Tuoniang Gorge

Tuoniang Gorge

The left bank of Tuoniang Gorge features a towering primeval rocky forest mountain, with cliffs rising thousands of feet straight from the riverbed. The rocks are bizarrely shaped, resembling an ancient mural from a thousand years ago. The right bank (Guangxi side) is a towering rocky mountain, with precipitous strata of rock pointing to the sky. After the boat enters the gorge, the river water flows quietly. In the distance, two massive rocks resemble a pair of lions lying across the river, about 8 meters high and 6 meters wide, dividing the river into two parts. The boatman said that the waterway on the Yunnan side (left) is called “Niang Gorge” (Mother’s Gorge), while the one on the Guangxi side (right) is called “Gong Gorge” (Father’s Gorge). Because the river is narrow, fast-flowing, and full of hidden reefs, countless boats capsized here in the past. It is said in folklore that when a boat reaches this point and life and death hang in the balance, someone must ask: “Which gorge are we passing through?” If the answer is “Gong Gorge,” then the boat will secretly pass through Niang Gorge. If the answer is “Niang Gorge,” then the boat will secretly pass through Gong Gorge. This way, the boat will avoid capsizing. The peril of this gorge was depicted in the poem “Boat Passing Qianya” by Wang Weihuai, magistrate of Xilin County, Guangxi, who passed through the gorge in the fifth year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty: The Tuoniang River surges like a swimming dragon, Two rocks stand firm in the river's heart. Like fangs in the mouth, they fiercely gnash, Not a gap spared as the current rushes forth. Nature forged these dangers in the wild land, Marvels carved by gods and spirits grand. Waves surge a hundred times, hard to flee, Roaring, splashing, they reach the sky. Thunderous roars echo unceasingly, As if shaking the earth’s axis and the heavens. A lone boat swiftly passes by, Frightening the soul, hearts full of dread. Fighting to pass the treacherous narrows in a breath, One slip and you fall into the Dragon King’s palace. This is how far people will risk their lives, A warning at the brink fills my humble heart. Pushing the canopy aside, I'm lucky to escape, Like drifting mist in the returning wind.

Upstream from the Twin Lions Rock, there are scenic spots such as Star Rock, Lion Rock, and Twin Turtles Rock. About 200 meters from the Twin Lions Rock is a flat sandy beach where tourists usually disembark to rest and have snacks. On New Year’s Day 2001, nine couples from Kunming spent the Spring Festival on the beach in this gorge. They lived on fish caught from the river and returned to Kunming only after the holiday ended on the sixth day. Before leaving the gorge, these visitors also cleaned up the beach thoroughly.

The entire stretch of Tuoniang Gorge is about 3 kilometers long. After enjoying the gorge scenery, visitors can take a raft for drifting.

The Tuoniang River has few rapids and many shallow sections, making it suitable for rafting trips for all ages, including men, women, and children. The Tuoniang River basin has been designated as a natural ecological reserve by the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, and the scenery along both banks of the river will become even more beautiful.