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YANGTZE
ATTRACTIONS
The Yangtze, China's
longest river and the third longest waterway in the world, originates
on the Qinghai-Tihet Plateau. Hundreds of rivers and streams join the
Yangtze, which flows like a torrent eastward to empty into the East
China Sea.
The Three Gorges in the Yangtze River Valley comprise Qutang Gorge, Wu
Gorge and Xiling Gorge. The Three Gorges area starts at Baidicheng
(White Emperor Town), Fengjie in Sichuan Province and extends to
Nanjin Pass, Yichang in Hubei Province. It stretches over a total of
120 miles. Qutang Gorge is renowned for its majestic appearance. The
peaks tower above the river and the waters tumble down in torrents. Wu
Gorge is splendid, intertwined and secluded, housing the famous Twelve
Peaks.
The gorges are the
largest in the world. The Three Gorges have formed the most attractive
visitor route in the world.
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Qutang Gorge
Also known as Kui Gorge, Qutang is the first point that
visitors traveling eastward reach in the Three Gorges. The first
section extends from Baidicheng (White Emperor Town) to Daxi Township
in Wushan County, extending about 4.9 miles. High cliffs and steep
precipices with sharp edges rise one after another on either side of
the narrow gorge. The poet Bai Juyi described the gorge by writing,
"The shore looks like two screens. The sky has been cut out." Within
the gorge there is Baidicheng, the ancient plank road built on the
cliff, and the sites of Daxi culture. |
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Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Zone
This scenic zone is in karst formation,
with 6 places of special interest. It stretches over 238 miles and is
23 miles from Fengjie County. Parts of it include the world's foremost
heavenly pit, the longest limestone well, an underground river, a
labyrinth and celestial cave. |
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Baidicheng (White
Emperor Town)
Situated on the top of Baidishan Mountain on the northern shore of
Qutang Gorge. Baidicheng is a beautiful sight with its vermilion walls
and flying eaves. The town has a history of 2,000 years and there is a
wealth of historic sites of the Shu-Han period, along with numerous
stone tablet inscriptions. Du Fu, Li Bai, Bai Juyi and Su Shi, all
famous poets, had visited the town during their lifetimes and left a
legacy of writing in praise of this historic town, which has become a
city of immortal poetry. Du Fu had written as many as 430 verses in
Baidicheng.
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Kuimen Gate
Kuimen Gate is at the western tip of Qutang Gorge. It is bordered by
Chijiashan to the north and Baiyanshan to the south, both of which
rise 4,920 feet high, like two huge gates. The cliffs force the water
into an area only several dozen feet wide. The water flows rapidly,
making the scenery ever more spectacular. Kuimen Gate is a symbol of
the Three Gorges and was called the most magnificent scenery in the
world by ancient Chinese writers. |
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Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Key Water Conservancy
Project on the Yangtze River (the Three Gorges Project) includes a
concrete gravity dam, a sluice gate, a hydropower station behind the
dam, a permanent navigation ship lock and a ship lift. The
architectures of the Three Gorges Project are composed of the dam, the
factory buildings of the hydropower stations and navigation
structures. The dam is 9,957 feet long, and 607 feet high. On the left
bank of the hydropower station there are 14 generators; on the right
bank, 12 generators, totaling 26. Each water turbo generator has an
installed capacity of 700,000kw, totaling 18.2 million kw, and the
hydropower station generates 84.7 billion kwh of electricity. The
navigation structures stand on the left bank; and the permanent
navigation structures include the five-class stair ship lock and the
single-line first-class ship lift.
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Wu Gorge
This gorge extends
from the western tip of Wushan County at the mouth of Daning River to
Badong County, a distance of 24.8 miles to the east. The western
section is called the Gold Helmet and Silver Armor Gorge while the
eastern section is called the Iron Coffin Gorge. On either side there
are peaks and green vegetation. The gorge zigzags and the waterway is
no more than 328 feet in width. There are three platforms - Chopping
Off Dragon Platform, Chuyang Platform and Book Presenting Platform.
