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This weirdly-named gorge lies between the New Shoal (Xintan) and Kongling Shoal is the Niugan Mafei Xia (Ox Liver and Horse Lungs' Gorge). About 2.8-mile's long, the gorge was once a unique scene along the Yangtze River.

Ox Liver and Horse Lungs' Gorge, Xiling Gorge of Yangtze RiverOn both banks of the gorge, there are numerous streams flowing through the grottoes of the cliff. Over millennial, all kinds of amazing stalactite formations have formed along the cliff faces. Among them, there are a few shapes of rocks in olive-brown color and in the form of ox liver hanging from the cliff of the northern bank. And, not far away, there hangs another in the shape of a horse lung. So, obviously, the gorge is named the Ox Liver and Horse Lungs' Gorge.

For centuries, these two rocks have been admired by many visitors. However, during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) when Guangxu Emperor was in his reign, the gorge was bombed by imperialist forces and the lower part of the rock with the shape of horse lung was destroyed.

Now, with the rising of the water storage of the Three Gorges Dam Project, the two historic rock formations have been submerged. Sadly, visitors will no longer be able to admire them but they may imagine the scene of 'a smooth lake rises in the narrow gorge'.

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Last updated: August 28, 2008

Yangtze River

Ports of Call

 Scenic Sopts by Ports

Xiling Gorge
Huangling Temple
Nanjin Pass
Ox Liver and Horse Lungs Gorge
Three Travelers' Cave
Lantern Shadow Gorge
Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge