Discover the Spectacular Waterfalls: From Iguazu's Roar to Huangguoshu's Majesty

China has announced a significant step to boost tourism exchanges with South America, extending its visa-free policy to nationals from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. On a trial basis running from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, citizens of these five countries will now find it much more convenient to discover China’s vast and diverse landscapes. This initiative is expected to spark renewed interest in cultural and natural tourism between the two continents.

Both South America and China are renowned for their breathtaking natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors each year. One of the most celebrated sites in South America is the Iguazu Falls, situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Stretching nearly three kilometers and comprised of 275 individual cascades, Iguazu Falls is famous for its sheer power and beauty. The thundering waters generate an intense noise and a mist that often shrouds the area, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Among all its sections, the dramatic "Devil’s Throat" stands out, plunging about 80 meters and immersing visitors in a surround of roaring water and swirling spray.

Travelers drawn to the wonders of waterfalls will also find much to admire in China. The Huangguoshu Waterfall, located in Guizhou Province, stands as one of Asia’s premier natural spectacles. With a main drop of nearly 78 meters and spanning over 100 meters in width, Huangguoshu impresses visitors with its mighty cascade and the thunderous sound that echoes across the valleys. The curtain of water pouring over the cliff creates rainbows on sunny days and fills the air with cool, refreshing mist.

The surroundings of Huangguoshu offer visitors even more reason to stay and explore, as the region is dotted with striking karst formations and lush, rolling hills. The optimal period to witness the waterfall’s majesty is during the summer and autumn months, when rainfall swells the river and the falls reach their fullest and most picturesque form. The integration of such natural treasures into travel routes could see greater appreciation and exchange between South American and Chinese visitors, reinvigorated by the simplified entry procedures now available.

This new visa-free policy marks a milestone in people-to-people connectivity and paves the way for greater discovery of each other’s cultures and landscapes. As more travelers set out from South America to China—and vice versa—both regions are poised to share their world-renowned natural beauty with a broader global audience.