
China has unveiled an astonishing man-made waterfall measuring 1,300ft wide that is designed to help provide water during emergencies.

The structure in the city of Kunming in Yunnan province took three years to construct and cost 1.1billion Chinese Yuan (£114million).

Finished last year, members of the public applauded when it was unveiled and it has been hailed as a new landmark for south-west China.

The waterfall is able to divert around 300,000 cubic metres (10.6million cubic feet) of water from the local Niulan River into Dianchi Lake.

It is said to have been built in preparation for potential water shortages, in a country where 60 per cent of underground water is polluted.

Water quality is a huge problem for China, with many people in urban areas boiling their water or buying it bottled to ensure it is safe.

The project to build the waterfall - which will help during drought - has also involved transforming existing pipes and building a huge lake.

Viewing area: The structure in the city of Kunming in Yunnan province took three years to construct and cost 1.1billion Chinese Yuan

Impressed: Members of the public clapped when the waterfall was unveiled and it has been hailed as a new landmark for south-west China

Emergency supply: The waterfall is able to divert around 300,000 cubic metres of water from the local Niulan River into Dianchi Lake

Prject: It is said to have been built in preparation for water shortages, in a country where 60 per cent of underground water is polluted