The Emerald Soul of the Yellow River: Exploring Yongjing’s Three Gorges

A Convergence of Canyons and Plateaus

1.The Yongjing Yellow River Three: Gorges is located in the central part of Gansu Province within Yongjing County, Linxia Prefecture. It is situated at the geographical intersection where the Loess Plateau meets the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, creating a landscape of dramatic transitions. Rather than a single canyon, it is a magnificent scenic belt composed of three distinct gorges: Bingling Gorge, Liujiaxia Gorge, and Yanguo Gorge.

The Phenomenon of the "Clear" Yellow River

One of the most breathtaking features of this region is the clarity of its water. While the Yellow River is globally famous for its heavy silt and muddy appearance, the river at Yongjing remains remarkably clear and turquoise, earning it the nickname "The Emerald Soul of the Yellow River". This rare geographical phenomenon provides a striking contrast against the surrounding red Danxia landforms and vertical sandstone cliffs.

Silk Road Heritage and Ancient Art

The area is a critical node on the ancient Silk Road, specifically the "Linjin Ancient Ferry" route. Its most significant cultural landmark is the Bingling Temple Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into the red cliffs of the 积石山 (Jishi Mountain). The grottoes date back over 1,600 years to the Western Qin Dynasty and feature a colossal 27-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, alongside a vast collection of murals and sculptures that document the eastward spread of Buddhist art.

Modern Engineering and High Gorges

In addition to its ancient history, Yongjing is a symbol of modern Chinese engineering. It is home to the Liujiaxia Hydropower Station, which was the first million-kilowatt hydropower station independently designed and constructed by China. The construction of the dam created the massive Liujiaxia Reservoir, effectively transforming the once-turbulent river into a serene "high-plateau lake" covering 130 square kilometers. Today, visitors navigate these waters by boat to experience a unique fusion of prehistoric geology, ancient religious art, and industrial milestones.