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The Yellow River has 99 bends, but the most beautiful natural sights are the First Bend and Hukou Waterfall. This is the S-shaped bend formed by the Yellow River as it flows through these two scenic spots. Located in Tangke Township, Zoige County, Aba County, the Yellow River flows from Gansu Province, and the Baihe River joins at the top of the First Bend, creating an S-shaped curve. The Yellow River's waters, like a fairy's ribbon, slowly drift from the horizon, gently caress the Sichuan border, and then turn back to Qinghai, hence the name "Nine Bends of the Yellow River First Bend."
This hilly plateau resembles a small island, floating in the river. The First Bend of the Nine Bends is home to numerous islands, adorned with swaying red willow forests. Golden pheasants and hares roam among them, while waterfowl gather and fishing boats ply. This paradise is home to golden pheasants, yellow ducks, hares, red-crowned cranes, and black-necked cranes, earning it the nickname "a majestic mirage in the universe" by scientists both Chinese and international. The Sok Zang Monastery, built on the bank of the First Bend of the Yellow River, features ancient white pagodas and the smoke from tents rising against the backdrop of the Yellow River, further embodying the vastness of nature.
Plateau mountain climate;
May to September is the best time to travel
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours
60 yuan/person
All day
The First Bend of the Nine-Bend Yellow River is a dramatic U-shaped turn where the river flows north before curving sharply. It has cultural and ecological importance, symbolizing the life force of the Tibetan Plateau and featuring in local Tibetan and Qiang traditions.
Located in Ruo’ergai (Zoige) Grassland, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan. Access is best by private car or hired taxi from Ruo’ergai Town or Aba County. Long-distance buses connect Chengdu to Ruo’ergai (about 8–9 hours).
Open all day. Best times are sunrise and sunset for photography, and summer (June–August) for lush grasslands. Winter is very cold and less scenic.
Entrance fee is usually required (around 50–70 RMB). Tickets can be bought on-site at the visitor center; some platforms may offer online booking.
Advance booking is not mandatory. On-site purchase is sufficient, except during peak holidays when early booking is recommended.
1–2 hours to enjoy viewpoints, longer if combined with grassland exploration.
Mostly self-guided. Some local guides offer tours in Chinese; English-speaking guides may be arranged from Chengdu or local agencies.
The main elevated viewing deck, plus smaller platforms along the hillside, are ideal for sunrise and sunset shots.
Start at the visitor center, walk to the main viewing deck, continue to side platforms, then explore surrounding grasslands or villages.
No light shows. Night visits are possible for stargazing but facilities are limited.
Less crowded compared to major attractions. Avoid China’s Golden Week holidays; weekdays are quieter.
Basic facilities include restrooms and small snack stalls. Limited restaurants nearby; better to bring water and food.
Viewing decks have stairs and uneven paths; may be challenging for elderly or disabled. Children can visit with supervision.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted, though cash is advisable in rural areas with weak signal.
Small local eateries in nearby villages serve Sichuan and Tibetan dishes like yak meat, butter tea, and noodles.
Vegetarian options available (noodles, vegetables). Halal food limited; best to check in larger towns like Ruo’ergai.
Small shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, yak wool scarves, and prayer flags.
Private car or hired driver is best to continue to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, or Langmusi.
