Kuimen

Introducing Kuimen

Kuimen, also known as Qutang Pass, is nestled between towering mountains and the Yangtze River. It serves as the gateway where the Yangtze River enters the Three Gorges from the Sichuan Basin. It stretches 8 kilometers from Baidicheng in Fengjie County, Chongqing in the west to Daxi Town in Wushan County in the east.

Arriving at Qutang Gorge, I saw the words "Kuimen is the most majestic in the world," and realized that the scenery on the back of the ten-yuan note was filmed here. Kuimen is the western gate of Qutang Gorge, the entrance on the Shaanxi side. The cliffs on both sides are hundreds of feet high and less than a hundred meters wide, forming a gateway-like shape, hence the name.
Water from the upper Yangtze River enters the gorge through this gate. It is the western gate of the Three Gorges, also known as "Qutang Pass." Located beneath the majestic Baidi City, it serves as the gateway to and from the Sichuan Basin. The gorge is deep and swift, with the river less than 50 meters at its narrowest point. The turbulent waves and roaring roar are breathtaking, earning it the title "Kuimen is the most majestic in the world."

Climate and best time to travel

It has a subtropical monsoon humid climate, and the best time to travel is from April to November each year.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

There are two high mountains on both sides of Kuimen, the southern one is called "Baiyan Mountain" and the northern one is called "Chijia Mountain".

White Salt Mountain

It is a limestone mountain, named because the calcium-containing aqueous solution adhering to the rock looks like white salt.

Chijia Mountain

It is a limestone mountain. Because the aqueous solution containing iron oxide adheres to the surface of the weathered rock layer, the soil and rocks of this mountain are red, like a person's bare back, so it is named Chijia Mountain.

The formation of "Red Armor Sunshine", "White Salt Dawn" and "Kuimen Autumn Moon" and other scenic spots are worth visiting.

Play time: 1 hour

Tickets

No tickets required

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Kuimen

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Kuimen Gate (夔门) is the western entrance to Qutang Gorge, formed where the Yangtze squeezes between Chijia Mountain in the north and Baiyan Mountain in the south. It marks the “gate” into the gorge.
It is famed for its narrowness and steepness: it is the point where the river is constricted between high cliffs, creating dramatic vistas.
Culturally, Kuimen appears on the back of China’s 10-yuan banknote as a scenic emblem, and the view is tightly integrated with Baidi City (White Emperor City) above.
Historically, its geography made it a natural “gate” defensible point and a symbol of passage into the Three Gorges.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Kuimen is located immediately downstream from Baidi City, in Fengjie County, Chongqing, at the western entrance of Qutang Gorge.
Access is typically via river cruise (you see Kuimen from the water as you enter the gorge) or by approaching Baidi City / White Emperor City and then walking to viewing platforms facing Kuimen.
From Baidi City, a short walk or viewpoint terrace yields direct views.
There is no metro; access is by road or river transport.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Kuimen itself (as a natural river passage) is “open all day” in terms of visibility from the river.
Best times: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is clearer and light is favorable.
Morning or late afternoon are good for softer light and shadows on cliffs.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Kuimen per se is a natural landmark seen from the river; there's no separate admission fee specifically for Kuimen.
If your access is via Baidi City / White Emperor City or the Qutang Gorge scenic zone, you’ll pay the admission ticket for that entire area. (For Baidi/Qutang, the ticket is ~¥90 for the scenic area. )
Ticket purchase is typically offline at the scenic area entrance; online reservations may be available in peak seasons.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

In peak periods (holidays, high season), booking Baidi/Qutang Gorge tickets in advance is wise.
Book a day or two in advance through travel platforms if possible. In non-peak times, on-site tickets are usually fine.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To see Kuimen from the river and from a viewpoint (via Baidi City), allow 30 minutes to 1 hour.
If combining with Baidi City or the Qutang Gorge scenic zone, allocate 1–2 hours or more.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The narrow passage between Chijia Mountain (north) and Baiyan Mountain (south) forming the “gate.”
• Cliff faces on either side—steep and dramatic.
• Rock inscriptions such as the Chalk Wall on the southern bank.
• The view alignment of Kuimen captured from Baidi viewpoint / temple terraces.
• River passage itself (for cruises) as you pass through the narrow stretch.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I did not find specific information about guided or audio tours solely for Kuimen.
During a Yangtze River cruise or Baidi City visit, your tour may include commentary (often in Chinese, sometimes in English) about Kuimen as a scenic highlight.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The viewpoint platform at Baidi City / White Emperor City looking down toward Kuimen—the classic “10-yuan note” photo angle.

• From the deck of a Yangtze River cruise boat as you pass through the narrow Kuimen stretch

• Terraces or viewing platforms facing the gorge “door” formation

• Rock inscription cliffs (Chalk Wall) on southern bank for contrast shots

• Framing the river between the two high cliffs for a dramatic vertical composition

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Since Kuimen is a stretch of gorge, the “itinerary” is in how you approach it:
1. Be aboard a river cruise that passes through the Kuimen stretch
2. Disembark or access at Baidi City / White Emperor City
3. Climb to the viewpoint terraces and photograph Kuimen from the hill
4. Walk to stele forest, inscriptions, and temple areas
5. Return or reboard cruise or continue along gorge route
If doing on land, position yourself at Baidi and the temple vantage before or after cruise passage.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

I found no evidence that Kuimen offers night access or light shows specifically.
Because it is primarily viewed from the river during daytime, such features are unlikely.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Kuimen is part of the popular Three Gorges / Qutang Gorge route, so crowding occurs when many river cruises pass through.
The least crowded times are early morning or later in the day, and on weekdays outside holiday periods.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Because Kuimen is a natural gorge, facilities are minimal on the river stretch itself.
Facilities are mostly in the associated scenic area (Baidi / White Emperor City), such as restrooms, snack vendors, souvenir shops, viewing infrastructure.
Bring water and light snacks if you plan to linger.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Viewing Kuimen from river cruise is fully accessible (just observing from the deck).
Accessing viewpoints via Baidi City involves stairs and uphill walking, which may be challenging for elderly or mobility-limited visitors.
Children can generally accompany but may find steep sections strenuous.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In the broader scenic area (Baidi / Qutang Gorge), mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are usually accepted.
It is good to carry some cash (Chinese yuan) for smaller vendors or in case of connectivity issues.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Restaurants and snack stalls are available around Baidi City and in Fengjie town.
Inside the temple complex or scenic area, you may find small refreshment kiosks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes (local vegetable, tofu) are commonly available in Chinese restaurants nearby.
Halal or vegan-specific options may be limited; you may need to ask or plan ahead.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Fengjie County town has hotels, guesthouses, inns serving tourists and cruise passengers.
Staying in Fengjie gives you convenient access for morning / evening viewing.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Baidi City / White Emperor City (right above Kuimen)

• Qutang Gorge scenic zone and cliff inscriptions

• Other Three Gorges cruise stops

• Fengjie local attractions, riverbank walks, cultural sites in Fengjie County

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, near Baidi City / scenic entrance.
Typical souvenirs: photos/postcards, calligraphy artworks, themed merchandise (Three Gorges, Kuimen prints), local crafts, tea, small decorative items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After viewing Kuimen, you can continue on the Yangtze River cruise onward through the gorge.
Or return to Fengjie town and take regional buses, taxis, or private car to next destinations (e.g. Wushan, other Three Gorges stops).