Upper Reaches

Qinghai
Qinghai Province is the source of the Yellow River, which is also the longest river in this province, flowing for a total of 1,964 kilometers (about 1,220 miles). As it has flowed through this part of the country, the Yellow River has created many spectacular gorges and many other places that are worth visiting.

Xining
Zhaling Lake
E'ling Lake
Longyang Gorge
Star Sea
Mt. Riyueshan

Sichuan
In fact the Yellow River is the natural boundary of Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. Its west side is Gansu while the east side is Sichuan. As it flows through Gansu Province, it forms a giant 'S'' shape that is clearly visible on most maps.

Jiuzhaigou
The First Turn of the Yellow River

Gansu
As it rushes through Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, the Yellow River creates some of the most beautiful sceneries this area has to offer. The river itself and its many tributaries provide life-giving water to industrious people who live on its banks. The water here is torrential, running to the east with its own rhythm.

Lanzhou
Gansu Provincial Museum
Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves
First Bridge over the Yellow River
Fu Hsi Temple
Liujia Gorge
Yellow River Stone Forest

Ningxia
As it flows through the Ningxia Hui Nationality Autonomous Region, the Yellow River contributes to a prosperity that is seen elsewhere only along the lower reaches of Yangtze River . The scenery along the river in this area is charming and varied, ranging from the desolate landscapes of northern region of China to the softer, more hospitable scenery typical of the southern region of the country.

Yinchuan
Shapotou
Nanguan Mosque
Sand Lake
Qingtong Gorge
108 Pagodas

Inner Mongolia
Stretching for 800 kilometers (about 497 miles) through this area, the Yellow River is the longest river in Inner Mongolia. It not only provides abundant water for irrigation but also offers the possibility for the development of ship transportation, generation of electricity, and commercial fishing. In this area, the river freezes during the winter, so visitors who come in spring when the ice starts to thaw, will see a beautiful and interesting sight as chunks of ice float downriver on their way to warmer water where they eventually melt.

Baotou
Wudangzhao Monastery
Mt. Helanshan

Middle Reaches

Shaanxi
Known as the mother river of the Chinese nation, the Yellow River has nurtured Chinese civilization for many millennia. In historic Shaanxi Province, visitors can see attractions that demonstrate the important role the river has played in the development of Chinese culture in this area.

Yanan
Hukou Waterfalls
Huangdiling Mausoleum
Xian
Hancheng

Shanxi
The tireless Yellow River has conquered mountains and plains, arriving in Shanxi Province with great vigor and then turning to the south, where it cuts the Loess Plateau like a mighty sword and creates a deep gorge.

Henan
In Henan Province, the Yellow River traverses the important cities of Luoyang, Zhengzhou, and Kaifeng. In the west of the Mengjin County, the river's current is strong, but by the time it reaches the plains in the eastern part of the county, it becomes mild. Its flow here is slowed by sediment, mud, and sand.

Luoyang
Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area
White Horse Temple
Sanmen Gorge
Zhengzhou
Yellow River Scenic Area

Lower Reaches

Henan
Kaifeng
Drgon Pavilion (Long Ting)
Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta)
Xiangguo Temple

Shandong
In Shandong Province, the Yellow River runs from southwest to northeast. It has become the main water resource for northwestern part of Shandong Province and some of the coastland. Here the mighty Yellow River reaches its destination: the Bohai Sea.

Jinan
Baotu Spring Park
Daming Lake Park (Lake of Great Light)
Shandong Provincial Museum
Qianfoshan (Thousand-Buddha Mountain)
Swan Lake