Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge

Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge – Brief Introduction

Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge, also called Micang (Rice Granary) Gorge, is located between Xintan and Xiangxi Stream in Xiling Gorge, extending about 4 kilometers. In the gap on the cliff of northern bank, there lie suspending coffins which resemble books. It is said that the book is the Military Book left by Zhuge Liang, a famous figure in Three Kingdoms Period. And there is a giant rock beneath the cliff is in the shape of a sword which is said to be the precious sword of Zhuge Liang. That is why this gorge is called Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge.

Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge - Legend

A legend says that when Zhuge Liang cruised through Xiling Gorge, he hid his original military book and his precious sword on the crag for brave men to discover. For years, many people have tried to explore its mystery. Now we know that the so-called military book is not a book at all, but the site of three suspending coffins.

Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge – Cultural Relics

In July 2003 when the water level reached 361 feet due to the Three Gorges Dam Project, the coffins in the gorge were in danger of being submerged. Specialists of cultural relics took them from the cliff. In the coffins, many relics were discovered, including bronze spears, a sword, and many bows and arrows. Now, people can admire these relics in the Qu Yuan Memorial Hall in Zigui.