How to Get from Xi'an to Hukou Waterfall by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take the direct coach from Xi'an Chengdong or Fangzhicheng Coach Station to Hukou Waterfall — about 4–4.5 hours, ¥110–120 one way. Buses typically depart in the morning (around 08:00) and early afternoon (around 13:20). The alternative is a high-speed train to Yan'an plus a local bus (about 4.5 hours total). Hukou is the second-largest waterfall in China and the largest on the Yellow River, famous for its thundering brown-golden waters.

Hukou Waterfall (壶口瀑布) is located on the border between Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, about 300 km north of Xi'an. It is the largest waterfall on the Yellow River and the second-largest waterfall in China by volume. The waterfall is formed when the Yellow River, which is over 300 meters wide upstream, is suddenly forced through a narrow 20–30 meter gorge, creating a dramatic thunderous cascade. The waterfall is viewable from both the Shaanxi side (Yichuan County) and the Shanxi side (Ji County). The Shaanxi side offers more viewpoints and is the more popular option from Xi'an.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — Direct Coach (Recommended)

Direct coaches from Xi'an to Hukou Waterfall are the most straightforward public transport option.

Step-by-step

1. Get to Chengdong Coach Station (城东客运站) or Fangzhicheng Coach Station (纺织城客运站).

   • Fangzhicheng is served by Xi'an Metro Line 1, 6, and 9 (Fangzhicheng Station, Exit A).
   • Chengdong Coach Station is nearby and also accessible by metro.

2. Buy a ticket to Hukou Waterfall South Visitor Center (壶口景区南游客中心).

   • Departures: Typically 08:00 and 13:20 (some sources also list 14:20). An additional departure may run from Chengbei Coach Station (城北客运站) at 12:00.
   • Fare: ¥110–120 per person
   • Journey time: About 4–4.5 hours via the Baomao and Hukou expressways
   • Buy tickets at the station counter or through the station's WeChat account. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

3. The bus drops you at the Hukou Waterfall South Visitor Center (南游客中心) on the Shaanxi side. From there, you need to take the scenic area shuttle bus to the waterfall viewing platforms.

[!IMPORTANT] The 08:00 bus is the best option for a day trip — it arrives around 12:00–12:30, giving you 3–4 hours at the waterfall before the return. The 13:20 bus arrives too late for a same-day return and is only suitable if you are staying overnight in Yichuan or near the waterfall.

Scenic area shuttle

• From the South Visitor Center to the waterfall: a mandatory shuttle bus takes about 10–15 minutes
• Shuttle fare: ¥16–40 per person (round trip; price varies by season)

Option 2 — Tourist Shuttle from Beidajie

Some travel agencies operate a one-day tourist shuttle from central Xi'an.

• Departure point: Beidajie (北大街) area in central Xi'an
• Departure time: Around 07:00
• Arrival at Hukou (North Visitor Center): Around 12:00
• Return departure: Around 15:30, arriving back in Xi'an around 21:00
• Fare: Approximately ¥150 (transport only; some packages include the entrance ticket and shuttle)

[!NOTE] This is a group tour shuttle, not a standard public bus. It may need to be booked 1–2 days in advance through a travel agency or platforms like Fliggy/Meituan. The bus goes to the North Visitor Center (北游客中心), which is also on the Shaanxi side but offers a different set of viewpoints.

Option 3 — High-Speed Train to Yan'an + Bus

For those who prefer rail, you can take the HSR to Yan'an and then a local bus to Hukou.

1. Take a high-speed train from Xi'an North Station (西安北站) to Yan'an Station (延安站).

   • Journey time: About 2 hours
   • Fare: Approximately ¥100–130 for a second-class seat
   • Frequency: Several trains daily
   • Book through the 12306 app

2. From Yan'an, take a bus from Yan'an South Bus Station (延安汽车南站) to Hukou Waterfall.

   • Departures: Typically 07:30, 08:20, and 15:30
   • Fare: ¥40–50 per person
   • Journey time: About 2.5 hours
   • The bus drops at the Hukou scenic area

3. Total journey time: About 4.5–5 hours. Total cost: about ¥140–180.

[!TIP] The train-and-bus option is useful if direct coaches are sold out, but the bus connection from Yan'an is infrequent. If you take the 07:30 bus from Yan'an, you arrive at Hukou around 10:00; the return bus to Yan'an runs in the afternoon, connecting to an evening train back to Xi'an. This is feasible as a very long day trip but is better as an overnight trip.

