Geographical Location: Hukou Waterfall is located in Hukou Town, Ji County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province in the east and Hukou Township, Yichuan County, Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province in the west. It is a tourist scenic spot shared by the two provinces.
Features of the Waterfall: It is the second largest waterfall in China and the largest yellow waterfall in the world. When the Yellow River flows here, the cliffs on both sides are steep, and the estuary narrows like the mouth of a kettle, so it is named Hukou Waterfall. The roar of the waterfall is like thunder, the water mist rises into the sky, shaking the earth and sky, with a majestic and magnificent scene. The surging Yellow River water here performs a powerful movement.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March May): At this time, the Yellow River thaws, and the ice floes fall, with the small ones like cows and the large ones like houses, and the sound is like the collapse of mountains, which is extremely spectacular.
Autumn (September November): The autumn sky is clear and crisp, and the rainfall gradually decreases. The water volume of the waterfall is moderate, and at this time, the surrounding scenery of the waterfall is colorful, complementing the yellow waterfall.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation
Airplane: You can first take a plane to Xi’an or Taiyuan, and then transfer to a long-distance bus to the Hukou Waterfall scenic spot. From Xi’an to Yichuan County or from Taiyuan to Ji County, there are corresponding long-distance bus schedules.
Train: You can first go to Linfen or Yan’an, and then transfer to a bus to the scenic spot. Linfen and Yan’an both have railway stations, and you can take a bus to the Hukou Waterfall at the local bus station.
Internal Transportation
Scenic Spot Sightseeing Bus: After entering the scenic spot, you generally need to take a sightseeing bus to reach the waterfall viewing point. The sightseeing bus will stop at the main scenic spots for tourists to visit and play conveniently.
Ticket Information
The ticket price is adjusted according to the peak and off-peak seasons. Generally, the price in the peak season is a little higher. The specific price can be inquired at the official website or the ticket window.
When buying tickets, pay attention to check the items included in the ticket, such as whether it includes the sightseeing bus ticket, etc.
Tour Route Planning
Shaanxi Side (Yichuan)
Visitor Center Sightseeing Bus Main scenic area of Hukou Waterfall (You can view the full view of the waterfall from multiple angles, including feeling the majestic momentum of the waterfall up close, and you can also see the rainbow formed in the water mist stirred up by the waterfall, etc.) Long Cave (Looking up at the waterfall from the bottom, experiencing the shock of the waterfall like thousands of horses galloping. Note that the Long Cave may be temporarily closed due to water level and other reasons).
Shanxi Side (Ji County)
Visitor Center Sightseeing Bus Waterfall Viewing Platform (Here you can enjoy the spectacular scene of the waterfall and the canyon scenery on both sides of the Yellow River. The viewing platform has a wide view.) Cultural Square (Learn about the historical culture and folk customs related to Hukou Waterfall, etc.).
Food Guide
Local Specialties
Yellow River Carp
Features: The meat is fresh and tender and rich in nutrition. Using cooking methods such as braising and steaming can retain the freshness of the fish and each has a unique flavor. For example, the braised Yellow River carp has a bright red color, fresh and tender fish meat, and a salty, fragrant and slightly sweet taste when you eat it.
Yichuan Baked Bun
Features: The surface of the bun is crispy and the inside is soft. When making it, it is baked with a traditional stove fire, with a unique charcoal fire aroma. You can eat it directly or with small dishes or local special chili sauce.
Buckwheat Noodles (Hele)
Features: Made of buckwheat flour, the noodles are thin and tough. When eating it hot, it can be topped with mutton mince and other toppings, which is sour and spicy and delicious; when eating it cold, it can be paired with vegetables such as shredded cucumbers and bean sprouts and a special sauce, which is refreshing and appetizing.
Yan’an Lamb Offal Soup
Features: It is made by stewing a mixture of the head, hooves, blood, liver, heart, intestines, and stomach of a lamb. The taste is sour and spicy, without any fishy smell and not greasy. When eating, you can add coriander, scallions, chili and other seasonings according to personal taste.
Food Streets and Restaurant Recommendations
Yichuan, Shaanxi
Food Street: The night market in Yichuan County town has various local snack stalls where you can taste Yichuan Baked Bun, Buckwheat Noodles (Hele) and other delicacies.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Ji County, Shanxi
Food Street: There are many restaurants gathered on the central street of Ji County town where you can taste various local special delicacies.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Accommodation Suggestions
Yichuan, Shaanxi
Star Hotel: Yichuan Hotel, etc. It has complete facilities and perfect service and can provide a comfortable accommodation experience, suitable for tourists with higher requirements for accommodation conditions.
Economy Hotel/Inn: There are many affordable options, such as 7 Days Inn, Yichuan Dayu Inn, etc., which are clean and hygienic and have convenient transportation.
Ji County, Shanxi
Star Hotel: Hukou Waterfall Hotel in Ji County, etc. It is close to the scenic spot. Some rooms can directly or indirectly view the Hukou Waterfall or the surrounding mountain scenery with a beautiful environment.
Economy Hotel/Inn: Such as Hukou Business Hotel of the Yellow River in Ji County, Hukou Inn, etc. The price is affordable and the surrounding living facilities are relatively complete.
Travel Precautions
Safety
When visiting the waterfall, abide by the regulations of the scenic spot. Do not cross the guardrail and other dangerous areas. Especially when walking on the rocks by the waterfall, be careful because the rocks may be slippery.
When taking the scenic spot transportation such as the sightseeing bus, pay attention to fastening your seat belt and follow the arrangements of the staff.
Weather-related
The weather in the Hukou Waterfall scenic spot changes greatly. It is recommended to carry rain gear and warm clothes with you to deal with different weather conditions.
Others
When playing in the scenic spot, take good care of the environment. Do not litter at will and keep the scenic spot clean and beautiful.
