Huanglong Waterfall is one of the five major waterfalls in the Enshi Grand Canyon. The waterfall cascades down a bell-shaped orange-red calcareous body, with a drop of over 60 meters. Due to the presence of pyrite (FeS2) in the Permian coal layers, which is highly susceptible to oxidation and hydration into iron oxides or hydroxides under surface conditions, the stream water upstream of this waterfall originates from or passes through the Permian coal layers.
As a result, the water body of the waterfall is rich in ferric iron. Consequently, the calcareous body formed by the calcium precipitation in this waterfall appears orange-red due to the presence of iron. Additionally, the long-term erosion by the waterfall has turned the rocks at the bottom of the valley into an orange-red color due to iron staining, hence the name Huanglong Waterfall. Under sunlight, the splashing water of the waterfall creates rainbows, and the iron-stained valley bottom presents a colorful and magnificent spectacle. When viewed from the corridor bridge, the calcareous body resembles a ‘golden turtle’ with its head raised, enjoying the clear waterfall bath, thus this scene is also known as the ‘Golden Turtle Playing with Waterfall’. The waterfall is open all year round, 24 hours a day, with specific business hours subject to the daily opening status.
