This is the terrifying moment rocks tumbled from a massive waterfall in China.

Footage captured the incident at Sandie Waterfall, a popular spot in Huixian City, Henan Province, on August 10.

Rocks fell suddenly from the top of the waterfall, sending water splashes several metres high and causing panic among tourists below.

Visitors who had gathered to photograph the area and visit nearby market stalls were caught off guard and fled in various directions to seek safety.

Eyewitness Mr Wu, photographing the view, quickly moved away upon noticing the falling rocks.

Following the incident, the Huixian Culture and Tourism Bureau clarified that the location is not an official scenic area but a natural landscape near a highway.

They said that rockfalls can occur due to erosion from the waterfall. Officials said no injuries were reported.