Originating in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Yellow River is the second longest waterway in China, flowing eastward through the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as well as the provinces of Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, and Shandong before emptying into the Bohai Sea. With a total length of 5,464 kilometers, the Yellow River is one of the major waterways in the world. The river is so named because of its yellowish color caused by the large amount of silts washed into it. Considered the cradle of the Chinese nation and Chinese culture, the river is therefore known as the Mother River among the Chinese, and has become an important cultural image and sign for the Chinese nation. It symbolizes the heroism and perseverance with which the Chinese nation forges ahead against all odds.

The setting sun beyond the mountains glows, the Yellow River seaward flows. Going to the top of the pavilion, and you will have a panoramic river view reaching the horizon. (Wang Zhihuan: Climbing the Guanque Tower)