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. China Highlights offers customized tours to Yanan, just fill out this form and we will response within 24 hours, free inquiry.
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.
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.
the period from April to May and the period from September to November are the best times. 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.
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 6:30am and goes back at 3 or 4pm.