This magical Chinese waterfall reveals a double rainbow — and winter is the best time to see it

Hukou Waterfall in winter transforms into a magical landscape, with icy cliffs and a rare double rainbow arching over China’s Yellow River.

Winter in northern China has unveiled one of the season’s most stunning surprises: a rare double rainbow arching over the thundering Hukou Waterfall, the Yellow River’s most iconic cascade. As icy winds sweep across the Shanxi–Shaanxi border, the waterfall transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland—its powerful mist refracting sunlight into two vibrant arcs while shimmering icicles line the riverbanks.

For travellers seeking dramatic landscapes and extraordinary seasonal phenomena, Hukou Waterfall in winter is a spectacle like no other.

Hukou Waterfall (Image: Canva)

The sight of a double rainbow at Hukou Waterfall is rare enough to make headlines, but winter increases the chances ever so slightly. The waterfall’s dense mist, combined with crisp seasonal sunlight and abundant water vapour, creates occasional twin arcs above the gorge—an ethereal scene that leaves visitors spellbound.

In 2025, lucky travellers witnessed this dazzling phenomenon, with the vivid rainbows stretching across the icy canyon and adding an unforgettable splash of colour to the stark winter landscape.

Straddling the boundary between Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, Hukou Waterfall is the largest waterfall on the Yellow River and one of China’s most dramatic natural wonders. The river narrows abruptly here, forcing water through a gorge barely 50 metres wide before plunging 20 metres with a force that sends mist roaring across the cliffs.

Its name, “Hukou” — meaning mouth of a kettle — describes the shape of the narrowing river as it surges through a spout-like opening before exploding downward. In winter, snow-dusted cliffs and thick layers of ice around the riverbank intensify its majesty, drawing travellers who want to witness nature at its most raw and powerful.

While Hukou is spectacular year-round, winter brings a magical transformation:

1. Icicles drape the riverbanks, forming natural sculptures carved by freezing mist.
2. Snow enhances the contrast of the golden-brown Yellow River crashing between white cliffs.
3. Cold, clear skies increase the chance of rainbow formations, including the rare double rainbow.
4. Fewer crowds mean photographers and nature enthusiasts enjoy unobstructed views.

For travellers who love dramatic scenery, this season offers a completely different—and arguably more enchanting—side of the waterfall.

Hukou Waterfall (Image: Canva)

The combination of roaring water, drifting mist, icy formations, and rainbow arcs makes Hukou an irresistible destination for photographers. Early mornings and sunny winter afternoons provide the best lighting to capture the waterfall’s power and the fleeting beauty of winter rainbows.

Whether you’re shooting long exposures of the cascading water or framing the double rainbow against the icy gorge, Hukou’s winter canvas delivers postcard-perfect moments.

Hukou has always been a major draw for domestic and international visitors, but recent winter phenomena—especially the double rainbow—have sparked a noticeable boost in seasonal tourism.

Travellers now flock to the region to witness its cold-season magic, and local tourism authorities are promoting Hukou as a year-round destination rich in nature, culture, and folklore.

The surrounding Hukou Scenic Area offers:

• Scenic hiking trails
• Historic temples and cultural sites
• Nature reserves
• Local markets and traditional Yellow River cuisine

This makes Hukou an excellent choice for travellers looking for an immersive, multi-day experience.

Hukou Waterfall is easily accessible from major northern cities:

3–4 hours by road from Xi’an

Around 4 hours from Taiyuan

Visitors will find well-maintained walkways and viewing platforms that offer front-row views of the cascade. Guided tours are available for those who want deeper insight into the waterfall’s geology, history, and cultural significance.

Hukou Waterfall (Image: Canva)

A visit to the nearby Hukou Waterfall Museum adds depth to the experience, with exhibits explaining the river’s formation, local legends, and the ecological heritage of the Yellow River Basin.

With its roaring golden waters, frozen landscapes, and the rare spectacle of a winter double rainbow, Hukou Waterfall delivers one of China’s most extraordinary natural experiences. In 2025, its snowy cliffs and vibrant rainbows captured global attention—and the waterfall’s winter charm is only expected to draw more travellers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

If your ideal journey includes dramatic scenery, cultural richness, and the thrill of witnessing nature’s surprises, then winter at Hukou Waterfall is an experience you won’t want to miss.