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Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge, at 8km long is actually the shortest gorge along the famous Yangtze River. The Gorge stretches west of the Baidi Mountain. At the western mouth, the precipice rises hundreds of meters high on both sides of the river, like a door to the Yangtze River less than one hundred meters wide. The gate to the gorge itself is one of the most impressive sights along the route, so popular that it is printed on the back of the Chinese RMB5 note!

Although this is the smallest of the gorges, it is actually the most powerful and the water here flows most rapidly at this spot. A great deal was written about this spot by the ancients who believed that the route was almost impossible to navigate.

On the northern bank here, at Fengxiang or Bellows, are a series of interesting little crevices. It was the custom of ancient tribes to place their dead in the high mountain crevices and caves here. Nine coffins have been discovered tucked up here, the most interesting containing bronze swords, armour and other artifacts dating back to the Warring States Period (700BC).

At the entrance to the Gorge, Baidicheng or White King Town is situated. Legend has it that a high official, made himself King during the Western Han Dynasty and moved his capital to this town. After his arrival, a well was unearthed that omitted a white vapor which was seen to be very auspicious. The King then named himself "The White King" and the town became "The White Town".

The boat does not stop at the Gorge, but the views from the deck are spectacular.