1h direct! Complete guide to the summer cooling "Rainbow Secret Realm" around Nanchang
At 38°C high temperature, Nanchang locals are all looking for cool spots! Meiling Honghe Valley, this "Rainbow Waterfall" fairyland, is just 1 hour from the city center, definitely a hidden gem for summer cooling! Quickly grab this comprehensive guide and let's escape the heat together!
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🚗 Transportation: Scenic views all the way
Navigate to "Honghe Valley Farmhouse" (starting point), about 1 hour from the city center. On the mountain road, you might encounter Huizhou-style villages with white walls and black tiles and mountain vegetable fields around the bends. Roll down the windows and be greeted by waves of green; although the summer cherry blossoms have faded, the bamboo forest and tea fields look like scenes from a comic, super soothing!
🌿 Hiking route: Easy for beginners
Start from Honghe Valley Farmhouse, walk 5 minutes on a cement road (a bit sunny, so quickly head into the woods), then enter the shaded valley/stream trekking trail, and finally reach the Rainbow Waterfall. It’s a 30-minute one-way trip, shaded all the way with the sound of water as background music—simply delightful!
Secret tips for fun along the way
✅ Stream trekking and water play: Walk along the clear water line, the water is so clear you can see the stones at the bottom. Chill watermelon and drinks in the stream, a natural refrigerator easily achieved🍉.
✅ Forest oxygen bar: 80% of the route is covered by shade, the perceived temperature drops by 5°C, sun-sensitive people will be thrilled, it’s like walking into a giant green air conditioner.
✅ Rainbow Waterfall (must check in!): Between 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, when sunlight hits the waterfall directly, a rainbow 🌈 appears above the pool. Stand by the mist to take silhouette photos, the fairy vibe is instantly maxed out. The waterfall has a drop of over 20 meters, with cool breeze and mist refreshing you instantly, but be careful of slippery rocks.
💡 Hidden activities & pitfall tips
1. Extended route (for outdoor enthusiasts): The trail behind the waterfall leads to the mountaintop tea forest. From the top, you can overlook the entire Meiling area, breathtaking views. You can also visit the Xiyao Lake Scenic Area (for those with good stamina, about 1 hour with 300m elevation gain, some parts are exposed to strong sun, not recommended for casual hikers).
2. Summer rafting bonus (play on the way back!): On the return trip, visit "Meiling Rafting" (15 minutes by car from Honghe Valley). A 3.8 km glass water slide with 360° spins and a 50-meter drop, maximum thrill! Families can choose the "round boat" flat rafting area, perfect for water fights and fun💦. Tickets are 89 RMB/adult. The canyon adventure includes zip lines, suspension bridges, jungle crossings, and 16 challenges (great for team building or kids), tickets sold separately.
⚠️ Nanny-level Tips
• Best time: Avoid rainy season (waterfall is spectacular but mountain roads are slippery), start early on sunny days, catch the rainbow at noon!
• Parking: You can park by the roadside at the entrance as long as it doesn’t block traffic (traffic police patrol the route).
• Outfit: Non-slip stream trekking shoes + quick-dry clothes! Bring a sun hat (if traveling with kids, bring a change of clothes and a towel).
• Gear:
• Must bring: Mosquito repellent, trash bags (leave no trace!), power bank (can’t stop taking photos).
• Optional: Trekking poles (helpful on rocky paths), water guns (for water play).
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