Home : Attractions : Three Gorges : Xiling Gorge :

Yellow Ox Gorge

The Yangtze zigzags its way through the Xiling Gorge, in a series of S-bends. With the rapid current rushing between rocky outcrops, navigating this section is extremely difficult, even though the scenic spots here are among the best in the area.

Yellow Ox Gorge, in the middle section of the Xiling Gorge, is named after Yellow Ox Mountain on the south bank of the river. With a height of 1,000 meters (3281 feet), the mountain takes on a reddish brown color in the semblance of a man leading an ox. People passing by are bound to marvel at this masterpiece of nature. This natural image of a dark strong man and a yellow ox on the cliff hangs in high view. The Chinese Classic in the 6^th century, Commentary on the Waterways, had the spectacle described in detail.

There is a legend that the Ox was in fact the one that helped Yu the Great (a tribal leader in ancient times) in dredging the Yangtze River. In honor of its great contribution, a Yellow Ox Temple was constructed at the foot of the mountain. Since it was originally built during the Han Dynasty, the temple has undergone reconstruction several times, and the name was changed to Huangling Temple, as it is known nowadays. It is recognized as the oldest architectural feature in the Three Gorges region.