The Hukou Waterfall Tourist Area of the Yellow River is located at the border of Jixian County in Linyi City, Shanxi Province, and Yichuan County in Yancheng City, Shaanxi Province. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Yellow River, and also the second largest waterfall in China, as well as the world's largest yellow waterfall. Not only is the scenery here extraordinary, but it also carries a rich history and culture, making it an unforgettable natural wonder for tourists.
The formation of the Hukou Waterfall is due to the fierce rushing of the Yellow River through the southern part of the Qinji Gorge. Here, the river is confined by steep rock walls on both sides, and the river surface, originally 300 meters wide, suddenly narrows to 20–30 meters wide, forming a waterfall over 20 meters high. The Yellow River upstream of the waterfall has a massive flow, reaching up to 1,000–3,000 cubic meters per second. The water flows from a high point, creating a mist that fills the sky, resembling thick smoke rising from the bottom of the water. From afar, it looks like clouds and fog, with a powerful and majestic presence. Especially in spring and autumn, when the waterfall's height exceeds 20 meters, the mist rises and the fog surrounds it, leaving visitors in awe.
The main attractions of the Hukou Waterfall include eight unique natural sights, known as the "Eight Wonders of Hukou." These include "Smoke from the Bottom of the Water," "Dry Land Rowing," "Rainbow Play in the Water," "Mountains and Seas in the Sky," "Rain in the Clear Sky," "Thunder on a Dry Day," "Ice Peaks Hanging," and "Ten Li Dragon Channel." Each of these sights has its own unique charm and leaves visitors spellbound.
"Smoke from the Bottom of the Water" is one of the most classic scenes of the Hukou Waterfall. When the waterfall flows rapidly, the mist rises into the air, resembling thick smoke coming from the bottom of the water. It can be seen from tens of miles away. This phenomenon is closely related to the season and the water flow, and it is most spectacular in spring and autumn.
"Dry Land Rowing" is a unique historical sight of the Hukou Waterfall. Due to the large drop and fast-flowing water of the waterfall, ancient boats could only be dragged along the shore, leaving behind many historical traces. Today, this scene has become a memory, but it still leaves people in awe of the hardships and wisdom of the past.
"Rainbow Play in the Water" is a wonderful combination of sunlight and water mist. When sunlight passes through the water mist of the waterfall, it refracts into rainbows, sometimes resembling a dragon drinking water, or a colorful bridge flying across the sky, which is very beautiful.
"Mountains and Seas in the Sky" describes the magnificent power of the Hukou Waterfall. The Yellow River rushes down, suddenly narrowing into a waterfall, creating a powerful cascade that seems like thousands of mountains flying and ten thousand seas collapsing, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
"Rain in the Clear Sky" is a scene near the waterfall, where even in the middle of the day, one can feel the mist like rain, soaking one's clothes, as if one is immersed in a gentle rain.
"Thunder on a Dry Day" is the powerful sound produced when the waterfall flows, echoing through the valley, like a thousand drums beating together, leaving people feeling the roar of the Yellow River.
"Ice Peaks Hanging" is a beautiful scene in winter, when the Dragon Channel is frozen. The water on both sides forms ice pillars, resembling ice peaks hanging from the cliffs, which are reflected by the rainbow, creating a stunning view.
"Ten Li Dragon Channel" is the natural river channel of the Hukou Waterfall. After the water from the waterfall flows down, it returns to this deep channel, forming a valley that is 30–50 meters wide and 10–20 meters deep. According to legend, it was carved by a dragon, hence its name. The water in the channel rushes and swirls, with mist filling the air, as if it were a boiling pot of water, leaving visitors in awe.
