Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more

Hukou Waterfall

Written by Ruru ZhouUpdated Nov. 11, 2021

tri

Hukou (mouth of teapot) Waterfall is the only yellow waterfall in the world and the second largest waterfall in China after Huangguoshu Waterfall in Anshun City, Guizhou Province.

It is a naturally formed waterfall when the mighty Yellow River, the mother river of China, flows through Jinxia Grand Canyon on its middle reaches. The width of the waterfall changes with the season, usually 30 meters (98 feet) wide but increasing to 50 meters (164 feet) during flood season.

Location

Huhou Waterfall is located at the intersection of Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province, 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Yichuan County of Yan’an and some 400 kilometers (249 miles) from Xi'an.

Recommended Tours:

Features

The Hukou WaterfallHukou Waterfall

It is a great pleasure that a visitors should not miss in the Yellow River Basin. The mighty Yellow River, the second largest river in China, surges its way form the Qinghai Province to the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces where it suddenly found its way through a narrow valley blocked by mountains on both sides.

The riverbed abruptly narrows down from 300 meters (984 feet) to 50 meters (164 feet), turning the placid water to rapids. The tremendous water splashes on the rock, forming a magnificent waterfall of 15 meters (49 feet) high and 20 meters (66 feet) wide, as if the water is pouring down from a huge teapot, hence the name Hukou (means mouth of teapot).

The scene can be overwhelming, water stirs up masses of smoke and clouds, with color turning from yellow to grey, grey to blue. The locals call this awesome scenery "smoke from river".

Over history, a number of prominent poets and painters once traveled here. Wowing at the grand view, they left numerous works giving high honor of the waterfall.

Visitors not only can appreciate the waterfalls and take photos, but also can take rafts to make an exploration, taste Yellow River carps and Yan’an wines. There are restaurants in the scenic area offering Chinese fast food and dishes featuring local flavors.

Recommended Tours:

Best Time to Visit

Hukou Waterfall in WinterThe beautiful scene of the Hukou Waterfall in winter

The best time to visit the Hukou Waterfall are the period from April to May and the period from September to November. Hukou Waterfall is abundant and of great momentum which makes it a spectacular sight during these two periods.

Traveling here in winter may be of different interest as Hukou Waterfall becomes a huge silvery ice waterfall and little silver icicles hang on the cliffs around the waterfall.

Transport

Many buses to Hukou Waterfall are available at the bus station of Yichuan County, just about one hour drive. You also can take bus at Yan’an Long-distance Bus Station. There is just one bus a day starting at 7:30am and reaching Hukou Waterfalls at noon. There is tourist round bus from Xi’an to Hukou Waterfall which starts at 6:30 am and goes back at 3 or 4 pm.

Discover Xi'an with Us

If you want to visit the Hukou Waterfall to appreciate the marvelous scene of the waterfall, China Highlights can offer you our assistance. Contact us and we can help you arrange a tour according to your requirements.

Recommended Tours:

Further Reading

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to Sign up

Why China Highlights

Save Your Time

Save Your Time

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning.
  • Seamless coordination
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • Well-trained elite 20% of guides.
  • 20% vacancy on vehicles.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China