The remarkable Hukou Falls is six hours northeast of Xi’an by bus!

The second largest waterfall in China, it is also said to be the largest yellow waterfall in the world. The translation of its name is “Tea kettle falls”, an apt name for the swirling, frothing silt laden tempest.

In this area, the broad Huanghe (Yellow River) is flowing toward the south and acts as the border between China’s Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces. The river has a light brown, “muddy” appearance from the silt that travels with the water. This color is what is the “yellow” in the name of the river.

At Hukou Falls, the river’s path is suddenly constricted as it is forced through a narrow opening between mountains on on both east and west sides. The abrupt narrowing, combined with a drop in elevation is what created Hukou Falls.

It is a sight to behold!

As I approached the falls, an ever increasing spray filled the air. I put on a rain coat, and covered all but the protruding lens end of my camera with plastic. The ground became increasingly slick and muddy. The mist an increasing hazard. I put my camera away, and continued, using the more water resistant camera of my phone.

Afterwards, another six hour bus ride to return to Xi’an.