Hukou Waterfalls

Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River, Shanxi: The Roar of the Mother River

Hello everyone!Welcome! I’m your guide, and today I’ll be taking you to explore the soul of the Yellow River and witness the magnificent Hukou Waterfall. Over the next few hours, let’s follow the surging currents of the Yellow River into the magical land of Jixian County, Shanxi. Get ready to feel the incredible power of Hukou Waterfall, where “a dragon stirs beneath the waves, and a rainless rainbow hangs by the shore.” We’ll also listen to the echoes of thousands of years of history and culture carried by its waters.

As the Mother River of the Chinese nation, the Yellow River flows through nine provinces. Here, at the narrowest point of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon, it has carved one of the world's most famous wonders—Hukou Waterfall. More than just a natural masterpiece, it’s a spiritual symbol of Chinese civilization. Every spray carries memories of history, and every roar tells a story of cultural heritage. Now, let’s begin this journey of visual awe and cultural immersion!

1. The Ten-Mile Dragon Channel: A Natural Epic

First up is the heart of Hukou Waterfall—the Ten-Mile Dragon Channel. Look where I’m pointing: along the riverbed lies a winding channel, about 30 meters deep and 50 meters wide. It looks like a giant sleeping dragon, which is how it got its name. This isn’t man-made—it’s a natural wonder formed by millions of years of the Yellow River’s erosion, a true geological epic written by time and water.

There’s an ancient myth about this channel. Legend says that long ago, a fierce dragon lived in the Yellow River, often stirring up storms and floods that destroyed homes. When the Great Yu came to control the floods, he fought the dragon with a divine axe. After defeating it, the dragon’s body turned into this channel. Yu channeled the floodwaters through it, bringing peace to the people. While it’s just a story, it reflects ancient respect for the Yellow River and the desire to tame its power.

Standing here, you can really feel the river’s strength. The wide, calm waters upstream suddenly narrow, speed up, and rush into the channel, creating huge waves and a thunderous roar—like an angry dragon. Especially during flood season, the water surges even higher, with waves crashing several meters up and mist filling the air. You can feel the spray from a distance—it’s truly a world-class spectacle.

2. Mengmen Under the Moon: A Scene of Timeless Poetry

Next, let’s visit another classic spot—Mengmen Mountain. About 1,000 meters downstream from the waterfall, Mengmen Mountain is made up of two rocky islets in the middle of the river: Big Mengmen and Small Mengmen. They stand firm like unyielding pillars against the river’s constant flow.

The name “Mengmen” first appears in the ancient Classic of Mountains and Seas, meaning “Gate of the Yellow River.” For centuries, poets and scholars have come here for inspiration. Its most famous view is “Mengmen Under the Moon,” one of the “Eight Great Views of Hukou.”

On clear nights with a full moon, the moonlight washes over Mengmen Mountain and reflects on the rushing Yellow River. The rocks and moon’s reflection blend into a harmonious scene, and the shimmering water looks like a flowing painting. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai once visited and was so moved that he wrote: “The Yellow River charges west, breaking through the Kunlun Mountains; roaring for miles, it crashes against the Dragon Gate.” Though not directly about the moonlit scene, it perfectly captures the grandeur of this place.

Mengmen Mountain also holds historical stories. Legend says that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Chong’er of Jin sought refuge here. When the river flooded, stranding him and his followers, local villagers rescued them and helped them cross safely. After Chong’er became ruler, he built a temple on Mengmen Mountain to thank the villagers and pray for peace. Though the temple is gone, the story lives on, adding a human touch to this natural site.

3. “Smoke” from the Riverbed: Nature’s Magic Trick

Now, let’s see one of Hukou’s most magical sights—“Smoke” from the Riverbed. You might wonder: how can there be smoke underwater? Actually, it’s not real smoke. When the Yellow River rushes through Hukou, the incredibly fast current crashes against the riverbed, spraying up a thick mist. In the sunlight, this mist looks like pale smoke rising from the water—hence the name.

This spectacle changes with the seasons. In spring, as the ice melts and the water rises, the mist gets thicker, often forming rainbows in the sun. In summer, after rain, the air is humid, and the mist becomes even denser and more dramatic. In winter, the mist freezes on the riverside rocks, creating a stunning ice-covered landscape that looks like a crystal kingdom.

