How to Visit Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River from Xi'an

Hukou Waterfall is the largest yellow waterfall on the Yellow River and the second largest waterfall in China. It is located on the border between Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces in central China, approximately 350 kilometers south of Xi'an, which is about a 3 to 4-hour drive.

The Yellow River originates in the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai Province and flows through nine provinces: Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan, before emptying into the Bohai Sea.

Hukou Waterfall is a fantastic place to experience the powerful roar of the Yellow River. During the flood season in April, May, September, and October, the width of the waterfall can expand to up to 50 meters.

Facts about Hukou Waterfall:

• Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to November
• Duration of Visit: 2-3 hours
• Opening Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm (May to October); 8 am–5 pm (November to April)
• Ticket Prices: CNY 100 (14 USD). Sightseeing buses might cost extra.
• Reservation: No reservation required

Lily Liu

15 Years as a Local Guide in Xi'an

Hello! I'm Lily. Although I wasn't born in Xi'an, I fell in love with its rich history, vibrant culture, and wonderful people the moment I arrived. I'm fortunate to have my dream job as a local travel guide in Xi'an since 2009. I can't wait to stroll through the city, share its fascinating stories along the way, and sample its delicious local specialties together. Looking forward to seeing you in Xi'an!

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• Why It Is Called?
• What to Do
• Best Time
• How To Get To It From Xi'an
• Take a Day Trip from Xi'an or Stay One Night?
• Useful Tips

Why It Is Called Hukou Waterfall

Locals refer to the Yellow River as having nine curves and eighteen bends. As the river flows through this area, steep cliffs on both sides compress the width of the waterfall from 300 meters to just 20-30 meters within a distance of less than 500 meters.

With a flow rate of 1,000 cubic meters per second, the water cascades down a steep cliff over 20 meters high. It feels as if a thousand miles of the Yellow River are gathered in one pot, which is how Hukou (Kettle's Mouth) Waterfall got its name.

Lily (our guide) in Hukou Waterfall Shaanxi side

What to Do at the Hukou Waterfall

Based on my personal experience, the scenery at Hukou Waterfall can vary depending on your viewing angle. You can choose to appreciate it from different perspectives in either Shanxi or Shaanxi.

What to See in Hukou Waterfall Shanxi Side (山西)

The riverbed at Hukou Waterfall is low and wide, featuring viewing platforms and sightseeing boats. You can not only admire the magnificent view of the waterfall up close but also enjoy boat tours.

If the weather is sunny and clear between 9:30 am and 11 am, you might catch a glimpse of a rainbow. At other times, it may not be visible.

Viewing the Hukou Waterfall on the Shanxi side

What to See in Hukou Waterfall Shaanxi Side (陕西)

Hukou Waterfall features high banks and a broad view from the opposite side. The viewing platform is located on the waterfall's side; while the perspective may not be as impressive as from the Shanxi side, you can still see multiple cascades.

If the weather is sunny and clear around 4 pm, you might catch a glimpse of a rainbow. At other times, it may not be visible.

The Shaanxi side of Hukou Waterfall offers outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. You can explore the mountains near the waterfall to fully experience the beauty of nature.

In the scenic area on the Shaanxi side, there is a "Yellow River Chorus" live performance. This free show takes place twice a day at 11 am and 2 pm.

Viewing the Hukou Waterfall on the Shaanxi side

Which Side Is More Recommended

I personally prefer the Shaanxi side, as it offers a better experience of the majestic force of the waterfall.

The Shanxi and Shaanxi entrances are two distinct scenic areas, both requiring the purchase of tickets as well as shuttle bus tickets. The distance between the two entrances is 6.5 kilometers, and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to drive between them.

If you plan to visit both sides of Hukou Waterfall in one day, it's best to start with the Shanxi side in the morning and then head to the Shaanxi side in the afternoon.

The waterfall experiences different lighting conditions at various times, which can affect the visibility of rainbows and the quality of your photographs. This itinerary will allow you to enjoy the beautiful rainbows at their best.

