Starting
from Xiangxi (Fragrant Stream) Kou of Zigui
County in the west and ending at Nanjin Pass in the east, Xiling
Gorge, zigzagging about 49 miles, is the longest gorge among the
three gorges of the Yangtze River. Because of numerous reefs and
odd-shaped stones existing in rapid shoals, the gorge is also
well known for its danger.
Scenery along the Xiling Gorge is spectacular. Some renowned
streams, springs, stones and karst caves can be found along this
section. As many historic celebrities such as Qu
Yuan and Bai Juyi have been here and left numerous poems praising
the natural scene of Xiling Gorge, it is bestowed with a great
sense of history.
Main Sights
Xiling
Gorge is mainly composed of smaller gorges and dangerous shoals.
From west to east, there are four gorges - The Military Books
and Precious Sword Gorge (Bingshu Baojian Xia), The Ox and Horse
Lungs Gorge (Niugan Mafei Xia), Kongling Gorge, and Lantern Shadow
Gorge (Dengying Xia) - and some dangerous shoals such as Qingtan,
Xietan, Xintan and Konglingtan. In the past, a great number of
boats have sunk here, striking the reefs in the rapid flow of
water. Thanks to the Gezhouba
Water Conservancy Project, the water now has been calmed to
some extent.
Besides the natural landscape, some historic landmarks including
the Huangling Temple and Three Travelers' Cave (Sanyou Dong) are
also worth visiting. As your boat cruises out of Nanjin Pass at
the eastern end of Xiling Gorge, the scenery of dangerous cliffs
and shoals will be left behind as the middle section of the Yangtze
River begins.
Now Xiling Gorge has become a highlight of the Yangtze River
Cruise and has been praised by numerous visitors, both native
and foreign.
Sightseeing List:
Huangling
Temple
Lantern
Shadow Gorge
Military
Books and Precious Sword Gorge
Nanjin
Pass
Ox
Liver and Horse Lungs Gorge
Three
Travelers' Cave
Related Link:
Pictures of Xiling Gorge