How to Get Back

• By direct coach: The return coach from Hukou South Visitor Center typically departs in the mid-to-late afternoon (around 15:00–16:00). Ask the bus driver or check at the visitor center for the exact return time when you arrive. The bus arrives back in Xi'an around 19:00–20:30.
• By tourist shuttle: The return shuttle departs around 15:30 and arrives in Xi'an around 21:00.
• By HSR via Yan'an: The last bus from Hukou to Yan'an departs in the afternoon. From Yan'an, evening trains back to Xi'an North run until approximately 21:00–22:00.
• If you miss all transport: A taxi or private car from Hukou back to Xi'an costs approximately ¥600–900. Budget hotels and guesthouses are available near the waterfall and in nearby Yichuan County if you need to stay overnight.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. Hukou is a remote destination, and bus frequencies are limited. Confirm the return schedule when you purchase your ticket or arrive at the visitor center. During the Yellow River flood season (July–September) or winter ice season, services may be affected.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking the afternoon coach for a day trip. The 13:20 bus arrives at Hukou around 17:30–18:00 — too late to visit the waterfall and return the same day. Always take the 08:00 coach for a day trip.

2. Confusing the Shaanxi and Shanxi sides. Hukou Waterfall straddles two provinces. Buses from Xi'an go to the Shaanxi side (Yichuan County). The Shanxi side (Ji County) offers different viewpoints and requires a different route. If you want a specific side, confirm with the bus driver.

3. Forgetting the scenic area shuttle fee. The entrance ticket does not always include the mandatory shuttle bus from the visitor center to the waterfall. Budget an additional ¥16–40 for the shuttle.

4. Not booking return tickets in advance. Coaches from Hukou back to Xi'an can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Buy a round-trip ticket when you book your outbound journey.

5. Underestimating the travel time. The 4–4.5 hour coach ride means a day trip to Hukou involves 8–9 hours of total travel for just 3–4 hours at the waterfall. Consider an overnight trip if you want a more relaxed experience.

6. Visiting during low water without checking. The waterfall is most dramatic after the summer rains (July–October) and during the spring ice melt (March–April). In winter, the falls partially freeze, creating a spectacular icefall — but access may be restricted in severe weather.

Before You Go

• Admission (Shaanxi side): Approximately ¥90–100 per adult (price varies by season)
• Scenic area shuttle: ¥16–40 round trip (mandatory)
• Opening hours: Approximately 07:00–18:00 in summer; 08:00–17:00 in winter (seasonal)
• Best time to visit: March–April (spring melt, huge volume) and September–November (autumn colors, still powerful flow). The waterfall can be crowded during Chinese public holidays.
• Bring a rain jacket or poncho — the mist from the waterfall can soak you, especially on the lower viewing platforms.
• There are food stalls and restaurants near the visitor center, but options are limited. Bring snacks and water for the long bus ride.
• Mobile phone signal can be patchy near the gorge. Download offline maps and your return ticket details before arriving.

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Our local team can help with coach tickets, Hukou Waterfall entry, or arranging a private guided tour. Get in touch or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Xi'an Travel Guide — full city guide with itineraries and practical tips
• Xi'an to Terracotta Warriors by Public Transport — Xi'an's most famous day trip
• Xi'an to Mount Hua (Huashan) by Public Transport — another great outdoor day trip
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China

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Transport information is based on Qunar coach listings, Rome2Rio Hukou routes, Xi'an private tour operator schedules, Visit86 and Trip.com travel guides (checked August 2026). Coach schedules may change seasonally — verify at Chengdong/Fangzhicheng Coach Station before travel.

Last verified: August 2026