White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge Scenic Area

Location: Qutang Gorge Community, Kui Gate Subdistrict, Fengjie County, Chongqing
Opening Hours: Open year-round from 08:30 to 19:00; last ticket sold at 17:00
Getting There: From Chongqing city center, take a car or train to Fengjie County, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Baidi City Scenic Area.

 

Located at the western entrance of the Three Gorges on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County（奉节县）, Chongqing, the White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge Scenic Area is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore both historical heritage and stunning natural beauty. This area, covering 4.7 square kilometers, encompasses the ancient White Emperor City and the majestic Qutang Gorge, offering an enriching blend of cultural and natural attractions.

 

 

Overview of White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge Scenic Area

The White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge Scenic Area is situated on Baidi Mountain, positioned eastward of Fengjie County, with the famous Kui Gate (Chinese: 夔门 Kuimen) in view. To the south, it faces Baiyan Mountain（白盐山）across the Yangtze River, while to the west, it connects to Fengjie County. The area, stretching from White Emperor and Qutang villages to Guanmiao Tuo（关庙沱）and the boundary between Fengjie and Wushan counties, is rich in historical sites and scenic beauty.

 

The scenic area is primarily composed of two major sections: White Emperor City and Qutang Gorge. White Emperor City, also known as the “City of the White Emperor,” has several well-preserved gates and temples, including Mingliang Palace, Wuhou Shrine, and Guanxing Pavilion, featuring architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Qutang Gorge, adjacent to White Emperor City, is the shortest, narrowest, and most perilous of the Three Gorges, offering travelers breathtaking views of steep cliffs, ancient ruins, and the stunning Yangtze River.

 

Top Natural Sights to See

1. Qutang Gorge (Kui Gorge) 瞿塘峡（夔峡）

• Location: Starts from White Emperor City, Fengjie County, to Daxi Town, Wushan County.

Known as the most dramatic of the Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge features towering cliffs, narrow passes, and fast-flowing water. Despite the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, which has raised water levels to 175 meters, the gorge remains an awe-inspiring sight. Its scenic landscape includes the iconic Kui Gate—a symbol of the Three Gorges that appears on the Chinese 10 yuan note.

 

2. Kui Gate Viewing Platform 夔门观景台

• Location: West end of Qutang Gorge.

The best place to admire the grandeur of Kui Gate, with its towering cliffs rising sharply on either side of the river. The platform provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, and visitors can see the stone inscription marking the site of Kui Gate.

 

 

3. Chijia Mountain 赤甲山

• Location: North bank of Qutang Gorge.

Standing at an elevation of 1,388 meters, Chijia Mountain is the tallest peak in the Three Gorges area. Its position facing the east allows it to catch the sunrise and the evening glow, making it a magnificent sight for visitors.

 

4. Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon

• Location: On Baiyan Mountain, south of Qutang Gorge.

A unique rock formation resembling a reclining rhinoceros gazing at the moon. This natural wonder adds a mythical feel to the scenic landscape, blending perfectly with the cultural significance of the area.

 

5. Golden Cave 黄金洞

• Location: Cliffs of Baiyan Mountain.

A mysterious cave perched high on a 70-meter cliff, with a 200-meter drop below. Legend has it that the warlord Gongsun Shu hid his treasures here after being defeated by the Han dynasty. In 1998, an international team explored the cave, discovering ancient relics such as bones, rock carvings, and weapons, adding to its enigmatic allure.

 

6. Yanyu Reef

• Location: At the entrance to Qutang Gorge.

Once a formidable underwater rock that blocked the river and caused numerous shipwrecks, Yanyu Reef is now submerged due to the raised water levels. It was historically known as the “Tiger of Qutang,” posing great danger to passing ships.

 

Top Cultural Sights to See

1. White Emperor City

• Location: 10 km east of Fengjie County.

White Emperor City, originally called Ziyang City, was built during the Eastern Han Dynasty by the warlord Gongsun Shu. He declared himself the White Emperor and named the city after his title. Today, after the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, White Emperor City has become an island surrounded by water. The city holds significant historical importance and is known for being the place where Liu Bei, the founder of the Shu Han Kingdom, entrusted his son to Zhuge Liang on his deathbed.

 

2. Baidi Temple

• Location: On the highest point of the Baidi peninsula.

Baidi Temple is the central attraction within White Emperor City. It houses numerous ancient structures like Mingliang Palace, Wuhou Shrine, and Guanxing Pavilion. The temple grounds also feature two significant stone inscriptions known as the "East" and "West" Stele Forests. These are collections of historical inscriptions, stone carvings, and cultural relics.

 

 

3. Wuhou Shrine
A small but highly significant shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the famous military strategist of the Shu Han Kingdom. The shrine houses statues of Zhuge Liang, his son Zhuge Zhan, and grandson Zhuge Shang, and is one of the smallest Wuhou shrines in China.

 

4. Hanging Coffin Exhibition Room
This exhibition room showcases the mysterious custom of hanging coffins, which were placed in caves or cracks along the cliffs. The practice dates back over 2,000 years and can be found throughout the Three Gorges area, including Fengjie County.

 

 

5. Three Gorges First Stele Forest—Zhuzhiyuan

• Location: Next to Baidi Temple.

Built in 1995, this stele forest is a cultural corridor that showcases bamboo poems, calligraphy, and ink paintings from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. It is the only stele forest of its kind in the Three Gorges area, adding a literary dimension to the scenic landscape.