[2025 Ji County Stay] Travel Guide for Hukou Waterfall Hotel (Updated May)

1️⃣ Preparation ✅ Documents: Bring your ID card and other valid identification. Students, seniors, and others eligible for discounts should bring relevant documents. ✅ Clothing: Choose according to season. In summer, bring light, breathable clothes and sun protection. In winter, prepare thick cotton clothes and non-slip shoes. ✅ Other items: Bring a water bottle and power bank. If visiting in summer, bring a raincoat or umbrella ☂️ to protect against waterfall spray. 2️⃣ Transportation Guide ✅ Self-driving: From Shanxi side, depart from Linfen and take the Qinglan Expressway to the Hukou exit. From Shaanxi side, depart from Xi'an, take the Baomao Expressway, transfer to Qinglan Expressway, and exit at Hukou. ✅ Public transportation: From Shaanxi side, take a direct bus 🚌 from Xi'an East Bus Station or Yan'an South Bus Station, or take high-speed rail 🚄 to Fuxian East Station and then hire a car. 3️⃣ Ticket Information ✅ Shanxi side: Entrance ticket 100 yuan, sightseeing car 20 yuan, waterfall cave 20 yuan. Free admission for children under 1.2m and seniors over 60. Half-price tickets and sightseeing car for students. ✅ Shaanxi side: Entrance ticket 100 yuan (90 yuan with advance booking), sightseeing car 40 yuan. Half-price tickets and sightseeing car for students. 4️⃣ Travel Tips ✅ Best viewing times: April-May for peach blossom flood season with breaking ice floes and blooming mountain peaches on both banks; September-November for autumn flood season when water volume peaks with earth-shaking golden torrents. ✅ Must-try experiences: On the Shanxi side, view the waterfall from Dragon Cave, looking up at the waterfall like a heavenly river pouring down; on the Shaanxi side, find the traditional Chinese painting frame to recreate the background of the 50 yuan RMB note (1990 version). ✅ Photography tips: Wear bright colors like red or yellow, or traditional Han clothing; visit between 7-9am for soft light, or on sunny afternoons when water mist often forms double rainbows 🌈 5️⃣ Nearby Accommodation ✅ Shanxi side: Hukou Waterfall Hotel 🏨 is close to the scenic area, and there are also some farmhouse accommodations nearby. ✅ Shaanxi side: Yichuan Hukou Holiday Hotel 🏨 and Yichuan Dayu Mountain Villa are close to the scenic area and Ancient Ferry Town. 6️⃣ Food Recommendations 👍 ✅ Yellow River carp paomo: Freshly caught and prepared, with sweet and fresh fish soup. ✅ Three Shaanbei specialties: Including potato shreds, mushroom sauce noodles, and "dog head" dates. 7️⃣ Important Notes ⚠️ ✅ Follow scenic area regulations and do not approach dangerous areas near the waterfall edge. ✅ Keep your personal belongings safe 💰 especially in crowded areas. ✅ In case of bad weather, follow instructions from scenic area staff to ensure your safety.

📌Hotel Environment: The environment of Hukou Waterfall Grand Hotel is surprisingly pleasant. From the outside, the architectural style is unique and complements the surrounding natural landscape perfectly. The interior decoration is simple yet elegant, with a spacious and bright lobby that creates a warm atmosphere. The corridors are clean and tidy with soft lighting, giving a sense of tranquility. The rooms are thoughtfully arranged with soft, comfortable beds and clean bedding that allows guests to relax completely. The windows offer panoramic views, with some rooms directly overlooking the magnificent Yellow River, making you feel at one with nature. Additionally, the hotel's public areas are well-maintained, with dedicated rest areas featuring comfortable sofas and coffee tables for guests to relax and chat. 🚕Transportation: The hotel enjoys an excellent location, just about one kilometer from the Hukou Waterfall scenic area, within walking distance. For self-driving tourists, the hotel has a large parking lot, making parking very convenient. If traveling by public transportation, you can reach a nearby station first, then easily get to the hotel by taxi or scenic area shuttle. 💰Price and Value: In terms of pricing, Hukou Waterfall Grand Hotel is relatively affordable. For example, a standard room costs around 200-300 yuan, which may increase slightly during peak tourist seasons but remains within an acceptable range. Considering the hotel's location, facilities, and services provided, its value for money is quite high. It not only saves guests transportation time and costs but also offers a comfortable accommodation environment, adding convenience and enjoyment to the entire trip. 🛌About the Hotel: 1⃣Attentive Service: The hotel staff are very service-oriented, from front desk reception to room service, making guests feel warm and cared for. During check-in and check-out, staff are efficient and patiently provide tourism information and suggestions, such as recommending the best times and routes to view the waterfall. 