Two Gates · A Slit of Sky

Two Gates · A Slit of Sky

The Two Gates of Héyú Township, also known as the Dragon Gate, were once an ancient key route between Sichuan and Shaanxi. Driving about 3 kilometers east from the Héyú Township government, you’ll arrive at the entrance of the canyon. Below your feet, the green water swirls, while towering cliffs rise on either side overhead—hence the name “A Slit of Sky.” Following the stream upstream, the canyon stretches for about 20 kilometers, featuring beautiful mountains, clear waters, birdsong, and fragrant flowers. As you near the Two Gates, towering cliffs dozens of meters high rise abruptly from the ground, standing opposite each other like two immense gates in the canyon, naturally formed and seemingly opening and closing. It has long been said that “one gate locks two provinces.” Just a few dozen meters in front of the gates, there is a prominent boulder in the middle of the river, atop which grow two or three thick, short pine trees. Their lush branches and leaves resemble deep layers of emerald clouds or a phoenix dancing in the deep valley.

Source: People's Government of Chengkou County, Chongqing Municipality