better value.
Suggested Visit Duration: 4-5 hours
Key Attractions
China's First Stone River
The soul of the scenic area, featuring a complete granite riverbed formed over millions of years. The stream cascades down the terraced rocks, creating a series of pools: Mirror Pool, Old Dragon Pool, Five-in-One Pool, and Three-in-One Waterfall. The pools are clear and emerald green, shaded by lush forests, making it a rare geological wonder of stone rivers in Central China.
Waterfall Hiking and Stream Tracing
A unique water-based experience in Central China, walk along the Shichuan Riverbed, stepping on stones as you traverse streams and waterfalls. In summer, the canyon temperature is 5-8℃ lower than in the city. The stream has varying depths, with shallow areas suitable for children to play in – a must-do in summer! Wear non-slip water shoes.
Welcoming Pool
The first pool at the scenic entrance, with a wide surface and a cascading waterfall. A great starting point for your visit, and a good place to take photos and relax.
Poet Immortal Pavilion
Legend has it that Li Bai visited this place and left behind a poem. This hexagonal ancient pavilion stands halfway up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the entire Shichuan Canyon, including mountains, forests, pools, and waterfalls.
Heavenly Lake
A high-altitude lake at the summit, surrounded by clear blue water. Boat trips are available to circumnavigate the lake. The surrounding area features a concentration of high-altitude adventure activities, offering expansive and unobstructed views of the entire valley.
3D High-Altitude Glass Bridge
Spanning between two mountains, with a deep, rocky canyon below, this bridge features a 3D shattering effect. Standing on the bridge and gazing at the surrounding mountains, pools, and waterfalls creates a thrilling and photogenic experience.
Glass Slide
Winding down the mountainside, weaving through the forest, this slide quickly reaches the middle of the canyon, saving you energy on the descent – a great option for those who prefer a relaxed pace.
High-Platform Grass Slide
A leisurely and fun downhill slide, suitable for all ages.
Cliff Carvings and Purple Bamboo Forest
The canyon is dotted with stone carvings, and the purple bamboo forest is serene and tranquil. Walking along the forest trails offers a peaceful and comfortable environment, perfect for a rest stop.
Recommended Itinerary
Effortless Route (Recommended for Families)
Visitor Center → Sightseeing bus directly to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at the summit → Glass Bridge photo opportunity → Grass skiing/Glass slide experience → Hike down the Shichuan Canyon, tracing waterfalls and streams, visiting Wuliantan (Five Connected Pools), Jingtan (Mirror Pool), and Yingbintan (Welcoming Pool) in sequence. The route is all downhill with minimal steep climbs, making it easy to enjoy the entire experience.
Full Hiking Route
Yingbintan (Welcoming Pool) at the scenic area entrance → Purple Bamboo Forest → Mirror Pool → Stream tracing of the First Stone River in China → Poet Immortal Pavilion → Three Connected Waterfalls → Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) → High-altitude activity experience → Descend via the same route or slide, climbing uphill to fully experience the canyon landscape.
Best Time to Visit
June-August: Summer brings abundant rainfall and the largest water volume in the pools and waterfalls, making it the prime time for stream tracing and water activities. April-May: Wildflowers bloom in the mountains, and the forests are lush and green. September-November: Clear skies and vibrant colors in the mountains. Winter: Enjoy the icefalls, with icicles covering the rocky valleys, creating a unique and beautiful scene. In summer, try to enter the park in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds.
Transportation Guide
By Car: Navigate to the Seventy-Two Pools Scenic Area. Parking is available. It's a 20-minute drive from Fangcheng County; 1.5 hours from Nanyang City; and 2.5 hours from Zhengzhou. After visiting the Seventy-Two Pools, it's a short drive to Qifeng Mountain, making it a convenient option for a day trip.
Public Transportation: Take a local bus from Fangcheng Bus Station to the vicinity of the scenic area, then take a taxi. Driving is preferred.
Tips for Visiting
1. The water surfaces are slippery when tracing streams; wear non-slip shoes, or bring your own wading shoes. Supervise children and avoid deep pool areas. 2. Taking the sightseeing bus up the mountain and hiking down is the least strenuous option. Hiking up is not recommended as the stone steps are physically demanding.
3. High-altitude amusement rides have weight and age restrictions. Follow on-site safety instructions. People with a fear of heights should avoid the glass bridge.
4. There are few supply points in the mountains. Bring drinking water and mosquito repellent in summer.
5. Ticket checking and entry stop at 4:30 PM. Do not arrive at the last minute; allow ample time for your visit.
6. After rain, the waterfall has a larger flow and a better view, but be aware that the paths may be slippery. Do not enter undeveloped pools without permission.
China's First Stone River! A Comprehensive Guide to Fangcheng's Seventy-Two Pools: A Top Spot for Stream Tracing and Water Activities in Central China
A national 4A-level scenic area and an important part of the Funiu Mountain World Geopark, this 150-million-year-old granite canyon features 72 clear pools and waterfalls cascading down its four-kilometer length. The main attractions are waterfall trekking and stream tracing. The canyon offers a cool respite from the summer heat, and there are also various high-altitude recreational activities. It's perfect for family water activities and short hikes. Together with Qifeng Mountain, it can form a one-day self-driving loop in Fangcheng.