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Fairy Peak
Fairy Peak is on the
northern shore of Wu Gorge and is the most famous of the 12 Peaks of
Wushan. A huge limestone column stands 20 feet high atop the mountain.
It resembles a standing girl with exquisite figure. Legend says that
the column is the embodiment of a celestial girl, named Yao Ji,
daughter of the Queen of the West. She descended from heaven to help
Da Yu to conquer floods. She decided to stay among men to ensure the
safety of boats that pass through the Three Gorges. Standing out from
clouds and fog, she appears beautiful and mysterious. |
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Wushan County
The county is situated
at the confluence of the Yangtze and Daning Rivers, at the northern
end of Wu Gorge. It is a picturesque place with a long history dating
back to the Spring and Autumn Period. It was named Wushan in the Sui
Dynasty. The famous poet Lu You said that as the county is located in
the gorge, it is provided with a magnificent view. Visitors to the
county can view the clouds and rain of the Wushan Mountains, the Lu
You Cave and the features of Fairy Peak. It is a popular place for
tourists visiting the Three Gorges. |
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Lesser Shennongjia Scenic Spot
This is a natural area
in the north of Badong County, Hubei Province south of Greater
Shennongjia; it is 9,858 feet above sea level. A drive by car from the
county will take visitors to the head of the scenic spot, the Badong
Scenic Extension area, known as a green treasury Shennongjia, which is
mysterious and breath taking virgin area. The Lesser Shennongjia
scenic route embraces river and highway and takes two to three days.
It gives visitors good views of the high mountains and steep cliffs.
Visitors may also raft along the river to Shennong Stream. |
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The Temple of Qu Yuan, Former Home of Qu Yuan
Qu Yuan (340 B.C.-278 B.C.) lived in the
State of Chu during the Warring States Period. A temple was built in
Zigui, birthplace of the poet, where a bronze statue now stands. The
Qu Yuan Memorial Hall is in the main architectural structure and the
tomb of Qu Yuan is located in the back.
Lepingli or Luojiaoping is the birthplace of Qu Yuan. It is 18 miles
east of Zigui County. There are many historic sites, such as the
Reading Cave and Poetry Reciting Platform. A well, which served as a
mirror for Qa Yuan is still remain.
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Xiling Gorge
Xiling Gorge starts at the western tip of Xiangxi Stream in Zigui and
extends to the Nanjin pass in the east, about 47 miles. In the middle
is Miaonankuangu, where the Three Gorges Dam is built on Zhongbao
Island. At the western section we find the Military Book and Treasury
Sword Gorge, and the Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge. In the east are
Light Shadow Gorge and the Yellow Ox Gorge. Xiling Gorge is known for
its strategic importance, and as a place of dangerous shoals. The
landforms on the western shore of the gorge are varied. There are many
rocks, caves, and streams. |
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Light Shadow Gorge
It is also known as Mingyue (Bright Moon)
Gorge. They form the east section of the Xiling Gorge. The passage is
very narrow, with steep cliffs.
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Huangling Temple
The temple is on Yellow Ox Rock,
originally called Yellow Ox Rock. It is said to be a celestial ox that
helped Da Yu to conquer flood and reclaim land. After Song Dynasty, it
was renamed Huangling Temple. The Hall of Emperor Yu contains an
inscription written by Zhuge Liang. And there is much reference
material on hydrogeology. Built against the mountain the temple is
surrounded by citrus trees. |
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Chexi Stream Scenic Zone
Chexi Stream is in Tucheng Township,
Yichang 11 miles from the city center and there are seven areas,
regarded as retreats from the stresses and strains of modern life. The
main attraction is a place of perfect bliss. There are geological and
ecological tours and three tours to enjoy popular local songs and
dances, exhibitions of farm produce and an ancient workshop. The zone
combines exploration, scientific investigation, summer leisure
activities and local customs and folkways. It is a sort of back to
nature trip.
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Information Provided
by China National Tourism Office
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