The following is a detailed travel guide to the Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River:

The following is a detailed travel guide to the Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River: Introduction to Hukou Waterfall Hukou Waterfall is located at the junction of Ji County, Linfen, Shanxi and Yichuan County, Yan'an, Shaanxi. It is the only yellow waterfall on the Yellow River and the second largest waterfall in China. The waterfall is named "Hukou" because the riverbed narrows abruptly and the Yellow River pours down from a steep cliff more than 20 meters high, resembling a boiling pot. Best viewing season - Summer (June-August): The water volume is abundant and the waterfalls are the most spectacular, but there are more tourists. - Autumn (September-October): The water flow is stable and the weather is clear, which is suitable for photography. - Winter (December-February): The wonder of icefalls, covered in silver, has a unique charm. - Spring (March-May): During the peach blossom flood season, the water flows rapidly but may be affected by sandstorms. Transportation Hukou Waterfall is divided into two viewing areas: the west side of the mountain (Jixian County, Linfen) and the Shaanxi side (Yichuang County, Yan'an). The perspectives on both sides are different, so you can choose according to your needs. - West side of the mountain (Linfen Jixian) - Advantages: The viewing angle is closer, and you can go down to Longdong (extra charge) to take photos of the waterfall from above, which is more shocking. - Transportation: - Self-driving: About 2 hours’ drive from Linfen. - Bus: There are direct buses from Linfen Bus Station to Hukou Waterfall (about 3 hours). - Shaanxi side (Yan'an Yichuan County) - Advantages: The view is wider and you can see the whole waterfall, which is suitable for panoramic shooting. - Transportation: - Self-driving: About 2.5 hours’ drive from Yan’an. - Bus: There are direct buses from Yan'an Bus Station to Hukou Waterfall (about 3.5 hours). Opening hours - Summer (April-October): 06:30-19:30. - Winter (November-March): 08:00-17:00. Ticket Information - Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area: - Full ticket (adult ticket): 100 yuan/person. - Half-price ticket (student ticket): 50 yuan per person. - Kenanpo Scenic Area: - Full ticket (adult ticket): 35 yuan per person. - Half-price ticket (student ticket): 18 yuan per person. - Free tickets for: active military personnel, disabled revolutionary soldiers, disabled persons, seniors over 60 years old, children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters in height. - Eligibility: Minors aged 6 to 18, full-time university undergraduate students and below. Tour route - One-day tour: After arriving at Hukou Waterfall, take the scenic area shuttle bus to the viewing platform. The visit time is about 1.5-2 hours. After the tour, take the scenic area shuttle back to the parking lot and buy local specialties. - Two-day tour: After arriving at Hukou Waterfall, you can choose to stay in a B&B, the cost ranges from 150-200 yuan. After checking in, you can visit the Yellow River Bridge on your own, walk from Shanxi to Shaanxi, and visit the Hukou Waterfall the next day. Accommodation and food recommendations - Accommodation: - West side of the mountain: Hukou Waterfall Hotel (close to the scenic area, convenient). - Shaanxi side: Yichuan Yellow River Hotel (high cost performance). - gourmet food: - Yellow River Carp: tender meat, a must try! - Northern Shaanxi Hele Noodles: chewy and smooth. - Jixian apple: a local specialty, crisp, sweet and juicy. Photography Tips - Best camera positions: Longdong on the west side of the mountain (shooting from above), and the viewing platform on the Shaanxi side (panoramic view). - Best time: sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and the colors are rich. - Essential equipment: wide-angle lens, tripod (for slow shutter speed photography of water flow), waterproof cover (to prevent splashing water). Travel Tips - The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area has a steep terrain. Visitors must pay attention to safety at all times, abide by park regulations, and avoid climbing fences or climbing over protective walls. - When viewing the waterfall, keep a proper distance to avoid getting wet by the splashing water, and keep your personal belongings safe. - There are local snacks and souvenir stalls in the scenic area. You can taste the food or buy souvenirs, but you need to confirm the quality and price. - During the tour, please maintain a clean environment, do not litter, and do your part to protect the ecological environment of the scenic area. Featured Landscape There are eight wonders at Hukou Waterfall, including: - Smoke coming out from the bottom of the water: The mist stirred up by the waterfall rises into the air, like thick smoke coming out from the bottom of the water. - Sailing on dry land: The Yellow River bed is flat and vehicles can be driven on it. - Neon Water Play: A rainbow formed by the interaction of water mist and sunlight. - Mountains soar and seas stand: The Yellow River flows through the gorge, and waterfalls cascade down with great momentum. - Rain in a clear sky: The mist from the waterfall floats into the sky and wets people’s clothes like drizzle even when the sun is shining brightly. - Thunder in a drought: The loud noise made when a waterfall hits rocks and water. - Inverted Ice Peak: In winter, part of the waterfall freezes over, forming the spectacle of an inverted ice peak. - Shililong Trough: A deep trough downstream of the waterfall, shaped like a giant dragon.