Chinese Renminbi banknote scenery: Yellow River's Hukou Waterfalls
The iconic scene on the back of the fourth edition of China's fifty-yuan Renminbi banknote is the Hukou Waterfalls on the Yellow River. Located at the border between north China's Shanxi Province and northwestern Shaanxi Province, Hukou Waterfalls, the second largest waterfalls in China, are also known as the largest yellow waterfalls in the world.
Hukou Waterfalls on the Yellow River, China. /VCG Photo
The name of the Hukou Waterfalls, meaning mouth of the teapot in Chinese, is derived from its resemblance to water pouring out of a huge teapot. When the Yellow River approaches this section, the water is blocked by mountains on both sides of the river and it is abruptly narrowed down to just about 20 to 30 meters wide. Meanwhile, the tremendous water splashes on the rock, forming waterfalls of around 15 meters high and around 20 meters wide, make the spot an ideal site to take stunning photos.
Winter is the off-peak season for the Hukou Waterfalls scenic spot but it offers unique scenery for visitors. Water rushes over the cliff and the small waterfalls on both sides freeze over, creating a unique white world of snow, water and ice.
Hukou Waterfalls covered in ice and snow. /CGTN Photo
Apart from appreciating the waterfalls, people could also have a taste of Yellow River's special dishes. Yellow River carps are recommended by locals as they taste fresh and delicious and are full of nutrition. In addition, there are many restaurants in the scenic area offering dishes featuring local flavors that would definitely make your trip linger on your taste buds.
Yellow River carps. /VCG Photo
Transportation
1. There are two scheduled time for the shuttle bus from Xi'an City's Fangzhicheng Station to Hukou Station at 8 a.m. and 13:20 p.m. respectively.
2. Visitors could drive from Linfen County to Jixian County and then drive to the Hukou Town and visit the scenic spot.
3. The nearest traffic hub to Hukou Waterfalls is Yuncheng Airport.
Travel tips
Best time to travel: from April to May; from September to November
We recommend people travel in winter when the Hukou Waterfalls scene becomes a huge silvery ice waterfall and little icicles hang on the cliffs.