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Yangtze Three Gorges - That's the name of the tour we signed up. Obviously, the top highlight includes the world renowned Three Gorges comprise Xiling Gorge (Xiling Xia), Wu Gorge (Wu Xia) and Qutang Gorge (Qutang Xia). There are so much said about these gorges from the scenic natural landscape to history, legends and perhaps myths lying beneath. This is the journey I want to explore and witness with my own eyes. Eventually, it happened in September 2007!


Xiling Xia (Gorge in Mandarin is called 'Xia') stretches about 80km upstream slightly after Yichang, is the longest gorge of the Three Gorges of Yangtze. Previously, it was warned as the most dangerous spot due to swift current and dangerous shoals. Nevertheless, today the sailing is much smoother and safer to navigate due to the rise of water level.

The formation of rocks along this gorges are unique and strange with some cliff resembling Monkey Sun, Pig Bajie, Priest Xuan Zhuan, and Monk Sha; the four characters in the Chinese classic 'Pilgrimage to the West'. This is the Shadow-Play Gorge, one of the most famous gorges here.

Other scenic spots of Xiling Xia include Military Book and Precious Sword. Legend says that Zhuge Liang kept his military book and sword here.

Another well-known gorge here was The Ox's Liver and Horse's Lung Gorge. Unfortunately, this historic rocks formation was partly blasted a few centuries ago and later submerged due to water level elevation and totally disappears.

Interested how to locate these gorges on the map? Check out here. Another tip -  If you are curious on how each of these gorges look like, it is best gluing your ears to cruise commentator as some of these strange formation are hard to recognize unless being pointed by an experienced tour guide.

Capitalizing on Yangtze as transportation channel, plenty of activities are focus at the river bank includes sand/charcoal factory and vessel workshop.


Stay tune for upcoming installment to see the breathtaking view of Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge!

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