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Hukou Waterfall is a natural waterfall formed by the middle reaches of the Yellow River as it flows through the Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon. It borders Ji County, Shanxi Province to the east and Yichuan County, Shaanxi Province to the west. As the Yellow River's surging waters reach this point, their 500-meter-wide torrent is suddenly bounded by the banks, becoming wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The 50-meter drop, like the might of a giant pot, gives it the name "Hukou Waterfall."
The ancient Chinese text "Yu Gong" (Tribute of the Imperial Court) states, "The whirlpools of the Yellow River are like a pot." Two famous wonders, "boating on dry land" and "smoke rising from the water," are even rarer. Asian sprinter Ke Shouliang and Jixian sprinter Zhu Zhaohui have successfully flown over the Hukou Waterfall scenic area on the Yellow River, respectively, in a car and a motorcycle.
During the spring thaw, the ice carried by the river water will make a deafening sound.
When there is abundant rain in summer and autumn, the waterfall will expand to a width of hundreds of meters, and the momentum is the most magnificent.
When frozen in winter, the waterfall is covered in silver, like a white silk thread in the narrow canyon.
Main attractions: Mengmen Mountain, Dragon Cave, Hanging Pot in the Air, Wonderful Icefall, Smoke Rising from Underwater, Sailing on Land, Neon Sky-High, Flying Mountains and Standing Seas, Thunder in a Dry Day, Upside-Down Ice Peaks, Ten-Mile Dragon Trough, Spring and Autumn Style, Ancient River Scenic Spots
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
90 yuan
8:00-18:00
Hukou Waterfall is significant both geologically and culturally. It is the largest yellow waterfall in the world, formed by the Yellow River's flow narrowing dramatically, creating a powerful cascade. The site has inspired numerous artists and poets and is a symbol of China's natural beauty and strength. It has also been featured on the Chinese 50-yuan banknote.
Hukou Waterfall is situated on the border between Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces in China. The most common way to reach the site is by bus or private car from Xi'an, which is approximately 340 kilometers away. Direct buses are available from Xi'an Cheng Dong Bus Station, with departures at 8:00 am and 1:20 pm, and return trips at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The journey takes about 5 hours.
The opening hours are from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm from May to October, and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from November to April. The best times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the water flow is moderate.
The entrance fee is CNY 90 per person. Tickets can be purchased online through official WeChat accounts or at the entrance. It's recommended to buy tickets in advance for discounts and convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Purchasing tickets a few days prior to your visit can ensure availability and may offer discounts.
Approximately 2 to 3 hours are sufficient to explore the main viewing areas and enjoy the waterfall's beauty.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance through tour agencies. Audio guides in English are not commonly available, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
The Ten-Mile Dragon Trough offers the best panoramic view of the waterfall. The Main Waterfall Viewing Platform provides a close-up experience, while the Dragon Wall offers unique perspectives of the cascading water.
Begin at the Main Waterfall Viewing Platform to experience the waterfall's power. Then, proceed to the Dragon Wall for a different perspective. Conclude your visit at the Ten-Mile Dragon Trough for a panoramic view.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no regular light shows. Special tours may be arranged through local tour operators, but these are not standard offerings.
Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded. Early mornings and late afternoons are also quieter times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are also food stalls offering local snacks. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks for convenience.
The main viewing areas are accessible, but the terrain can be uneven. Visitors with mobility issues should exercise caution and may need assistance in certain areas.
Mobile payments are widely accepted. It's advisable to carry some cash as a backup, especially in more remote areas.
Local food stalls near the entrance offer snacks like Yellow River carp. For more substantial meals, restaurants in nearby towns such as Yichuan provide a variety of options.
Vegetarian options are available at local food stalls. Halal food may be found in nearby towns with Muslim communities.
Nearby accommodations include the Hukou Yinpu Homestay and the Hanting Hotel Yichuan Electric Power Building Hukou Waterfall. Both offer convenient access to the waterfall and local amenities.
Nearby attractions include the Huangdi Mausoleum, the Shaanxi Yellow River Hukou Waterfall Geological Museum, and Mengmen Mountain. These can be visited in a day trip from the waterfall.
Souvenir shops near the entrance sell items like local handicrafts, traditional costumes, and photographs of the waterfall. Local specialties such as Yellow River carp are also available.
From the waterfall, you can take a bus or private car to nearby towns like Yichuan or Xi'an. Public transportation options are available, but private transport offers more flexibility and comfort.