2⃣Complete Facilities: The rooms are fully equipped with basic amenities including air conditioning, TV, water heaters, etc., all in good working condition. The bathrooms are clean and tidy, with smooth-running shower facilities and stable water temperature. Additionally, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi for guests to access the internet. 3⃣Rich Dining Options: The hotel has a restaurant offering various delicacies, with Yellow River carp being their signature dish - tender and delicious, definitely worth trying. Breakfast is also quite varied with multiple choices, including local specialties and Western pastries, catering to different tastes. 4⃣Quiet and Comfortable: Despite being close to the scenic area, the hotel has excellent soundproofing. The rooms are very quiet without outside disturbances, allowing guests to rest fully after a day of sightseeing. 5⃣Well-developed Surroundings: There are shops and restaurants around the hotel, making it convenient to buy daily necessities and taste local cuisine. The hotel also provides additional services such as luggage storage and courier services, offering more convenience for travelers. 🏙Nearby Tourist Attractions Guide: - Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area: This is a must-visit attraction with its magnificent waterfall and thunderous roar. Both the Shaanxi and Shanxi sides offer unique perspectives. It's best to visit in the morning or evening when the light is soft for better photos. You can also take the sightseeing car within the scenic area to visit various viewing platforms and appreciate the waterfall's beauty from all angles. - Yunqiu Mountain Scenic Area: Not too far from Hukou Waterfall, the ice cave clusters here are spectacular. The temperature inside the caves is extremely low, with ice pillars and stalagmites of various shapes, like a dreamlike ice and snow world. Additionally, Yunqiu Mountain has beautiful natural scenery with dense forests and clear streams. You can hike up the mountain to experience the charm of nature. - Qiankun Bay Scenic Area: Here, the Yellow River forms a huge S-shaped bend, resembling a natural Tai Chi diagram, which is quite amazing. Within the scenic area, you can visit attractions such as Qiankun Pavilion and Yellow River Plank Road to learn about the history, culture, and geological changes of the Yellow River.

Hukou Waterfall is the second largest waterfall in China and the largest yellow waterfall in the world. Located in the middle section of the Jinshan Grand Canyon, it sits on the border between Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces. The east bank belongs to Hukou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province, and the west bank belongs to Hukou Township, Yichuan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province. It is a shared tourist attraction for both provinces. Ticket Information Full price ticket: CNY 100/person. Half-price ticket: CNY 50/person, applicable to minors aged 6 (not including 6) to 18 (including 18), and full-time undergraduate students and below. Free admission: Seniors aged 60 (inclusive) and above with valid IDs and other relevant documents. Children aged 6 (inclusive) and below or under 1.2m (inclusive) in height. Active-duty military personnel, disabled revolutionary soldiers, people with disabilities, police officers, journalists, etc., with valid IDs. Immediate family members of active-duty military personnel (spouse and minor children) with valid marriage certificate, Household Registration (Hukou), ID card, etc., are entitled to free first entry. Families of martyrs, military personnel who died in the line of duty, and deceased military personnel with valid preferential treatment certificates, ID cards, etc., are entitled to free admission. Fire and rescue personnel (including retirees) enjoy the same preferential policies as active-duty military personnel with valid IDs. Opening Hours April-October: 06:30-19:30. Other months: 08:00-17:00. Transportation Guide Self-driving: From Linfen City, drive along the Linji Expressway towards Jixian County for about 100 km to Jixian County, then drive another 45 km to Hukou Town to reach Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area. The whole journey takes about 1.5 hrs. From Xi'an, take the G65 Baomao Expressway for about 207 km to Jixian County, then take the 110 km scenic road to reach the destination. The one-way trip is about 320 km. From Taiyuan, take the G5 Jingkun Expressway for about 260 km to Linfen, then take the G22 Qinglan Expressway for 106 km, exit at the Hukou exit, and drive another 11 km to reach the destination. The one-way trip is about 377 km. Public transportation: You can take a direct bus to Hukou Waterfall from Linfen City or Yan'an City. From Taiyuan, you need to go to Yuncheng City first, and then transfer to a bus or taxi. Tour Route You can follow the best self-driving tour route of Hukou Waterfall in Shanxi: Tourist Center → Public Entrance → Ten-Mile Dragon Trough → Third