Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River
Huanghe Hukou Waterfall, located at the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, is China’s second-largest waterfall and a national geological park. Spanning 30 meters wide and 20 meters high, it forms where the Yellow River narrows from 300 meters to 50 meters, creating a thunderous cascade. Designated a AAAA-level scenic area in 2002, it attracts over 1 million visitors annually for its geological significance and cultural symbolism as the "cradle of Chinese civilization."
Historical Overview
The waterfall’s formation began 10 million years ago due to tectonic uplift and river erosion. Ancient Chinese texts, including The Book of Songs, reference the Yellow River’s power here. In 1991, it was named a "Global Geological Monument" by UNESCO. Recent upgrades (2020s) have added viewing platforms and digital exhibits explaining its geology. Notable events include the 2017 international symposium on river conservation held onsite.
Structural Layout
The scenic area spans 170 square kilometers, divided into two zones:
- Shanxi Side (Hukou Town): Main viewing area with bridges, trails, and the Dragon’s Gate.
- Shaanxi Side (Yicun Town): Cultural exhibits and boat tours.
Key structures include the Ten-Mile Dragon Slot (ancient riverbed) and Qucun Ancient Town (Ming Dynasty ruins).
Major Attractions
- Main Waterfall Cascade: A 30-meter-wide, 20-meter-high torrent with rainbow sightings in summer.
- Ten-Mile Dragon Slot: A 5-kilometer-long, 100-meter-deep ancient riverbed carved by The Yellow River.
- Dragon’s Gate: A natural stone arch offering panoramic views.
- Qucun Ancient Town: Ming Dynasty ruins with stone streets and temples.
- Yellow River Cultural Exhibition Hall: Interactives on the river’s role in Chinese history.
- Boat Tours: 20-minute rides through the dragon slot (¥80/adult, ¥40/child).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Shanxi Entrance → Dragon’s Gate → Main Waterfall → Ten-Mile Dragon Slot → Qucun Ancient Town → Exit
Highlights: Waterfall vistas and geological formations. - Extended Route (4–5 hours):
Add boat tour, cultural exhibition, and Ming Dynasty ruins. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Include hiking trails, sunrise photography, and nearby Yellow River wetlands.
Ticket Purchase
- Main Tickets:
- Combined Ticket (Shanxi + Shaanxi Sides): ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).
- Boat Tour: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (children).
- Discounts: Free for children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
- Purchase: Book online via Ctrip or the park’s official WeChat account.
Transportation
- By High-Speed Rail: Taiyuan (Shanxi) or Xi’an (Shaanxi) to Linfen/Weinan Stations, then taxi (1.5 hours).
- By Bus: Taiyuan East Station → Hukou Town Direct Bus (Route 99).
- By Taxi: Direct to Shanxi Entrance (¥200 from Linfen City).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: July–September (peak flow); October–November (clear skies).
- Essentials:
- Wear waterproof gear for waterfall mist.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for summer visits.
- Photography allowed except in exhibition halls.
- Prohibited Items: Pets, drones, large bags.
- Cultural Note: Respect local rituals near the Yellow River; avoid climbing restricted areas.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
