Qutang Gorge

What are the most recommended things to do in Qutang Gorge?

Cruise through the gorge to view the dramatic cliffs and narrow river passage; hike the cliff roads and plank path; visit White Emperor City and its temples; see ancient relics like hanging coffins, cliff inscriptions, red-armor mountain / white-salt mountain; enjoy viewpoints such as Kui Gate (夔门) and the cliffside plank roads; explore relic sites on both banks (e.g. ancient cultural remains, temples, signal towers, steles); combine with ascent to “Three Gorges Peak” (三峡之巅) for panoramic views.

Yangtze cruise — pass through Qutang Gorge as part of a Three Gorges cruise
Walk or hike cliff trails, old plank roads, and visit historical ruins in the gorge
Explore White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng) on the west side
Climb to “Three Gorges Peak” above the gorge for sweeping views
Photography, especially at Kui Gate, the narrowest points, and during misty early morning or dusk

Introducing Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge, also known as Kui Gorge, stretches 8 kilometers from Baidicheng in Fengjie County, Chongqing, in the west to Daxi Town in Wushan County in the east. It boasts the most majestic and precipitous scenery. Of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, although it is the shortest, it is also the most majestic and precipitous.

Qutang Gorge boasts numerous and concentrated scenic spots and historical sites, making them convenient for visitors. Upstream of the gorge are the ancient city of Fengjie, the Eight Diagrams Formation, and the Yufu Pagoda. Atop the mountaintop on the north bank of the gorge lies Baidi City, home to a treasure trove of cultural relics, the breathtaking ancient plank road, and the mysterious Fengxiang Gorge. On the south bank, visitors can admire the inscribed whitewashed walls, the legendary Mengliang Ladder, the Hanged Monk, the Armor Cave, and the tranquil and sweet Phoenix Drinking Spring.

On the south bank, not far downstream from Fengxiang Gorge, a bizarrely shaped peak rises from the riverbank, known as the "Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon." Just south of Qutang Gorge, the Daxi Culture ruins are a site of particular interest to archaeologists. Just a few kilometers from Baidi City, the ruins of Du Fu's Thatched Cottage were a favorite haunt of the poet.

Climate and best time to travel

The Three Gorges' high water season, generally from February to April , is peak tourist season. Boats are only available in the Little Three Gorges and the Mini-Little Three Gorges during this period. From late November to early December , scenic areas like Zhaitang Gorge and Kuimen enter their peak red foliage viewing season, offering breathtaking views of the "high gorges and tranquil lakes," with mountains blanketed in crimson and forests ablaze with color.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The main attractions include Fengjie Ancient City, Eight Diagrams Formation, Yufu Tower, Ancient Plank Road, Fengxiang Gorge, Fenbi Wall, Mengliang Ladder, and Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon.

Recommended play time: 3-4 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

Most Popular FAQs for Qutang Gorge

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

Qutang Gorge is the first (western) gorge of the famed Yangtze Three Gorges, stretching about 8 km from White Emperor City (west) to Daxi (east). It is the shortest, narrowest, and among the most dramatic of the three, with cliffs rising steeply from the river and narrow river passages. It contains the famous “Kui Gate” (夔门), which historically has been seen as a natural gateway to the Three Gorges. It also carries rich cultural layers: poets and literati (e.g. Du Fu) have left numerous works inspired by this area; the White Emperor City above the gorge is associated with myth, lore, and ancient governance; relics of ancient cliff dwellings, plank roads, hanging coffins, and inscriptions abound.

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

The Qutang Gorge / White Emperor City Scenic Area is located in Fengjie (奉节) County in Chongqing Municipality, at the western entrance of the Three Gorges. The gorge‐entrance is at the river’s edge; White Emperor City is on the north bank (on White Emperor Mountain). The scenic area stretches eastward from Baidi (White Emperor City) across the gorge. To get there: Typically you reach Fengjie by road or by train (high-speed rail to Fengjie). From Fengjie you can take local buses, tourist shuttles, or taxis to White Emperor City / the gorge entrance. If you are on a Three Gorges cruise, the ship will pass through Qutang Gorge.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The scenic area is generally open year-round, commonly from around 08:30 to 19:00. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is moderate, and early morning or late afternoon for dramatic light and mist effects.