Waterfall → Second Waterfall → Main Waterfall → Heqing Gate (Ming and Qing Dynasty Wharf) → Kenan Slope → Return. Best Time to Visit Spring (April-May): During the third lunar month, the mountain is covered with peach blossoms, and the frozen ice cliffs on the shore melt, making it the "March Peach Blossom Flood" season, offering spectacular scenery. Summer (June-August): This is the high-water season for the waterfall, with turbulent currents and magnificent momentum, allowing you to experience its majestic power. Autumn (September-November): Just after the rainy season, numerous springs and streams near the river gather a large amount of clear water. When gusts of autumn wind blow, rainbows often appear. This is the "Hukou Autumn Wind" season, with pleasant scenery. Special Scenery in the Scenic Area Roaring Thunder on a Dry Day: The turbulent water plunging into Hukou creates a mist that rises into the air like rolling smoke, visible from dozens of miles away. Ten-Mile Dragon Trough: This is the downstream of the waterfall, where the Yellow River forms a canyon about 30m deep, 50m wide, and 5 km long, resembling a giant dragon lying in the river. Inverted Ice Peaks: In winter, Hukou Waterfall forms an icefall, with various ice formations such as ice pillars and icicles hanging upside down on the cliffs, creating a spectacular sight. Rain on a Sunny Day: The mist from the waterfall, under the sunlight, forms a beautiful rainbow, and sometimes the peculiar sight of "rain on a sunny day" appears. Mountains Fly and Seas Stand: The roaring waterfall, the rising mist, and the earth-shattering momentum create a majestic symphony of nature. Rainbow Playing with Water: Under the sunlight, a beautiful rainbow often appears above the waterfall, complementing the rushing Yellow River, creating a beautiful picture. Dry Land Boating: A unique feature of Hukou Waterfall. In the past, due to the large drop of the waterfall, boats could not pass through. People came up with the method of dry land boating, pulling boats from the upstream bank to the downstream bank and then putting them back into the water to continue sailing. Smoke from the Bottom of the Pot: The Yellow River water plunges from a height into a deep pool, splashing water and mist that fill the entire valley, like smoke rising from the bottom of a pot, creating a spectacular view. Surrounding Facilities Accommodation: There are many hotels and guesthouses around the scenic area, such as Hukou Waterfall Hotel and Yellow River Hukou Hotel. Prices vary depending on the season and grade. Dining: You can taste local specialties such as Yellow River carp, northern Shaanxi mutton, and buckwheat noodles at reasonable prices. Shopping: There are some souvenir shops in the scenic area where you can buy local souvenirs such as Yellow River stones, paper-cuts, and cloth tigers. Please pay attention to your footing during your visit. It is recommended to purchase personal accident insurance. In case of special weather or adjustments to scenic area policies, please refer to the actual situation. Have a pleasant trip to Hukou Waterfall on 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.

Hey everyone👋! Is there a song that, like a vibrant gust of southern Shanxi wind, blows into your heart and evokes a longing for that ancient Chinese capital? When I heard "Yaodu Pingyang, ancient charm lingers, beside the Fen River, brilliance expands, Hukou Waterfall roars, Linfen's children write a glorious chapter," this song, "Jiayou Linfen," with its majestic melody and deeply affectionate lyrics, outlined Linfen's grandeur and splendor, leading me to embark on a journey to this charming land in March, full of anticipation. Check out my travel guide! 🌆Linfen Impressions Linfen is like a history book carrying the dawn of Chinese civilization, with a profound historical heritage and magnificent natural scenery. In March, spring returns to Linfen, the temperature rises, and everything is full of vitality. The solemn and respectful Yaomiao Temple carries the legends of ancient emperors; Fenhe Park shimmers with rippling waters and swaying willow branches; Yunqiu Mountain is shrouded in clouds and mist, and the ancient villages are tranquil and peaceful. The aroma of beef ball noodles and Fushan shaomai fills the streets, blending history and daily life. Every corner exudes a unique charm, like a paradise on earth. 🚗Transportation Guide ✈️Plane: After arriving at Linfen Qiaoli Airport, there's an airport bus to the city center. You can also transfer to public transport or take a taxi, which is convenient and efficient. In about 30–40 minutes, you'll be in the bustling city center, ready to start your wonderful journey. 🚌City Transportation: Linfen's public transport system accepts Alipay or WeChat payment codes, making travel convenient. To visit nearby attractions like Yaomiao Temple and Fenhe Park, special bus lines are quick and easy. If you're heading to slightly further destinations like Hukou Waterfall or Yunqiu Mountain, you can take a tourist bus from the bus station and enjoy the scenery of southern Shanxi along the way. 