Multiple airports serve the Yellow River Valley: Lanzhou Zhongchuan (LHW), Luoyang Beijiao (LYA), Zhengzhou Xinzheng (CGO), and Datong Yungang (DAT). All have flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities. For Hukou Waterfall, the nearest airports are Xi'an Xianyang (3-4 hours by car) or Taiyuan Wusu (4-5 hours by car). For the most efficient route, fly into one city and use high-speed rail between cities. Book domestic flights via Ctrip.

The high-speed rail network connects all major Yellow River cities: Beijing to Datong (2h), Datong to Taiyuan (1.5h), Taiyuan to Xi'an (3h), Xi'an to Luoyang (1.5h), Luoyang to Zhengzhou (40min), and Zhengzhou to Lanzhou (5h). This makes a multi-city itinerary very feasible by train. For Hukou Waterfall, take a high-speed train to Linfen West Station (from Xi'an 2h, from Taiyuan 1.5h), then a bus or car to the waterfall (2 hours). Book via 12306.cn. The high-speed train from Beijing to Datong passes through the Yan Mountains and offers scenic views.

Buses connect Yellow River cities and attractions. Buses from Luoyang to Shaolin Temple depart every 30 minutes (1.5 hours, 25 RMB). Buses from Linfen to Hukou Waterfall depart twice daily (2 hours, 40 RMB). Buses from Datong to the Hanging Temple (1.5 hours) and Yungang Grottoes (30 minutes) are available. For the Bingling Temple near Lanzhou, take a bus to Liujiaxia, then a boat across the reservoir (half-day trip). For remote Yellow River attractions, hiring a car with a driver is recommended.

In Lanzhou, the metro (2+ lines) and buses cover the city. In Luoyang, buses to Longmen Grottoes depart from the railway station (30 minutes, 2 RMB). In Datong, buses to Yungang Grottoes (30 minutes, 3 RMB) and the Hanging Temple (1.5 hours) depart from the bus station. In Zhengzhou, the metro covers the city and connects to the Yellow River Scenic Area (Line 1 + bus). Taxis in all cities start at 6-8 RMB. For multi-city Yellow River Valley travel, high-speed rail is the most efficient transport. For individual attractions outside city centers, taxis or hired cars (300-500 RMB/day) are the best option.