Recent rains contribute to stunning views at Hukou Waterfall

Recent rainfall and the release of water from upstream reservoirs have led to a surge in the Hukou Waterfall flow on the Yellow River in Jixian county, Linfen of Shanxi province. The surge has given rise to a breathtaking series of waterfall formations stretching across hundreds of meters, ushering in the perfect opportunity to view the natural spectacle in autumn.

"The most optimal times to appreciate the Hukou Waterfall are spring and autumn. September, in particular, offers a tranquil ambiance as the weather cools down, making it the peak viewing period of the year," said Lyu Guiming, a local photographer.

The Yellow River is currently experiencing the rainy season, resulting in a water flow at the Hukou Waterfall that surpasses the typical daily volume by more than fourfold. The main waterfall connects with the other waterfalls, creating a majestic cascade of water, said Pan Fang, a tour guide at the Hukou Waterfall scenic area.

"Due to efforts to protect the ecological system at the Yellow River Basin, the environment around the waterfall is improving all the time, such as the hills on both sides, which are much greener," said Pan.

Jixian county has invested more than 23 million yuan ($3.3 million) since 2020 to expand forest coverage, planting over 15,000 evergreen trees, more than 20,000 flowering shrubs, 17,000 lilacs and 50,000 ivy plants. They have cultivated over 40,000 square meters of perennial flowers and grasses, according to statistics released in 2023.

Shanxi will implement a new set of regulations on Oct 1 to better protect the Yellow River Basin and promote its high-quality development.