Baidi City (White Emperor City) & Qutang Gorge Scenic Area (白帝城)

The short answer: Baidi City stands on a hill at the mouth of Qutang Gorge on the north bank of the Yangtze, at the western entrance to the Three Gorges. It is where Gongsun Shu declared himself 'White Emperor' in AD 25 and where the Baidi Temple honours Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang and other Three Kingdoms figures. Made famous by Li Bai's poem, it was among the first scenic spots opened to tourists in China. Today, post-dam, it sits as a 'green island' in the high, calm river pool.

At a glance

Where it is: Baidi Town, Fengjie County, Chongqing (on the north bank at the mouth of Qutang Gorge)
How long to allow: 2–3 hours
Ticket & access: Adult ticket ¥95 (concession/discount tickets from ~¥47; boat deep-gorge tour ~¥47–57). Opening roughly 08:30–19:00 year-round. A real-name advance booking/'ticket

What it is

Baidi City stands on a hill at the mouth of Qutang Gorge on the north bank of the Yangtze, at the western entrance to the Three Gorges. It is where Gongsun Shu declared himself 'White Emperor' in AD 25 and where the Baidi Temple honours Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang and other Three Kingdoms figures. Made famous by Li Bai's poem, it was among the first scenic spots opened to tourists in China. Today, post-dam, it sits as a 'green island' in the high, calm river pool.

Why it's worth the stop

Classical Literary landmark — Li Bai's 'Leaving Baidi at Dawn'
Baidi Temple and Three Kingdoms history (Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang)
Views of Qutang Gorge, the first and narrowest of the Three Gorges

Getting there

By Yangtze cruise or intercity rail/bus to Fengjie, then local transport to the scenic area; a ticket-reservation system applies so book in advance.

Tickets and opening hours

Adult ticket ¥95 (concession/discount tickets from ~¥47; boat deep-gorge tour ~¥47–57). Opening roughly 08:30–19:00 year-round. A real-name advance booking/'ticket reservation' system is in force for Baidi City & Qutang Gorge.

Practical details

Where it is: Baidi Town, Fengjie County, Chongqing (on the north bank at the mouth of Qutang Gorge)
How long to allow: 2–3 hours
Reserve tickets in advance — the scenic area has moved to a booking system.
Take the deep-gorge boat for the classic Qutang Gorge views.