Linfen

Linfen

　　Linfen lies at the lower reaches of the Linfen River (Linfen he), second longest tributary of the murky and vast Yellow River (Huang he). The provincial town, originally a major wheat producer, in recent years has gradually expanded its industry, so that now it ranks as one of the most economically developed in this area, most notably in the power production and steel refining fields.
　　Of the town’s history, however, it is the ancient years, rather than this brief modern industrial era, that brought fame to this remote area. As early as 6000 years ago the legendary Emperor Yao is said to have established his illustrious empire in this area.
　　Neither the history nor the little else that Linfen has to offer is likely to keep you in this town for long. The main reason that the town is mentioned here at all is because of its usefulness as a transit point on to other sights in the area. The impressive Hukou Falls, whose true beauty is not properly captured by the stark picture on the lime RMB50 note, is the main attraction, lying around 150km to the west.