Zhangjiajie Hydrology
Resources: Water within the area is mainly replenished by precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of 1,228.5 mm, concentrated from April to July, often as torrential rain that can cause flash floods. According to hydrological data, a 20-year flood reaches 644 m³/s and a 50-year flood 835 m³/s. Both surface water and groundwater within the area...
This article has been compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · City Overview section). Some administrative divisions, population, socioeconomic data, and policy information may be outdated and are for reference only; for the latest situation, please refer to official releases by the local government and scenic areas.
Resources: The water resources within the area are mainly replenished by precipitation, with an average annual precipitation of 1,228.5 mm. It is mainly concentrated from April to July, and there are many rainstorms, with mountain torrents sometimes causing disasters. According to relevant hydrological data, the flood volume of a 20-year recurrence interval reaches 644 m³/s, and the flood volume of a 50-year recurrence interval reaches 835 m³/s. Both surface water and groundwater within the area are abundant. Surface runoff belongs to the rain-flood type, with an average annual runoff depth of 786.03 mm and an average runoff coefficient of 0.55. Each year's surface runoff is concentrated in the flood season, accounting for 74.3% of the total annual water volume. Surface and underground runoff differ according to geology. Slate and shale strata weather easily, have no pores, and have poor permeability, with more surface runoff and less groundwater; limestone and sandstone strata have many internal pores and store water abundantly, being medium water-bearing rock formations, with many karst caves and many underground streams, forming hidden rivers after rainfall.
Water bodies: Because the rock strata within the area differ, various water bodies such as streams, rivers, springs, waterfalls, and underground streams are formed, creating many kinds of water scenery.
Streams and rivers: The park has a total of five streams—Jinbian Stream, Pipa Stream, Xiejia Valley Stream, Hua Stream, and Shadao Gully Stream—whose waters flow into the Lou River and return to the Li River.
Waterfalls: The sandstone and limestone strata within the park have good permeability, groundwater is abundant, and there are many fissures and cliffs, hence many flying waterfalls. A famous waterfall is Tianxuanbailian (Heaven-Hung White Silk), reaching as high as 200 meters; during the flood season it is like a giant dragon soaring, magnificent in momentum.
Springs: Because the bedding and jointing of the sandstone and limestone strata are well developed, they store much water and are easily replenished, so springs are found in every corner of the park. Some exist singly, and some are clusters of small springs. Fissure springs and karst springs are the most common, while springs at the front edge of alluvial layers are very few. According to a preliminary on-site survey in 1997, there are 6 relatively large springs in total. Among the distinctive ones are Yuanyang Spring and Huangshizhai Spring. Yuanyang Spring historically had a spring well built for passersby to drink from.
Pools: Streams and ravines crisscross within the park, and the stream beds are uneven, forming numerous pools. According to a preliminary on-site survey in 1997, 5 large and small stream pools were found, generally 15–40 square meters in size and generally 1.5–2 meters deep.