Best Time to Visit the Hukou Waterfall

Hukou Waterfall freezes in winter

Based on my own experience, the scenery of Hukou Waterfall varies throughout the four seasons due to changes in water flow. After visiting the waterfall multiple times, I've found that the best time to visit is in September and October, when the water flow is at its most abundant, making the waterfall truly spectacular.

In spring, particularly in April and May, the melting snow from the mountains increases water flow. The weather warms up, and peach blossoms begin to bloom.

In summer, particularly in June, the temperatures can become extremely hot, leading to a decrease in water volume and the possibility of dry spells.

In autumn, especially in September and October, water levels rise again, creating stunning views.

In winter, during December and January, the colder temperatures reveal the breathtaking spectacle of hanging ice peaks

How to Get To Hukou Waterfall from Xi'an

The Hukou Waterfall is located about 350 kilometers from Xi'an. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, and there is no direct public transportation available. I personally recommend driving as the best way to reach the waterfall.

You can also visit from other nearby cities or continue your itinerary to other popular tourist destinations.

• From Yan'an to Hukou Waterfall: 2-3 hours
• From Pingyao to Hukou Waterfall: 3-4 hours
• From Luoyang to Hukou Waterfall: 4-5 hours
• From Zhengzhou to Hukou Waterfall: 5-7 hours
• From Datong to Hukou Waterfall: 6-7 hours

Take a Day Trip from Xi'an or Stay One Night?

Both one-day and two-day tours to Hukou Waterfall are possible.

A Two-Day Itinerary (A Leisurely Choice)

I personally recommend a two-day trip for a more relaxed experience. I suggest departing around 8:30 am to 9 am on the first day to arrive at the scenic area. After having lunch, you can visit Hukou Waterfall in the afternoon. You can choose to stay overnight in Hukou or Yan'an.

On the second day, you can visit either the Ganquan Grand Canyon, the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, or the Chenlu Ancient Town, depending on your personal preferences.

The Ganquan Grand Canyon is situated in Yan'an City, approximately a 3-hour drive from Hukou Waterfall. Due to its geological features that resemble those of Antelope Canyon in the United States, it is often referred to as the "Chinese Antelope Valley".

The Ganquan Grand Canyon

The Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor is located on the route from Hukou Waterfall back to Xi'an. The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi in Chinese) is considered the legendary ancestor of the Chinese people and a symbol of Chinese civilization.

Since the Han Dynasty, it has served as a site for national ceremonies conducted by successive dynasties. Various relics dating back to the Han Dynasty are well-preserved, earning it the title of the first mausoleum in China.

The Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

Chenlu Ancient Town is situated in Chenlu Town, Tongchuan City, on the way back to Xi'an. The Chenlu Kiln, established at the end of the Jin Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty, is the only continuously fired Yaozhou kiln in the region.

It serves as a living fossil for the study of ancient ceramics and is known as "The Capital of Northern Celadon."

Chenlu Ancient Town

A One-Day Itinerary (Compact but Tired)

For a one-day tour, it can be a bit tiring. I always recommend that my clients depart from Xi'an around 7 to 7:30 in the morning to ensure there is ample time for visiting and sightseeing. This allows for a more relaxed experience, with a return to the hotel around 5 pm.

However, if some choose to visit the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum, it can lead to a very long day trip. In that case, a departure at 7 am is necessary, with a return to the hotel around 8 pm.

Useful Tips for a More Enjoyable Visit

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Choose slip-resistant and dirt-resistant footwear. The Hukou Waterfall area features diverse landscapes, and while the viewing platform is the best spot for photography, the ground can often be uneven and sandy due to the high sediment content in the river.

2. Avoid Visiting Between December and March: The scenery during this period may not be ideal, which can lead to a less enjoyable experience for tourists. Plan your visit for the warmer months to fully appreciate the beauty of the area.

3. Follow Safety Guidelines When Taking Photos: Always pay attention to warning signs and make sure to explore and take photos only within designated safe zones. This will help ensure your safety while you enjoy the stunning views.