Chongqing - According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Baidicheng (White Emperor City)-Qutang Gorge Scenic Area in Fengjie County of Chongqing was recently determined as a national 5A scenic spot alongside 11 tourist attractions. Once finalized, Chongqing will have one more national 5A scenic spot, the highest level of China's tourist attraction rating system, indicating exceptional overall tourism quality.

To become a 5A scenic spot, a site must pass 12 inspection items, including transportation, tourist facilities, tourist safety, sanitation, communication, postal service, tourist shopping, management and operation, protection of resources and environment, the attraction of tourism resources, market attractiveness, number of overseas tourists received, and tourist satisfaction. By June 2021, 306 national 5A scenic spots have been identified in China.

Printed on 10 yuan notes as a background pattern

Baidicheng-Qutang Gorge is an essential part of the Yangtze Three Gorges and is the sixth batch of national critical cultural relics protection units.

Located in the east of Fengjie County, the scenic area is at the confluence of the 10-kilometer Cao Tang Lake and the Yangtze River. It majestically occupies the north shore of Qutang Gorge, which is the first gorge of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, surrounded by water, and has a rugged terrain. The unique geographical location of Baidicheng has made it a spot of military importance. Nature, humanities, history, and poetry are all intertwined here, creating the profound culture of the Three Gorges and a "Poetry City."

Qutang Gorge is across the water from Baidicheng. With a total length of 8 kilometers, it is the shortest but the narrowest, most dangerous, and majestic section of the gorge in the Three Gorges, with dangerous cliffs standing on both sides, creating the magnificent scenery of "the master of Kuimen in the world."

With its cliff-like banks, the Qutang Gorge was described as "no danger like a sword Pavilion, no heroism is like Kui" in ancient times. What is more, Kui Gate in Qutang Gorge is the background pattern of the 10 RMB banknote. The excellent natural scenery of Qutang Gorge will bring you an unparalleled visual experience. When the sun shines on the cliff wall, various colors are reflected in the morning glow, sunset glow, and the bright moon of Qutang Gorge, forming the spectacular view of "red armor sunshine," "white salt dawn," and "autumn moon of Kuimen." 

Well-known as a Poetry City

Baidicheng has a long and splendid historical culture. Literati and scholars like Li Bai and Du Fu wrote countless famous and immortal poems here, earning Baidicheng the title of "Poetry City."

At present, the Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway is open to traffic. It takes about 1.5 hours to travel from Chongqing City to Fengjie County, which has launched a series of tourism offers. By July 20, 2022, all passengers arriving at Fengjie Station by Zhengyu High-speed Railway can visit Baidicheng-Qutang Gorge, The Top of the Three Gorges, Three Gorges Hometown, and Longqiao River Scenic Area.

(Tan Sirui, as an intern, has contributed to this report.)