A Super Detailed Guide to Hukou Waterfall in Shaanxi Province

Hey everyone, Hukou Waterfall, known as a "wonder of the Yellow River," is truly awe-inspiring! Check out this guide to experience its charm 👇 I. Basic Information 📍Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Yichuan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province 🎫Tickets: ¥100/person (full price), ¥50/person (half price) (Check the official website for specific discount policies) 🚌Sightseeing bus: ¥40/person (round trip) 🕙Opening hours: Peak season (April to October): 7:00 am to 6:30 pm (last entry at 6:00 pm); Off-season (November to March): 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm) II. Best Time to Visit ✅Rainy season (July to October): Abundant water flow, the waterfall is magnificent and powerful, like thousands of galloping horses 🐎 ✅Winter (January to February): You can see the spectacular icefalls. The ice on the river surface is crystal clear, like diamonds 💎 III. Travel Routes Starting from Xi'an, there are two options: 🚍One-day trip: 6:00 am: Take a bus from Xi'an East Bus Station to Yichuan (4-hour journey, ¥98) 11:00 am: Upon arrival, take a shared car to the Shaanxi side of the scenic area (¥15/person, be careful not to be scammed by illegal taxis) 12:30 pm: Admire the waterfall and take photos while wearing northern Shaanxi clothing and riding a donkey (remember to bargain down to ¥10/ride) 2:30 pm: Take the scenic bus back and enjoy some Yellow River carp (recommended "Lao Cunzhang Farmhouse," about ¥50/person) 4:00 pm: Take the bus back to Xi'an. The one-day trip costs about ¥200 🏠Two-day trip: Day 1: Xi'an → Hukou Waterfall → Overnight stay in a northern Shaanxi cave dwelling ✨In the afternoon, you can go to the "Longdong" (Dragon Cave) on the Shanxi side to overlook the waterfall (requires a separate ticket purchase) ✨Accommodation recommendation: "Yellow River Hukou Homestay" on the Shaanxi side, where you can experience cave dwellings and kang beds, and enjoy a bonfire party (about ¥80/person) Day 2: Hukou → Yan'an (2-hour journey) ✨Visit Pagoda Mountain and Zaoyuan Revolution Site, taste Zichang pancakes and grated potatoes, and make your return trip more fulfilling IV. Photo Spots 📸Free viewing platform: On the small road behind the Guanpubao Hotel in Hukou Town, outside the Shaanxi side of the scenic area, you can take panoramic photos with your phone 📸Longdong on the Shanxi side: Take photos of the waterfall from below, it looks like the Milky Way pouring down, super stunning (requires an additional ¥20) 📸Northern Shaanxi folk experience: Wrap a headscarf, wear a sheepskin coat, and ride a donkey for photos, it's a great experience (remember to bargain) V. Important Notes ⚠️The waterfall has heavy spray, remember to bring a waterproof phone bag and a disposable raincoat (¥15 at the scenic area, cheaper online) ⚠️Wear non-slip shoes, as the rocks by the shore are mossy and slippery ⚠️Aerial photography requires prior registration. The signal interference in the scenic area is strong, and it's easy for beginners to crash their drones ⚠️Many of the "wild Yellow River carp" around the scenic area are fake. Ask for the price before eating (don't eat if it's over ¥80/500g) ⚠️The standard price for riding a donkey is ¥10, and holding a lamb is ¥5. Don't be afraid to bargain Hukou Waterfall is truly worth a visit. Experience the magnificence of the Mother River! 💕