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Three Gorges
The first of the three gorges, at only 8km; it is the shortest and narrowest. The widest point is only 150m wide. The entrance is called Kuimen Gate and sits between Chijia Mountain on the North bank and Baiyan Mountain on the South bank. Some of the sights include: the ancient city of Baidicheng on the North shore, the Chalk Wall at Kuimen Gate (white cliff that has numerous characters carved into it by calligraphers, some as large as 1.7m wide), the Meng Liang Stairway (a series of carved holes that zigzag up the cliff face, thought to be a stairway to access the cliff tops from the river – remains of cities have been found on the cliff tops to support this theory), and the Ancient Pathways (for haulers to pull vessels upstream & goods up the mountains).
The most notable of the gorges due to the constant fog caused by very little sunlight passing over the sheer cliffs home to the famous 12 peaks of the Wushan Mountains. Daning River, the largest of over 700 tributaries, flows north from the gorge and into the Lesser Three Gorges. Shennong Stream, on the border of Wu & Xiling Gorges, is known for its unique scenery (including hanging coffins and stalactites) and natural four gorges.
The largest and most dangerous gorge is around 76km long, starting at Xiang Xi and ending near Nanjin Pass. It is known for its fierce rapids and whirlpools. It is comprised of seven small gorges and although dangerous, it is considered the most beautiful of the three gorges. Huangling Temple is the largest and oldest ancient architecture in the Three Gorges area. It was originally built in 200BC. Pillars in the hall record flood water levels over the years, and even marks the most severe flood ever, which occurred in 1870. Three Traveller’s Cave, accessible by board walk, is filled with inscriptions and poems. It is cool in Summer and warm in Winter.
The lesser three gorges are lower and narrower than the main three gorges. The area begins just off Wu Gorge and continues around 50km North along the Daning River. As with Shennong Stream, Daning River is also known for its beautiful scenery as well as the playful wildlife that resides there, such as the macaque monkeys.
Fengdu is the only ghost city in all of China. Its structures are full of statues which guard the spirit world. There are 75 Buddhist and Taoist temples there, most of which are gathered on the famous Ming Mountain. All of the temples were originally built between 265 – 420AD. Legends say that Ming Mountain is one of the 72 graveyards for Taoism. March 3 – 15 of the lunar month are the temple fair days and the locals perform interesting ‘spirit shows’.
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