Pearl Shoals Waterfall

Altitude:2,433 m ,width :310 m , highest drop : 40 m 

   Water rushing from the Pearl Shoals drops from the top of the falls and forms  a crescent waterfall. This is the most photographed waterfall in Jiuzhai Valley and along with many places in the park it is a very popular place for Chinese couples to have their wedding photos taken.

  The waterfall is actually accreting which means it is growing outwards rather than eroding backwards like most waterfalls do.

   The reason for this is that calcium carbonate is combining with roots ,leaves and branches to produce a matrix of cemented plantstone which then continues to grow once established.

   As the water flowing over the shoals is shallow and filtered, lacking abrasive sand and gravel materials, it has lilttle erosive power that might otherwise cause the waterfall to erode back up the valley