Divine Turtle Gorge

Divine Turtle Gorge

Divine Turtle Gorge is the most spectacular section of the Apeng River canyon, stretching 38.9 kilometers in length. The gorge entrance is 44 kilometers from downtown Qianjiang and forms an important part of the “Qianjiang National Forest Park.”

Divine Turtle Gorge gets its name from the two mountains at the gorge’s mouth that look like a pair of turtles lying opposite each other. Surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides, the area is almost cut off from the outside world. The river meanders sharply through the gorge, with sheer cliffs rising on either side, enclosing the water in a narrow channel. The gorge consists of three sections: Shenmen Gorge, Tianmen Gorge, and Renmen Gorge. Along the whole route, there are 27 bends and 28 “gates” (known as “One-Line Sky” views), with lush forests and ancient bamboo groves covering the banks, primitive vegetation, occasional sightings of monkeys and river deer, hanging coffins on the cliffs, and a beautiful ecological environment. The area is especially notable for four distinctive features: water-filled barrier valleys, a painting-like forest of fishpole bamboo, biogenic stalactites, and cave waterfall landscapes. It combines the elements of ancient, deep, long, winding, serene, perilous, mystical, marvelous, mountain, water, stone, bamboo, and forest — making it an ideal destination for cooling off in the peak of summer. The Xisha River upstream from the gorge entrance remains crystal-clear year-round, featuring 12 thrilling rapids along a 10-kilometer stretch that make it a great spot for rafting. In the Yangjiawan area along the river, the water temperature hovers around 50°C, and nearby lies the “Underground Dragon Palace” — the Qianlong Cave.