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

Ticketing is done via the White Emperor City + Qutang Gorge scenic area as a combined site. The published price (as of recent updates) is around HKD 103.82 (converted) in some listings for the combined area. In China, you can buy tickets onsite or via official tourism websites or third-party platforms (e.g. Trip.com) in advance.

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

It is recommended to pre-book especially during peak seasons or holidays to avoid sold-out situations, particularly for cruise itineraries. For the scenic area itself, booking 1–2 days ahead is usually sufficient, but during major holidays you may want to reserve earlier.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can cover the main scenic highlights in 2–3 hours (White Emperor City + gorge viewpoints). For deeper exploration (cliff trails, ruins, combining with Three Gorges Peak), allow half a day (4–5 hours).

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

Kui Gate (夔门) — the dramatic gorge entrance, often used as an iconic image
White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng) — temples, historic halls, steles, scenic terraces
Plank paths / cliff roads and ancient walking paths along the gorge walls
Hanging coffins, cliff inscriptions, relic sites on north and south banks (e.g. “old pass temple site,” 赤甲楼, signal towers, etc.)
Red-armor Mountain (north bank) and White-salt Mountain (south bank) flanking the narrow passage
Three Gorges Peak (三峡之巅) above the gorge for panoramic views

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

Yes, guided tours are often offered locally (in Chinese; some tourist operators may provide English guides). There may be audio guides in the scenic area, though Chinese is most likely; for foreign visitors, guided groups are a safer choice.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The narrowest passage at Kui Gate — best for dramatic river + cliff shots

From White Emperor City terraces overlooking the gorge

Along plank roads and cliff-edge walkways

From Three Gorges Peak above the gorge

At misty dawn or sunset when the gorge is enveloped in clouds

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at White Emperor City (temples, terraces, halls) → walk down to viewpoint terraces → move toward the gorge entrance at Kui Gate → optional cliff walk / plank path sections → then exit toward Daxi side (if allowed) or return via the same route
If combining with Three Gorges Peak, ascend (or take cable/transport) to the peak after finishing gorge side visits

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

There is no widely advertised regular night visitation or light show within the gorge itself. Occasionally special evening cultural performances or lighting events may be held in the White Emperor City area, depending on local arrangements.

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

The site can be busy during public holidays, weekends, and peak tourist season (April–May, Sept–Oct). The least crowded times are mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and in off-peak months (winter). Early morning is often quieter.

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

The scenic area is equipped with basic tourist facilities: restrooms, drinking water stations, rest pavilions, souvenir shops, and snack/tea stalls near the major visitor hubs (White Emperor City and entrance plaza).

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

Parts of the site (main terraces, temples, scenic overlooks) are accessible or manageable, but cliff walks, steep stairways, plank paths and uneven terrain may be challenging for elderly, very young children or persons with mobility impairments. Some assistance or skipping strenuous trails may be needed.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In China in tourist sites, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are commonly accepted, especially in major scenic areas. However, for smaller shops or remote stalls, having cash (RMB) is advisable as a backup.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are modest restaurants, tea houses, snack stalls inside or near the scenic area (in White Emperor City vicinity, entrance plaza) offering local Chongqing / Sichuan cuisine, snacks, teas, and light meals. In Fengjie town further away, more dining options exist.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options (simple stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, vegetable noodles) are commonly available in Chinese tourist restaurants. Fully vegan or halal may be less common; it’s advisable to request or check in advance in the local restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

In Fengjie County and around White Emperor City, there are hotels ranging from mid-range to higher end that cater to tourists. Some hotels advertise “gorge view” or proximity to the Yangtze river / scenic area. Booking in advance is recommended during peak times.

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

You can combine with:

Three Gorges Peak (三峡之巅) — located above the gorge to get panoramic views
Other parts of the Yangtze Three Gorges (Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge) via cruise
Nearby historic relics and cliff ruins in the gorge and along the banks
White Emperor City’s local cultural and poetic heritage sites

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, souvenir shops are found in the visitor centers, near temple precincts, entrance plazas. Typical souvenirs include postcards, prints or paintings of the gorge, local handicrafts, small sculptures or models, local tea, calligraphy items, and bookmarks or prints of classic Chinese poetry.

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

After visiting, you can:

Continue downstream/upstream via Yangtze River cruise (if on a cruise trip)
Return to Fengjie and take train, bus or car toward your next destination (e.g. Wushan for Wu Gorge)
Hire local taxis or arrange private transfer to next scenic spot or city