Xiling Gorge

From the Nanjin Guan Pass in the east, to the Xiangxikou Mouth in the west, the river is the difficult, long and winding passage for ship voyages. There were innumerable boatmen had met their end in the ancient time. However, it has been well-known for its strange stone scenery and rapid flow of water waves. The area is full of high hills, deep valleys, dangerous shoals and submerged reefs. Either in old or modern time, whatever the harshness of the environment is, people are like to visit here to experience the great natural artwork. This is the

Xiling Gorge

.

The Lamp-Shadow Gorge is in pure green color all year round with crystal-clear waterfalls. The cliff is shadowed in the water in a clear day and in a moonlit night, the image of the gorge with the moon above is so picturesque.

After passing the Lamp-Shadow Gorge, we will see a high row of steep cliffs, which are accompanied by the pounding waves of water below. These are altogether called as the Yellow Ox Rock, and the valley here "The Yellow Ox Gorge". It is so rugged in appearance compared to the Lamp-Shadow. The Yellow Ox Gorge was formed during the Sinian Period (about 800 million years before present). Abundant fossils of ancient fish can be found here nowadays that are the evidence of the geological history in the Three Gorges area.