Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge starts from the Fragrant Stream or Xiangxi Kou of Xigui County to the west and ends at the Nanjin Pass in the East. It is about 50 miles long and longest among all three gorges of the Yangtze River. Due to its numerous odd shaped stones and reefs existing in the rapid shoals, it is also known for its danger.
The sceneries along the Xiling Gorges are very spectacular. Some of the renowned springs, streams, karst caves and stones can be found along this section. There are many historical sites like Qu Yuan and Bai Juyi can be found here which has been praised in many poems due to its natural scene, and great historical significance.

Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge is mostly comprises of smaller gorges and dangerous shoals. There are four gorges stretching from west to east. They are Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge or Bingshu Baojian Xia, The Ox and Horse Lungs Gorge or Niugan Mafei Xia, Kongling George and Lantern Shadow or Dengying Xia Gorge. Some of the dangerous shoals are Xietan, Qingtan, Konglingtan and Xintan. Due to rapid flow of water, many boats have sunk here in the past striking the reefs. Water has been calmed now to some extend by the efforts of Gezhouba Water Conservancy Project.

Xiling Gorge

There are some historical landmarks also besides the natural landscape like the Three Traveler’s Cave or Sanyou Dong and Huangling Temple which are worth visiting. It is one of the two natural gateway of the Yangtza river, other one being the Kui gate, Nanjing pass is the end of Xiling Gorge to the eastern end of the Three Gorges. When you will cruise from boat downstream out of the Nanjin Pass, dangerous shoals and cliffs will be left behind when the middle section of Yangtze River begins. At the two banks of the Nanjing Pass, the cragged peaks tower into the sky majestically narrowing the river. You can view the natural boundary of the middle and upper section of the Yangtze River.