🗺Travel Itinerary Day 1: Yaomiao Temple - Huamen Gate - Linfen Museum - Fenhe Park - Gulou Square (try local snacks) Day 2: Hukou Waterfall - Kenanpo - Have dinner in Jixian County on the way back (experience local cuisine) Day 3: Yunqiu Mountain - Talpo Ancient Village - Return to the city to buy local specialties, such as Pingyang woodblock New Year paintings, majestic gongs and drums, and Xiangning Rongzi Winery wines. 🌟Must-See Attractions 1. Hukou Waterfall: "The Yellow River's water comes from the sky, rushing to the sea, never to return." In March, Hukou Waterfall is just as the ice flood recedes, with abundant water and magnificent momentum. The roaring Yellow River surges and roars, with turbid waves filling the sky, like ten thousand horses galloping, perfectly matching the majestic grandeur depicted in "Jiayou Linfen." Experience the immense power of nature, immerse yourself in this breathtaking landscape, and appreciate the heroic spirit of the Mother River. 2. Yaomiao Temple: As a temple commemorating the ancient Emperor Yao, its architecture is simple and elegant, with red walls, yellow tiles, and towering pines and cypresses. Visit in March to experience Linfen's profound historical and cultural heritage, understand the mystery and solemnity of the origin of Chinese civilization, and appreciate the wisdom of our ancestors. 3. Yunqiu Mountain: The mountains and rivers here are beautiful, with lush vegetation. In March, wildflowers gradually bloom on the mountainside, and the air is fresh and pleasant. The ancient village of Talpo is nestled among the mountains, with stone houses and cave dwellings retaining their original appearance. Experience folk culture, feel Linfen's unique rural charm, and immerse yourself in this picturesque landscape. 4. Linfen Museum: The museum houses a large collection of cultural relics, from ancient stone tools to exquisite bronzes, showcasing the historical changes in the Linfen area. Travel through time, explore the past and present of Linfen, and witness the cultural heritage of this city. Practical Tips 🎫Tickets are required for attractions such as Hukou Waterfall and Yunqiu Mountain. You can book in advance on the official WeChat public account or major travel platforms, often with discounts, and avoid the hassle of queuing on-site. Yaomiao Temple and Fenhe Park are free to visit. Opening hours vary for each attraction, so be sure to check the official website before your trip and plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid disappointment. 🍱Food Recommendations 1. Beef Ball Noodles: A Linfen specialty, the noodles are chewy, and the beef balls are firm and bouncy. Served with special chili oil, it's spicy and satisfying, perfect for starting a day full of energy. 2. Fushan Shaomai: Thin-skinned and generously filled, shaped like pomegranates, the filling includes mutton, green onions, and other ingredients. It's juicy and flavorful, a popular snack in the streets and alleys, offering an authentic taste of Linfen. 3. Wu's Smoked Meat: The meat is tender, with a reddish color and a rich smoky aroma. Sliced and served on a plate, it's a perfect accompaniment to alcohol, showcasing the essence of Linfen cuisine. 4. Empress Dowager's Royal Bubble Cake: Named after Empress Dowager Cixi's fondness for it, the cake is fluffy, sweet, crispy, and melts in your mouth, adding a touch of sweetness to your Linfen trip. 🏨Hotel Accommodation 1. Yaodu District Hotels: I recommend the Linfen Jindu Garden Hotel in Linfen's Yaodu District. It's conveniently located near Yaomiao Temple, Linfen Museum, and other attractions, with comprehensive amenities nearby. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the service is excellent, and it's easy to get to the city's attractions. 2. Jixian County Hotels: If you're staying overnight in Jixian County after visiting Hukou Waterfall, the Hukou Waterfall Hotel offers great value. It's close to the scenic area, allowing you to quickly return to your room after a day of sightseeing. The hotel has excellent facilities, a variety of dining options, and stunning views of Jixian County. 💡Tips 1. The temperature difference between day and night in Linfen in March is significant, so remember to bring a warm jacket to wear in the morning and evening to avoid catching a cold. 2. Linfen cuisine tends to be spicy and salty. If you're not used to it, you can ask the waiter to adjust the seasoning beforehand to ensure a pleasant dining experience. 3. When visiting historical sites and attractions, please follow the rules, do not touch the artifacts, protect the environment, and travel responsibly. My friends, Linfen, the city that drew me in because of "Jiayou Linfen," is incredibly charming. Plan your trip now and embark on this southern Shanxi adventure💖!