Home

Xiling Gorge

Top 5 Lists

Overview

Xiling Gorge is the longest of the Three Gorges (at 66 kilometers, compared to Wu Gorge at 44 kilometers and Qutang Gorge at 8 kilometer). Before the Three Gorges Dam Project, Xiling Gorge was renowned for its winding waterway that suddenly narrowed into treacherous rapids or skirted over dangerous shoals.

Location

From west to east, Xiling Gorges starts from the mouth of Xiangxi River in Zigui County till Nanjin Pass in Yichang City. It was named after Mt. Xiling. There are 3 cities along Xiling Gorge, which are Badong, Zigui and Yichang. The Three Gorges Dam comes right in front of Xiling Gorge.

Features

Xiling Gorge is the last of the Three Gorges as one sails down from this stretch of the Yangtze, and it marks the end of the narrow, twisting and turning corridor that has been so treacherous in the past. Thanks to the Gezhou Dam Water Conservancy Project, the water now has been calmed to some extent.

In spite of the risks (Xiling Gorge was dubbed as a "death passage"). Ships were compelled to pass through its waters regularly, as there was little alternative. It was also for this reason, among many others, that the Three Gorges Dam project was justified. It has turned what was once a "dealth passage", where many ships went aground, and some even completely destroyed, into a gent waterway whose surface today more fittingly be compared to the placid waters of a lake.

Beyond the Xiling Gorge, the Yangtze broadens out into a flat, gentle waterway that is easy to navigate. Along Xiling Gorge sit many historical sites, including the Huangling Temple which was first built during the Three Kingdoms Period over 1,800 years ago, Quyuan Ancestral Hall, an old temple to honor the memory of Quyuan, a great patriotic poet in ancient time, and the former residence of Wangzhaojun.

Travel Information

The best way to see Wu Gorge is on a Yangtze Cruise. Read more on Yangtze Cruises.
For the best time of year to travel see Yangtze River Weather.

Nearby Attractions

Wu Gorge
Qutang Gorge
The Lesser Three Gorges

Tips & articles

2011-05-23
In gorge the east 2 of horse s lung of the Xiling Gorge ox s liver. 5 kilometers. Belong to temple the river and black rock son of the county, total length 2 in Zi. 5 kilometers. Two sides ridges and peaks pile beautiful, ring cloud friendly and green, ...Read More
2011-05-23
The Xiling Gorge that the scene is beautiful, belongs to the fragrant small stream river mouth in the county from Zi in the west, closes to the market south Tianjin of Yichang in the east, total length is 76 kilometers, it is the longest gorge in Yangtse River ...Read More
2011-05-23
Lie at the gorge mouth scenic spot of Yichang of Hubei, about eight km from Yichang, according to about 30 kilometers of the Three Gorges Dam, are close to the beautiful lower firm small stream, and visit the hole three times only a bridge separate. Happy ...Read More

forum discussion

Recent posts

by Cal 2011-05-23
The Three Gorges region is a scenic area along the Yangtze River in China with a total length of approximately 200 km. Although it is primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is historically and culturally an important region in China, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most majestic of the ...
by Feodore 2011-05-23
The Yangtze River and its surroundings have so much more to see than can be appreciated in one visit. The main attractions include various large and small cities along the riverside, many of which are many hundreds of years old, the Three Gorges, the enormous Three Gorges Dam and of course, the river itself. One can not talk about Three Gorges Dam without ...
by Selina 2011-05-20
[Yangzi River Website] (Chu Tian Golden Newspaper) The day before yesterday, the impoundment of Three Gorges Dam has reached its highest water level at 175m. The Dam s function of flood controling, electricity generating, navigation ensuring will be fully applied. It is a dream which lasted for generations that finally came true. Just as people are cheering ...