Basic Scenic Area Information
Location: Dahekou Village, Yangji Town, Fangcheng County, Nanyang City
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Ticket Price: Adults 55 RMB (lower price online); Children under 1.4 meters, seniors over 60, active military personnel, and disabled persons are admitted free of charge upon presentation of valid ID; Students receive half price upon presentation of valid ID.
Secondary Expenses: Sightseeing bus 20 RMB one way; 3D glass bridge, glass slide, high-platform grass skiing, aerial acrobatics, and boat rides are optional paid attractions; package deals offer better value.
Suggested Visit Duration: 4-5 hours
Key Attractions
China's First Stone River
The soul of the scenic area, featuring a complete granite riverbed formed over millions of years. The stream cascades down the terraced rocks, creating a series of pools: Mirror Pool, Old Dragon Pool, Five-in-One Pool, and Three-in-One Waterfall. The pools are clear and emerald green, shaded by lush forests, making it a rare geological wonder of stone rivers in Central China.
Waterfall Hiking and Stream Tracing
A unique water-based experience in Central China, walk along the Shichuan Riverbed, stepping on stones as you traverse streams and waterfalls. In summer, the canyon temperature is 5-8℃ lower than in the city. The stream has varying depths, with shallow areas suitable for children to play in – a must-do in summer! Wear non-slip water shoes.
Welcoming Pool
The first pool at the scenic entrance, with a wide surface and a cascading waterfall. A great starting point for your visit, and a good place to take photos and relax.
Poet Immortal Pavilion
Legend has it that Li Bai visited this place and left behind a poem. This hexagonal ancient pavilion stands halfway up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the entire Shichuan Canyon, including mountains, forests, pools, and waterfalls.
Heavenly Lake
A high-altitude lake at the summit, surrounded by clear blue water. Boat trips are available to circumnavigate the lake. The surrounding area features a concentration of high-altitude adventure activities, offering expansive and unobstructed views of the entire valley.
3D High-Altitude Glass Bridge
Spanning between two mountains, with a deep, rocky canyon below, this bridge features a 3D shattering effect. Standing on the bridge and gazing at the surrounding mountains, pools, and waterfalls creates a thrilling and photogenic experience.
Glass Slide
Winding down the mountainside, weaving through the forest, this slide quickly reaches the middle of the canyon, saving you energy on the descent – a great option for those who prefer a relaxed pace.
High-Platform Grass Slide
A leisurely and fun downhill slide, suitable for all ages.
Cliff Carvings and Purple Bamboo Forest
The canyon is dotted with stone carvings, and the purple bamboo forest is serene and tranquil. Walking along the forest trails offers a peaceful and comfortable environment, perfect for a rest stop.
Recommended Itinerary
Effortless Route (Recommended for Families)
Visitor Center → Sightseeing bus directly to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at the summit → Glass Bridge photo opportunity → Grass skiing/Glass slide experience → Hike down the Shichuan Canyon, tracing waterfalls and streams, visiting Wuliantan (Five Connected Pools), Jingtan (Mirror Pool), and Yingbintan (Welcoming Pool) in sequence. The route is all downhill with minimal steep climbs, making it easy to enjoy the entire experience.
Full Hiking Route
Yingbintan (Welcoming Pool) at the scenic area entrance → Purple Bamboo Forest → Mirror Pool → Stream tracing of the First Stone River in China → Poet Immortal Pavilion → Three Connected Waterfalls → Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) → High-altitude activity experience → Descend via the same route or slide, climbing uphill to fully experience the canyon landscape.
Best Time to Visit
June-August: Summer brings abundant rainfall and the largest water volume in the pools and waterfalls, making it the prime time for stream tracing and water activities. April-May: Wildflowers bloom in the mountains, and the forests are lush and green. September-November: Clear skies and vibrant colors in the mountains. Winter: Enjoy the icefalls, with icicles covering the rocky valleys, creating a unique and beautiful scene. In summer, try to enter the park in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds.
Transportation Guide
By Car: Navigate to the Seventy-Two Pools Scenic Area. Parking is available. It's a 20-minute drive from Fangcheng County; 1.5 hours from Nanyang City; and 2.5 hours from Zhengzhou. After visiting the Seventy-Two Pools, it's a short drive to Qifeng Mountain, making it a convenient option for a day trip.
Public Transportation: Take a local bus from Fangcheng Bus Station to the vicinity of the scenic area, then take a taxi. Driving is preferred.
Tips for Visiting
1. The water surfaces are slippery when tracing streams; wear non-slip shoes, or bring your own wading shoes. Supervise children and avoid deep pool areas. 2. Taking the sightseeing bus up the mountain and hiking down is the least strenuous option. Hiking up is not recommended as the stone steps are physically demanding.
3. High-altitude amusement rides have weight and age restrictions. Follow on-site safety instructions. People with a fear of heights should avoid the glass bridge.
4. There are few supply points in the mountains. Bring drinking water and mosquito repellent in summer.
5. Ticket checking and entry stop at 4:30 PM. Do not arrive at the last minute; allow ample time for your visit.
6. After rain, the waterfall has a larger flow and a better view, but be aware that the paths are slippery; do not enter undeveloped pools without permission.