Ten-Mile Long Gorge

Ten-Mile Long Gorge

Guide: As the saying goes, “The Yellow River enriches Ningxia.” Originating from the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai, the mighty Yellow River winds its way through Qingtong Gorge. The Qingtong Gorge Hydropower Station, construction of which began in 1958, generates up to 890 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This hydropower project provides irrigation and power supply for the fertile and historic Qingtong Gorge. The scenic stretch of about ten li (approximately five kilometers) upstream from the river-blocking dam is known as the Ten-Mile Long Gorge. Introduction: Traveling upstream by sightseeing boat, you’ll experience rapid currents. As the boat cuts through the water, it churns up waves that resemble plowing furrows in a field, sending up sprays like flying snow — a truly refreshing sight. About three or four li into the journey, you’ll see towering mountains to the west, part of the Helan Mountain range. Here, the striking three characters “Tian Shu Ge” (Heavenly Book Pavilion) stand out vividly. Legend has it that this was where sages came to cultivate themselves. If you look closely, the upper and lower greenish rocks on the upper right resemble a crocodile’s mouth, from which white mist-like emissions — resembling clouds, fog, or even small fish and shrimp — seem to spout. It is said that thanks to this giant crocodile’s protection, the Heavenly Book has never been stolen and remains perfectly preserved.

Further along, the western Helan Mountains appear lush and emerald green. From top to bottom, and from right to left, the layered rock strata lean outward like tiles — these are stratified rocks with a geological structure that dates back tens of thousands of years. The stratified rocks bear witness to the age and grandeur of the Helan Mountains. Going further upstream, you’ll spot what looks like a massive nose, mouth, and a large, round belly lying on its back — clearly the form of a sleeping Buddha. The Sleeping Buddha lies facing south with its head to the north, exuding a serene, transcendent, and carefree aura.

On the eastern riverbank, trees stand densely and vibrantly green, while wisps of cooking smoke rise and the sounds of chickens crowing and dogs barking can be heard. Known as the “Shangri-La of Qingtong Gorge,” although few people live here, the land is fertile and crops thrive, presenting a prosperous scene that seems cut off from the outside world — evoking the poetic seclusion and tranquility described in the line “Picking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern hedge, I glimpse the southern mountains in the distance.”

Visiting the Ten-Mile Long Gorge in the morning and evening offers completely different experiences. A morning trip brings a coolness tinged with a slight chill, refreshing the mind and filling one with a sense of clarity and vitality. An evening visit captures the essence of the gorge — as sunset glows reflect off the water, the surface shimmers with radiant colors, while egrets fly joyfully across the azure sky.

WuZhong City, Ningxia