Sanmenxia Swan Festival Must-Visit

A Winter Fairy Tale by the Yellow River! I Encountered Tens of Thousands of White Swans in Sanmenxia When the northern wind brushes over the Yellow River’s surface, Sanmenxia stages a pure and romantic ecological spectacle. Every year from November to March, tens of thousands of Siberian white swans arrive here to spend the winter. I spent a whole day immersing myself in this city kissed by swans. At 7 a.m., I arrived at Swan Lake by the Yellow River Wetlands. A light mist hung over the lake, which was as smooth as a mirror. Flocks of white swans gracefully swam, sometimes flapping their wings in dance, sometimes stretching their necks to sing. Their snowy white figures reflected in the water like flowing poetry. With my telephoto camera in continuous shooting mode, every shot was worthy of National Geographic. Walking slowly along the lakeside trail, I also encountered ruddy shelducks, cormorants, and crested grebes. Local elders sat by the shore feeding the birds, smiling as they said, “They come every year, like old friends.” Warm stories were hidden in every flutter of wings. At noon, I visited Shanzhou Earth Cave Courtyard, exploring the 4,000-year-old underground “cave dwelling wonder.” In the original ecological kiln courtyard, I enjoyed an authentic Yellow River big carp stew with vermicelli, paired with millet porridge, warming both stomach and heart. In the afternoon, I experienced the intangible cultural heritage of pounding grass printing, stamping natural patterns on fabric with wildflowers and grasses, bringing the spring of Sanmenxia home. At dusk, I climbed the Zhongliu Dizhuzhi Viewing Platform. The sunset shone on the “Dizhuzhi Stone” in the rushing current, the Yellow River surged endlessly, stirring a heroic spirit in my heart. I stayed overnight at a guesthouse on the south bank of the Yellow River, where opening the window revealed a tranquil river view. This day, I didn’t chase internet-famous spots, but gently embraced nature and history. Sanmenxia is quietly beautiful, yet unforgettable.