The well-know Hukou (mouth of a jar) Waterfall situated at the Yellow River lies in the meeting belt of Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces. As an international scenic spot, it is a symbol of the Chinese national spirit in terms of its passionate rushing currents. Close to Ji Couty, Linfen, Shanxi Province at the east end and near Yichuan County, Yan An, Shaanxi Province at the west end, the waterfall is about 5 to 6 hours’ ride away from Taiyuan (capital of Shanxi Province) and over 2 hours’ ride form Xi An (capital of Shaanxi Province). The flow of the Yellow River narrows down from here with sheer precipices and overhanging rocks along both sides, making a shape just like a mouth of a jar, so the waterfall gets the name of Hukou Waterfall. The falls drop about 9 m, providing rich hydroelectric resources. The whole scenic spot covers an area of approximately 60 km2. The thundering waterfall is the world’s largest yellow waterfall, which presents visitors both from China and abroad a rare and splendid view. On October 23rd, 2005, the ranking list of China’s most beautiful places was released in Beijing. Held by ChineseNational Geography Magazine and 34 media all over the country, this contest lasted for 8 months and finally drew the conclusion that Hukou Waterfall was among the six most beautiful waterfalls in China. On July 5th, 2010, half of the waterfall was clear and the other half was surprisingly muddy. This very rare scene attracted a great many visitors and a lot of pictures were taken then. As long as visitors have made the decision to go and have a look at the Hukou Waterfall, they will absolutely be deeply impressed.
Hukou Waterfall Attractions:
Hukou Waterfall Story:
A moonlit night in Mengmen
The legend holds that once a magistrate in ancient China became a candidate for a promotion and would take up the official post in the capital city. At that time the land transportation was still underdeveloped and inconvenient, so he made the choice to go there by boat along the Yellow River. It was already dark when they arrived at Mengmen, then the magistrate and his assistant anchored their boat close to the shore. Having climb up the Mengmen Mountain, he began to enjoy the view of this little islet protruding into the Yellow River. Round bright moon hung high up there in the sky and sometimes its reflection in the water was blurred and sometimes it became clear. He appreciated the beautiful scenery before he went to bed. Surprisingly, at that night he dreamed about the moonlight penetrating the mat roofing of his boat. The next day, his assistant told him that the dream was a good omen. Because geographically speaking, Mengmen was located higher than the location of Dragon Gate, the dream about the moonlight in Mengmen may imply the magistrate would be like a carp that had leaped through the Dragon Gate (an old saying in China that means a successful man). Some days later, this magistrate really got the promotion without any difficulties. It is said that the four large Chinese words on the huge stone was written by the said officer and carved by his men. It is because of this story that people give Mengmen Moutain another name—the Dream Mountain.
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