Baidi City·Qutang Gorge Scenic Area

Baidi City·Qutang Gorge Scenic Area
Located in Fengjie County, Chongqing, the Baidi City·Qutang Gorge Scenic Area marks the starting point of the Yangtze River Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge). Renowned for its majestic landscapes, millennia of history, and poetic heritage, it is celebrated as the “City of Poetry” and the “Soul of the Three Gorges.” Below are its highlights:

I. Baidi City: Where Three Kingdoms Legends Meet Poetry

• Historical Significance
  During the Three Kingdoms era (223 AD), Liu Bei entrusted his son and the Shu Han dynasty to Zhuge Liang in the famous “Baidi City Entrustment.” The site gained further fame through Li Bai’s poem: “At dawn, I left Baidi crowned with rainbow clouds; To reach Jiangling by night, a thousand miles away.”
• Must-See Attractions
  • Baidi City Temple: The core complex includes the Entrustment Hall, Mingliang Hall, and Wuhou Shrine, showcasing Three Kingdoms artifacts and ancient stone inscriptions.
  • Star-Gazing Pavilion: Legend claims Zhuge Liang strategized here under the stars.
  • Poetry Stele Forest: Carvings of works by Li Bai, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi evoke a timeless literary journey.
• Unique Experiences
  Climb to admire the Kuimen Gate (featured on China’s 10 Yuan note) and witness the Yangtze River’s thunderous rush through the gorge.

II. Qutang Gorge: The Majestic Gateway to the Three Gorges

• Natural Wonders
  • Kuimen Gate: The 100-meter-wide channel flanked by Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain resembles a colossal natural gateway.
  • Ancient Cliff Trails & Hanging Coffins: Mysterious millennium-old coffins and cliffside path remnants dot the precipices.
  • Cliff Inscriptions: Giant carvings like “Kuimen” and “Magnificent Qutang Gorge” blend human artistry with nature’s grandeur.
• Seasonal Beauty
  • Spring: Emerald peaks shrouded in mist;
  • Autumn: Fiery red foliage crowns it the “First Gorge of Three Gorges Autumn Views.”

III. Unforgettable Experiences

1. Summit the Three Gorges Peak: Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Qutang Gorge, shrouded in ethereal clouds.
2. Cruise Through Kuimen: Relive Li Bai’s “Light boat has passed ten thousand mountains” while gazing up at sheer cliffs.
3. Night Tour of Baidi City: Light shows reenact Three Kingdoms history for an immersive experience.
4. Autumn Foliage Spectacle: In November, the gorge blazes with crimson leaves, a paradise for photographers.

IV. Practical Guide

• Tickets: Baidi City entry ~¥100 (includes ferry); Qutang Gorge cruise fees separate.
• Transport:
  • High-speed rail: Take the Zhengzhou-Chongqing line to Fengjie Station, then a 15-minute taxi ride.
  • Self-drive: ~4 hours from Chongqing city center.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov), with November’s foliage being the highlight.
• Nearby Attractions: Fengjie Tiankeng Difeng (Heavenly Pit & Earth Crack), Wushan Little Three Gorges, Three Gorges Folk Village.

In Summary
Baidi City·Qutang Gorge is where Liu Bei’s poignant legacy intertwines with Li Bai’s lyrical landscapes. Whether tracing Three Kingdoms history, savoring ancient poetry, cruising through Kuimen’s cliffs, or summiting for breathtaking vistas, this area embodies the grandeur of “mountains and rivers as epic poetry, each step spanning a millennium.”