
Residents in Guiyang city, south-west China, thought they were imagining things when they saw a massive waterfall cascading out of a high-rise building in the middle of the street.

In fact, the 108-metre-tall (350ft) fall is indeed a part of the towering Liebian Building, located at a public plaza in the city's central business district.

A large tank is installed at the foot of the 121-meter-tall (397ft) skyscraper, where four 185-kilowatt pumps would lift the water to the top of the fall.

The artificial waterfall stands 350 feet on the outside of Liebian Building located at a public plaza in Guiyang city

According to a spokesperson, the artificial waterfall is not switched every day - only for special festivities in the city

A large tank was installed at the foot of the skyscraper, where four 185-kilowatt pumps lift the water to the top of the fall

Video footage of the artificial waterfall shows a spectacular stream of water rippling in the sun, creating a perpetual rainbow in front of the building's glass panels - a brilliant blend of nature and city.

Stunning aerial shots also show the clear water, like a flowing white curtain, gushing out near the top of the structure, said to be the only such 'waterfall building' in the city.

The waterfall is managed by Guizhou Ludiya Property Management Co. and is designed to be a tourist attraction.

A spokesperson for the property, Mr Cheng, told Kan Kan News that the main water source is from recycled tap water, rain water or from other channels.

Tourist spot: The stunning structure is said to be the only such 'waterfall building' in Guiyang city, Guizhou province

Video and photos show a steady stream of water rippling in the sun, creating a perpetual rainbow in front of the building

'Our building has a four-storey underground water storage and drainage system, from which the water is pumped and recycled,' Mr Cheng said.

The electricity bill for just one hour of operation is a whopping 800 yuan (£89), he added.

'That's why we don't switch on the waterfall every day - only for special festivities in the city,' he said.

And each time, the waterfall is set to run for only about 10 to 20 minutes to save electricity.

Stunning aerial shots also show the clear water, like a flowing white curtain, gushing out near the top of the structure

A spokesperson for the property said the main water source is from recycled tap water, rain water or other channels

Some net users were amused by the peculiar building, while others think it's a complete waste of electricity and water.

'Whose idea was it to put a waterfall on the building? It's a terrible idea,' one said. 'They should really conserve energy instead of wasting it like that.'

'It looks like someone's water pipes have burst,' joked another.

'Maybe it would have a cooling effect during hot summer days!' said another.