Apeng River

(Photo: China)

　　The Apeng River originates in Lichuan, Hubei, and is the only river in China that flows from east to west. It runs through Qianjiang to Youyang, where it joins the Wu River at the ancient town of Gongtan. With a total length of 249 kilometers, it is the largest tributary of the Wu River. Within Qianjiang, the Apeng River cuts through towering mountains and deep valleys, cascading over thousands of miles with steep cliffs facing each other, forming a unique canyon landscape. The Shen Gui Gorge (Divine Turtle Gorge) is particularly distinctive, stretching 38.9 kilometers in length and representing a prime scenic highlight.

　　In Youyang, the Apeng River is surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys with steep cliffs facing each other, and numerous tributaries crisscrossing the area, creating an outstanding river valley landscape. Within a 60-kilometer stretch in Qianjiang, the Apeng River features five uniquely characteristic scenic areas: the primitive and peculiar Shen Gui Gorge, the magical and beautiful Guandu Gorge, the hot springs and caves of the Xisha River tributary, the intermittent springs and natural bridges of the Puhua River, as well as the large sinkholes and underground rivers (suitable for boating), and the Four Natural Bridges of Shenci River. Each scenic area has its own distinctive features and stands as a complete system, while also complementing and enhancing one another. They integrate along National Highway 319 along the river, forming a richly resourced, comprehensive, high-quality, and optimally combined Apeng River tourism destination, ideal for one to three days of exploration. The Apeng River encompasses eight major features: primitive gorges, hot springs, caves, intermittent springs, natural bridges, large sinkholes, underground rivers, and suspended coffins. It is profound and extensive, and is expected to become a dazzling new star in southeastern Chongqing’s tourism scene.

　　Shen Gui Gorge

　　 Shen Gui Gorge is the most outstanding section of the Apeng River canyon landscape, stretching 38.9 kilometers in length. Its entrance is 44 kilometers from downtown Qianjiang and it is an important part of the “Qianjiang National Forest Park.”

　　 Shen Gui Gorge gets its name from the two mountains at its entrance, which strikingly resemble a pair of turtles lying side by side. The high cliffs on both sides make the area almost completely isolated from the outside world. The river meanders sharply within the gorge, with steep cliffs rising on either side and the water flowing gently between them. The gorge consists of three sections: Shenmen Gorge, Tianmen Gorge, and Renmen Gorge. There are 27 bends and 28 "gates" (i.e., narrow canyons or "one-line skies") along the entire route. The banks are covered with lush forests and ancient bamboo groves, with pristine vegetation. Monkeys and river deer can be spotted, and hanging coffins cling to the cliffs, making for a beautiful ecological environment. The gorge is especially noted for its four major features: water-filled valleys, a bamboo painting corridor, biological stalactites, and cave waterfall landscapes. It blends the ancient, deep, long, winding, serene, perilous, mystical, and extraordinary, together with mountains, water, rocks, bamboo, and forests, making it an excellent summer retreat. The Xisha River upstream from the gorge entrance remains crystal-clear year-round and features 12 thrilling rapids over a 10-kilometer stretch, making it a prime spot for rafting. Yangjiawan, located along this stretch, has waters with temperatures around 50°C, and nearby lies the “underground dragon palace”—the Qianlong Cave.

　　 Guandu Gorge

　　 Guandu Gorge is 22 kilometers from downtown Qianjiang. It got its name because an ancient post road crossed the river here via boat ferry. The gorge is 18 kilometers long and serves as the first stop on the Apeng River tourism route.

　　 The cliffs on both sides of Guandu Gorge are sheer and precipitous, and the river water is deep blue and clear, offering a serene and enchanting scenery. The area also features hanging coffins, temples, ruins of water forts, and the Yutan Dam, blending natural and cultural landscapes in perfect harmony. The highlight of the gorge is the “One-Line Sky,” where visitors can reach out and touch the cliffs while standing in a space where only a sliver of sky is visible—a truly breathtaking sight. Other attractions include the “Miao Family Water Fort,” which is surrounded by water on three sides and a cliff on the fourth, along with cliff burials hanging from the steep walls, plus the Baishui Spring and Goddess Peak. The entire scenic area is praised as a “miniature bonsai.”