Golden Gorge

Golden Gorge

Golden Gorge is located in Renxing and Wangchang townships, 24 kilometers west of Danling County, nestled at the foot of the Zonggang Mountain Range. Stretching from Luohexi Bridge in Renxing Township at the lower end to Jicheng Bridge in Wangchang Township at the upper end, the gorge spans 7.5 kilometers and is a scenic area dominated by pristine natural landscapes.

Since the Han Dynasty, eminent monks have gathered in Golden Gorge. As early as the second year of the Dihuang era during the Xinmang period of the Western Han Dynasty, the Golden Temple, also known as Boji Temple, was built here. Later, the Golden Weir was constructed and opened.

These projects brought benefits to the local people. The gorge features steep cliffs rising like gates on both sides, with sheer rock faces that soar dramatically toward the sky, forming the majestic “One-Line Sky” (a narrow gorge with a strip of sky visible above). "Waterfalls cascade from mid-mountain peaks, and gorges span the mountain roots; tigers and wolves lurk in rocky shadows, while the clash of spears echoes with the roar of the pool; caves appear in the sky, and people walk through crevices in the rocks; arriving at this serene spot, one often sees clouds drifting up."

This poetic verse by Li Chang, a scholar from Danling County during the Qing Dynasty and head of Yajiang Academy, vividly depicts the wonder, depth, and beauty of Golden Gorge. Notable attractions within the gorge include: Dragon Pool Waterfall, Golden Gorge Lake, Twin Lions Facing the Dragon Pool, Precipitous Cliff Water Curtain, One-Line Sky, Rainbow Crossing, Fish-Watching Rock, and Golden Boat. A common local saying goes: “Golden Gorge has three wonders: morning rain doesn’t soak your clothes, snow falls in September, and you can hear the sound of a zither at midnight.” Legends such as “The deity descended upon Boji Temple, and rain came with a single shout,” or “The Golden Emperor dug through the Golden Weir in one night,” add to the gorge’s magical charm.

In addition, the gorge is home to a unique fish called “Liuxia Yu” (Flowing Scare Fish), which grows to about seven or eight inches long and weighs over a pound. It feeds on rock lava and boasts tender, delicious flesh, rivaling the famous River Group Fish. It is considered a rare delicacy in southwestern Sichuan and was once listed as a tribute in ancient times. If you have the chance to visit Golden Gorge, you’re sure to enjoy the pleasures of sightseeing, boating, fishing, and feasting on fresh catch.