Phenomenal Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River
Welcome back!
While it might appear to be the latest great fudge mountain dessert at your local Dairy Queen, this scene is actually the thaw of the Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River — the only Yellow Waterfall on Earth, and the 2nd largest waterfall in China, with a view nearly unparalleled anywhere else in the country.
Running water resumed after a full thawing of the river’s upper stretch. Photo Xinhua
When the mighty Yellow River surges towards the Hukou Mountain, flanked by mountains on each side, its width abruptly narrows to 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 meters). The turbulent water speeds up with increasing power rushing down from the narrow mouth, forming the grand Hukou Waterfalls — more than 65 feet (20 meters) high and 100 to 165 feet (30 to 50 meters) across.
The water plunges over the waterfall, forming an illusion of water being poured from a kettle, hence its name “Hukou or Kettle spout” Like thousands of tumbling dragons or enraged creatures that have just been set free, the yellow water plummets down, and the fierce pounding against the stones echoes like roaring thunder.
Photo Xinhua
Photo Xinhua
Photo Xinhua
The scene is overwhelming as water stirs up masses of smoke and clouds rising high into the sky, with colors turning from yellow to grey, and grey to blue. Locals call this awesome scene “smoke from river.”
The most dramatic changes occur during deep winter and early spring when the river surface becomes frozen. Now and then the subsidiary falls freeze into icicles, creating images of crouching beasts atop the cliffs.
January 2007, when the Hukou Waterfall was totally frozen. Photo NEWSGD
China Highlights
These phenomenal waterfalls are located in Shaan-Jin Grand Canyon, about 100 miles (165 kilometers) to the west of Fenxi City, Shanxi Province, and 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Yichuan, Shaanxi Province.
If you’re fortunate enough to visit during rainy seasons, you will undoubtedly be amazed by the staggering panorama — all streams, rivers and rains converge at Hukou, merging the numerous waterfalls into a single colossal one of awe and immense beauty.
It’s been said that birds flying overhead lose their way in the water fumes and can barely pass through this natural barrier.
Photo China-Window
Photo China TravelZ
Photo China TravelZ
Just below the waterfall, there is a shining stone called Guishi which mysteriously appears to move up and down with the water level — no matter how large the water volume is, it reveals only a little of itself.
In the middle of the Yellow River about 9,000 feet (3,000 meters) off the Hukou Waterfall, an enormous rock divides the waters into two flows, rolling and roaring onwards from both sides of the rock and rejoining together.
Standing at Mengmen at night on the north side and looking out to the south during a full moon, its reflection is parted, flowing down beside the rock like 2 rows of quicksilver.
In September 1938, the Chinese people were confronted by Japanese aggression. Guang Weilan, a famous patriotic Chinese poet, led a troupe to Hukou to give a special performance as an expression of gratitude to the army. His heart was suddenly conquered by the tremendous momentum of Hukou Waterfall. It was at Hukou that Guang created the immortal poem — the ode of the Yellow River.
Hukou Falls of the Yellow River
Waterfall Hukou of the Yellow River
Sources: China-Window, China Highlights and China TravelZ
Related stories:
Stunning Estonia Waterfall Ice World
Is this still Planet Earth or were we landing in a different universe?
Wow…great collection!
It’s incredible and awesome scene. Have heard so much of the Yellow River, especially recently of its impending flooding.
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing all these beautiful shots.
Great pictures you’ve got! China is a huge country and it has beautiful sceneries. It takes some time to visit and cover the whole country. Thank you for sharing these amazing scenes.
It seems rather surrealistic, doesn’t it Mig
Thanks Sarah
Yes, Elaine, there’s quite some concern over the thawing of frozen stretch of the Yellow River. More than 70,000 people in the region were on standby for rescue and disaster relief efforts along the frozen 450 mile stretch. It’s even been dubbed as “China’s sorrow” for its frequent flooding.
Glad you enjoyed the photos, Kay. I’ve seen some amazing photos of various areas in CHina
Lets just hope China can keep this river from going the same way as the other rivers in their country.
Those are some fantastic pics and videos. The river is amazing and I certainly wouldn’t want to mess with it. Thanks.
Crossing fingers for the home owners that all goes well, New Zealand.
No Cody, I certainly wouldn’t want to get lost in those waters
Mistery Tibet
Tibet (Xizang), known as the ‘Roof of the World’, has become a dream destination for climbers, adventurers and regular tourists from all over the world.
Visitors are guaranteed to enjoy the enthralling year-round snow, aerial mountains, mysterious religions, exotic customs and spectacular inhabitants of Tibet.
The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), short for ‘Zang’, is located in the southwest of China. The region extends along the borders of the Xinjiang, Qinghai,
Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces to the north and east and the five foreign countries of Burma, India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal to the south and west. Tibet
covers an area of over 120 square kilometers, making it the second largest region in China after the Xinjiang Province. However, due to adverse conditions…
More details please link http://www.travelevery.com/Tibet
‘Roof of the world,’ I’ve never heard of it, CET, it sounds beautiful. Thanks
[...] stories: Legendary Great Blue Hole of Belize Phenomenal Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River Tags:Africa bizarre Devils Pool Devils Swimming Pool Livingstone Island Mosi oa Tunya odd Smoke [...]
[...] stories: Most Dangerous Natural Infinity Pool on Earth Phenomenal Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River Legendary Great Blue Hole of Belize Tags:nature of Neuhausen am Rheinfall Rheinfall Rhine Falls [...]
Been there recently – It’s all you say. The bus trip up the uncompleted roads into the hills upstream of the falls (on the Shaanxi side) was pretty hairy. The mud mist is amazing, and the sheer volume of water thundering through is staggering. Excellent place to see.
I had no idea it was such a treacherous means to get there, Steve. It must have been incredible to see it in person
[...] Giants Uncovered Most Dangerous Natural Infinity Pool on Earth Legendary Great Blue Hole of Belize Phenomenal Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River Tags:features hot spring hot springs nature science spring springsSHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “12 [...]