Home/China Attractions/Shanxi/Hukou Waterfall

5A Tourism Area

Designated 2022

Hukou Waterfall

黄河壶口瀑布旅游区

Shanxi, Linfen★ 4.6Designated 2022·38.0876°N, 112.5953°E

Ticket Price

Shanxi side CNY 100; Shaanxi side CNY 90

Duration

2 to 3 hours

Rating

4.6 / 5.0

Designated

2022

About Hukou Waterfall

Hukou Waterfall is the largest waterfall on the Yellow River and the second-largest in China. Where the river narrows from 300 meters to just 50 meters, the rushing water cascades 20 meters into a narrow gorge, creating the dramatic "horse's mouth" (hukou) effect. The golden mist and rainbows make it one of China's most spectacular natural wonders.

Highlights

The largest yellow-waterfall on the Yellow River, where the river narrows and plunges; highlights include the thundering main fall, the mist ('smoke from the river'), and rainbow views. Best in spring/autumn flood season.

Suggested Route

View from the Shanxi-side platform, walk the gorge rim, optional boat to the falls base; allow 2-3 hours.

Food & Lodging

Try Shanxi noodles and local millet dishes; stay in Jixian (Shanxi) or Yichuan (Shaanxi).

Facilities

Restrooms, shuttle buses, viewing platforms; railings present, some steps. Signage Chinese/English (unverified).

Travel Tips

Check official website for current information. Respect local customs and regulations. Best visited during mild weather seasons.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

⏰Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.

Location

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Buying tickets as a foreign visitor

• Most 5A/4A sites require real-name registration — bring your passport.

• Tickets often must be booked in advance online — peak season & holidays sell out quickly.

• Some remote or border-area sites have entry restrictions for foreign visitors — check before you travel.

External booking links. Prices may vary.

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Opening Hours

Peak season: 7:00-18:00; Off-season: 8:00-17:00.

Getting There

Shanxi side: HSR to Linfen West then bus ~2h to Jixian (~50 yuan); ~250 km from Xi'an. Shaanxi side: HSR to Yan'an then shuttle. Nearest airports: Linfen Yaodu (~150 km) or Yan'an (~90 km).

Reservation

Advance online reservation via official platform recommended (Shanxi side 'Shanxi Yellow River Hukou Waterfall'); on-site tickets available.

Ticket Price

Shanxi side CNY 100 (≈ $14); Shaanxi side CNY 90 (≈ $13)

Address

Yan'an City Yichuan County Hukou Town Yanhu Road

📍 中文地址 / Chinese Address

黄河壶口瀑布旅游区

延安市宜川县壶口镇延壶路

Yan'an City Yichuan County Hukou Town Yanhu Road

38.0876, 112.5953

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