Xiling Gorge in Yangtze River History

Xiling Gorge Overview in Yangtze River History

The final gorge of Three Gorges along Yangtze River, Xiling Gorge, is the longest (41 miles) and the deepest. It is actually comprised of seven smaller gorges, whose varied names – Military Books and Precious Sword, Rice Granary, Ox Liver and Horse Lungs, Yellow Ox, Bright Moon, Lantern Shadow, and Yellow Cat – are all based upon ancient legends.

Xiling Gorge Scenic Spots in Yangtze River History

To east, Xiling Gorge originates from the Xiangxi. To west, it stretches to Nanjin Pass. It is 66 kilometers long. Xiling Gorges is known for its dangerous shoals, whirlpools and reefs. Actually, in Yangtze River history, Xiling Gorge is such a dangerous water way on Yangtze River for its high mountains and large numbers of reefs. There is no boat can cross the canyon. Thanks to the completion of Three Gorges Dam Project, Xiling Gorge becomes a safe and beautiful waterway. In different season, Yangtze Cruise can cruise through Wuxia Gorge.

Xiling Gorge Scenic Spots in Yangtze River History

The Three Gorges Dam Project situates at the center of Xiling Gorge. The highest water level is 170 meters. It has a wonderful light view on both sides at night when you travel with Yangtze Cruise. And Nanjing Pass is the exit of Three Gorges.

In north side of Xiling Gorge, it is the Three Visitors Cave Scenic Spot with cultural landscape and natural landscape together.

In Yangtze River history, Xiling Gorge has nurtured the ancient Daxi Culture, and the great Patriotic poet – Quyuan and talented woman – Wangzhaojun (during Han Dynasty). During the Three Kingdom period, Xiling Gorge was the battlefield between the State of Wu and the State of Shu.

Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge

It is 5 kilometers from Qingtan Shoal on the north bank. A lump of reddish brown shale suspended in the east, taking a shape of a bull's liver, and a dark brown rock in the west resembling a horse's lung, hence the name 'Ox Liver and Horse Lungs'. One of the 'Horse's Lungs' is missing, blown up by British gunboats during the reign of Guangxu (1875-1908).

Three Visitors Cave

It is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze and ten kilometers from the urban area of Yichang. The cave was the place where Bai Juyi and other two famous poets of the Tang Dynasty gathered and later they wrote poems about their visit to the cave. Therefore the cave was named Three Visitors Cave, meaning "cave visited by three". Later, three famous scholars of the Song Dynasty, Su Xun and his sons Su Shi and Su Ze, also visited here, and their visit was known as the "later visit by three".

Lantern Shadow Gorge

Lantern Shadow Gorge (Dengying Xia ) is located ten kilometers west of Nanjin Pass in Yichang City of Hubei Province. The gorge is straight and narrow although not very long. Passing through it, you may believe that you are entering your own gate to paradise.

The limestone on the mountains standing on two sides of the gorge has specially developed to form a masterpiece of nature. Steep cliffs and towering peaks extend continuously on the banks. Plenty of trees, stones in various shapes and cliffside springs scatter here and there on the mountains.

The gorge features some unusual sights on the south side. On the peak of Baiya Mountain located on the southern bank of the Yangtze, stand four strange rocks. The four rocks are just in the shapes of the four well-known figures - Monk Xuanzang (San Zang) and his three disciples, Monkey King (Sun Wukong), Pig Zhu Bajie and Friar Sand (Sha Wujing) - in Journey to the West. It is one of the four Chinese classical works, describing an interesting story. Xuanzang, a respectful monk in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), went on a pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures to India with his three disciples. During the long journey, they defeated many sprites and monsters and overcome many difficulties. They were highly praised by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty when they came back to Chang'an (the then capital which is known as Xi'an today).

And there are some historical sites and cultural relics. The most famous sites are Huangling Temple and Three Visitors Cave.