Lantern Shadow Gorge (Dengying Xia)

Dengying Xia (Lantern Shadow Gorge) is located six miles from Nanjin Pass. The gorge, although not long, features some unusual sights on the south side.

On the peak of Baiua Mountain, located on the southern bank of the gorge, stand four strange rocks. The four rocks are just in the shape of the four well-known figures - Monk Xuanzang (San Zang) and his three disciples, Monkey King, Pig Zhu Bajie and Friar Sand - in A Journey to the West (one of the four Chinese classical works). Cruising on the Yangtze River, you will have a chance to admire these four lifelike stones when passing this section. If passing it at the sunset, the four are just like characters in the Dengying play (shadow puppet show). Hence the name, Dengying Gorge.

In addition to admire the figure-shaped rocks, the steep cliffs, peaks and the cliff-side springs are also worth your attention. The narrow and straight gorge will have you believing that you are entering your own gate to paradise.