4. “Boats on Land”: Ancient Wisdom in Transportation

One of the most unique cultural features here is “Boats on Land.” In ancient times, the Yellow River was a major transport route, but the fierce currents and steep drop at Hukou made it impossible for boats to pass directly. So, people came up with a clever solution.

When boats reached Hukou, sailors would unload the cargo, then use ropes and rollers to drag the boats along the dry riverbank, bypassing the waterfall. Once past the dangerous section, they’d relaunch the boats and reload the cargo. It sounds simple but required great skill and strength—a perfect example of ancient adaptability.

Today, you can still see traces of the old hauling tracks on the bank. They stand as silent witnesses to the busy river trade of the past. This historical practice adds rich cultural depth to Hukou, letting us appreciate not just nature’s power but also the ingenuity of ancient people.

5. Rainbow Over the River: A Dazzling Natural Wonder

A must-see at Hukou is Rainbow Over the River, another of the “Eight Great Views.” When sunlight hits the thick mist from the waterfall, it refracts to form a beautiful rainbow arching across the river between Shanxi and Shaanxi.

This spectacular sight doesn’t happen all the time—it needs bright sunlight and plenty of mist. So, it’s most common on sunny mornings or afternoons when the sun is at the right angle. Especially after summer rains, when the air is moist, the rainbow appears clearer and more colorful. Sometimes, you might even see a double rainbow, leaving visitors mesmerized.

Local folklore says the rainbow is made by fairies from heaven. Whenever they see Hukou’s beauty, they descend and turn into rainbows to complement the waterfall. Because of this, “Rainbow Over the River” is seen as a sign of good luck. Many visitors take photos here, hoping to capture this beauty and fortune.

6. Taste of Shanxi: A Feast for Your Senses

After taking in Hukou’s sights and sounds, it’s time to treat your taste buds! Shanxi is known as the “Home of Chinese Noodles,” with countless delicious varieties. Around Jixian County, you’ll also find unique local flavors that are unforgettable.

1. Jixian Apples

Grown on the Loess Plateau, Jixian benefits from big temperature shifts and lots of sunshine—perfect for apples. These apples are large, crisp, brightly colored, and sweet. They’re a nationally recognized product and a must-try here. Besides eating them fresh, they’re also made into dried slices and jams, popular souvenirs for visitors.

2. Shanxi Sliced Noodles

A classic Shanxi dish with a unique method. Chefs use a special knife to slice dough into even strips—thick in the middle, thin on the edges. Boiled and topped with favorites like tomato-egg or braised pork, they’re chewy, smooth, and deeply satisfying. A staple in local meals, they’ve won over countless visitors.

3. Yellow River Carp

Raised in the Yellow River, this carp has firm, tender meat and is packed with nutrients. Locals cook it in various ways, with braised carp being the most famous—glazed a rich red, flavorful but not greasy. It’s a top choice for hosting guests and shows how the Yellow River shapes local cuisine.

4. Other Must-Tries

Also, don’t miss Shanxi Fried Pork (crispy outside, tender inside), Pingyao Beef (tender and aromatic), and Yuci Sausage (smooth, best with garlic and chili oil). These dishes will make your Hukou trip even more memorable.

7. Parting Thoughts: Carry the Spirit of the Yellow River

Hello again, everyone! Time flies when you’re having fun, and our Hukou adventure is coming to an end. Today, we’ve witnessed the roaring dragon channel, the poetic Mengmen moon, the magical “smoke” from the river, the clever “boats on land,” and the dazzling rainbow. We’ve also tasted Shanxi’s flavors and experienced local culture. I hope Hukou’s unstoppable energy stays with you, and the Yellow River’s millennia of history have given you a deeper connection to this land.

The Yellow River is China’s Mother River, and Hukou Waterfall is its most powerful expression. It shows nature’s strength and embodies a resilient, forward-moving spirit. As you leave, I hope you carry this spirit with you—facing challenges bravely, just like the river. Share Hukou’s stories and beauty with others, so more people can appreciate the Yellow River.

Finally, thank you for your company and cooperation today. I apologize for any shortcomings during the tour. Wishing you all safe travels, good health, and wonderful days ahead! Hope to see you again in this magical place! Goodbye!