The Hukou Waterfull
Hukou Waterfall is a national scenic spot and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. It is the second-largest waterfall in China and the largest yellow waterfall in the world. When the Yellow River rushes to this place, the cliffs on both sides stand steeply, and the river mouth narrows like a kettle mouth, hence the name. Upstream of the waterfall, the Yellow River has a water surface width of 300 meters, which is compressed to a width of 20 to 30 meters within a distance of less than 500 meters. When 1,000 cubic meters of river water pour down from a cliff of more than 20 meters high every second, it forms a magnificent scene of “a thousand miles of the Yellow River converging into one kettle.”
The formation of Hukou Waterfall has a long history, dating back to 1.2 million years ago, and it was formed during the long process of erosion by the Yellow River. In the process of the formation and evolution of the waterfall, various geological relics such as the “Ten-mile Dragon Channel” have been left behind. These relics embody the tremendous power of the Yellow River's water, its unyielding and victorious nature, and also highlight the resilient and unyielding national spirit of the Chinese nation. The total area of the Hukou Waterfall scenic area is about 100 square kilometers. Besides the waterfall itself, there are many other scenic spots worth visiting in the area. At Hukou Waterfall, you can appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River and feel the powerful momentum of nature. Especially during the rainy season or when the water level of the Yellow River is high, the sound and momentum of the waterfall are even more formidable, deafening, and thrilling.
Things to Do
Optimal Viewing Locations for the Falls
There are mainly two optimal viewing locations for the Hukou Falls in Shanxi:
Long Cave (Observatory Cave): This is the best observation point on the Shanxi side. It is a natural stone cave located below the falls. Looking up at the falls from Long Cave, you can experience the grandeur of the falls and the mysterious atmosphere of the misty spray up close. This bottom-up perspective makes the impact of the falls more intuitive as if you can touch every drop of water and feel the vitality of the falls' constant flow.
Guanbao Platform: Located on the Shanxi side of the Hukou Falls, it provides a panoramic viewing angle. Standing on the Guanbao Platform, you can see the full view of the falls and feel its vastness and grandeur. Especially during the spring and autumn seasons, when the falls have ample water and a surging momentum, standing on the Guanbao Platform allows you to deeply experience the powerful and majestic atmosphere of the falls.
Look at the Rainbow in the Water
The rainbow in the water is one of the eight wonders of Hukou Waterfall, exhibiting the amazing combination of water and light in nature. When the Yellow River water flows through the Hukou, water mist rises. Under the sun's radiation, these water mists form various beautiful rainbows. The formation of rainbow in the water is closely related to the unique terrain and climatic conditions of the Hukou Waterfall. The Hukou Waterfall is located in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, with steep cliffs on both banks and a narrow river mouth resembling a kettle. Here, the Yellow River water is restricted by the terrain, resulting in an increased flow rate and impact force, thus creating a spectacular waterfall scene. In the spring and autumn seasons, with moderate water volume, suitable temperature, and oblique sunlight, these conditions together contribute to the emergence of rainbow in the water. For many years, countless tourists have come here to witness this wonderful scene of rainbow in the water. They stop to watch and take photos on the shore of the waterfall, capturing this beautiful scenery forever in their hearts.
Watch Yellow River Ice Bridge
The Yellow River Ice Bridge is a unique winter landscape, exhibiting the amazing combination of water and ice in nature. When winter comes and the temperature plunges, the surface of the Yellow River begins to freeze, gradually forming a thick layer of ice. In the Hukou Falls area, due to the turbulent water flow, the interaction between the ice layer and the water creates a natural ice bridge connecting both banks. These ice bridges not only vary in shape but are also sturdy and durable, able to bear a certain weight. Walking on the ice bridge allows one to appreciate the unique scenery of the Hukou Falls in winter.
Watch Ten-mile Dragon Channel
The Ten-mile Dragon Channel is located downstream of the Hukou Waterfall and is a deep channel formed by the Yellow River water after flowing through the Hukou. It is named Ten-mile Dragon Channel because of the legend that a dragon dug it out. The distance from Hukou to Mengmen is about five kilometers. At the bottom of this box-shaped canyon, which is about 400 meters wide, the Yellow River water has cut through and formed this deep channel. The channel is approximately 30 to 50 meters wide and 10 to 20 meters deep. The Ten-Li Dragon Channel is deep and narrow, resembling the shape of a dragon's ridge. The water flows rapidly and loudly, and the walls of the channel are steep, while the bottom is hard and solid. During non-flood periods, the riverbank is wide and flat, almost allowing vehicles to travel on it. This unique geological condition makes it possible for “ships to sail on dry land”.
Best Travel Seasons
The best time to visit Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River in Shanxi Province mainly falls in the spring and autumn seasons. Specifically, April to May and September to November are the ideal periods for observing the Hukou Waterfall.
During the spring months of April and May, the peach blossoms around the Hukou Waterfall bloom, and the frozen ice and water begin to thaw, creating a vibrant spring scenery. The waterfall's water is turbulent and the scenery is magnificent, making it the perfect time to admire the beauty of the Hukou Waterfall. In the autumn months of September to November, the rainy season has just passed, and numerous surrounding mountain springs and streams converge into a large amount of clear water, maintaining the waterfall’s powerful flow. Additionally, autumn winds often bring rainbows, adding a unique beauty to the Hukou Waterfall. During these two seasons, the Hukou Waterfall has abundant and stable water flow, and its width can reach about a kilometer, making it extremely spectacular. Although summer is the peak tourist season for the Hukou Waterfall, the hot weather and large number of tourists may affect the viewing experience. In winter, due to the cold weather, the waterfall’s flow weakens, but the frozen waterfall also possesses its own unique beauty.
Ticket Price
Full price ticket 90 yuan/person
half price ticket 45 yuan/person
Opening hours
08:00~18:00
Travel Tips
1. The terrain around Hukou Waterfall is rugged and there are some slippery places on the edges, so special attention should be paid to dress. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate shoes to avoid slipping and injuring themselves. At the same time, due to the scenic area, long-term walking and viewing need to wear comfortable and breathable clothes to maintain a comfortable state.
2. The water of Hukou Waterfall is fast-flowing, and the nearby foothills are prone to geological disasters, so tourists should strictly abide by the management regulations when visiting, and not illegally climb or enter the closed area. Keep a safe distance when taking photos at the edge of the waterfall to avoid accidents.
3. Since the banks on both sides of the waterfall are all relatively flat large rocks, the surface is covered with a layer of loess, and there is no fence, so tourists should pay special attention to safety when watching the waterfall, do not stand too close.
4. The Hukou Waterfall scenic area is large, tourists can plan the tour route according to the provided map, and visit the main attractions in turn. There are three waterfall groups in the scenic area, the middle and the next, each of which has its unique charm, and tourists can arrange the viewing order according to their interests and time.
5. The road is far, so it is best to bring some food to eat on the road. As a natural scenic spot, Hukou Waterfall needs everyone's protection. Tourists should keep environmental awareness during the travel process, not litter, respect nature, and jointly maintain this beautiful tourist resort.
