Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing

The Emerald Corridor of the Apeng River: A Guide to Youyang Shengui Gorge

📸Photography 🧗Adventure

Altitude

450m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Youyang Shengui: Gorge, also known as Divine Turtle Gorge, is a pristine natural sanctuary hidden in the hinterland of the Wuling Mountains in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing. Located at the southern end of the county, this scenic area is the essence of the Apeng River (Apeng Jiang) canyon landscape. It is not just a single attraction but a magnificent "water gallery" spanning approximately 38 kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 300 to 500 meters. Recognized for its ecological and geological significance, it forms a vital part of the "Wujiang River Hundred Mile Gallery," offering a retreat into a world where mountains and water dance together.

2.The geography of Shengui: Gorge is defined by its dramatic serpentine curves. The Apeng River, unique for being one of the few rivers in China that flows from south to north, cuts through the mountains to create this deep canyon. As you traverse the gorge, the river winds in countless "S" shapes, flanked by steep cliffs and lush vegetation. The landscape is often described as a "natural bonsai" magnified by the earth itself, where the emerald green water contrasts with the rugged stone walls, creating a visual feast that changes with every turn,.

The gorge gets its name, Shengui (Divine Turtle), from a peculiar natural phenomenon. Along the riverbanks and shoals, nature has sculpted rocks into the shapes of turtles through thousands of years of water and wind erosion. These "Divine Turtles" appear in various poses—some seemingly looking up at the sky, others playing in the water, or resting on the cliffs. According to local Tujia and Miao legends, these stone turtles are incarnations of ancient divine spirits guarding the river and suppressing water monsters, symbolizing longevity and peace for the region,.

Culturally, the Apeng River is a "River of History." It served as a vital transportation route for salt and cinnabar in ancient times and was part of the historic Sichuan-Salt Ancient Road. Signs of this ancient trade, including plank roads and suspended coffins high on the cliffs, add a layer of historical mystery to the natural beauty. The gorge is also a haven for primitive ecology. The cliffs and forests are home to wild monkeys, mandarin ducks, and diverse plant life, creating a vibrant ecosystem where nature thrives undisturbed,.

Visitors typically explore the gorge via a boat tour, drifting along the emerald waters. The journey reveals highlights such as Yanzi Dong (Swallow Cave), where thousands of swallows nest in the cliff face, and the dramatic "Yi Xian Tian" (One Line Sky), where the canyon walls narrow to leave only a slit of sky visible. Whether admiring the geological wonders, spotting wildlife, or immersing oneself in the serenity of the "Water Gallery," Youyang Shengui Gorge offers a profound connection with the raw beauty of the Wuling Mountains,.

✨ Why Visit Youyang Shengui Gorge

✦

Water Gallery

Experience a breathtaking boat journey along the Apeng River, winding through 27 bends and 28 gorges that form a continuous landscape painting of steep cliffs and emerald waters.

✦

Natural "Divine Turtle" Rocks

Marvel at the unique rock formations along the riverbanks that resemble turtles in various poses, shaped by natural erosion and steeped in local legends of protection and longevity.

✦

Primitive Ecological Kingdom

Encounter a rich diversity of wildlife, including groups of wild monkeys on the cliffs and mandarin ducks on the water, amidst a backdrop of lush broad-leaved forests and ancient trees.

✦

Yanzi Cave (Swallow Cave)

Witness the spectacular sight of thousands of swallows inhabiting the natural limestone caves on the cliff face, adding a dynamic vitality to the serene gorge.

✦

Historical Salt Road Relics

Trace the remnants of the ancient Sichuan-Salt Road and observe historical sites like suspended coffins high on the cliffs, revealing the area's significance as an ancient trade route.

Location & Nearby

📍 Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing • 🏔️ 450m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Youyang Shengui Gorge Travel Guide

Where is Youyang Shengui Gorge located?

It is located in the southern part of Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality, along the Apeng River.

What is the unique feature of the Apeng River? The Apeng River is one of the few rivers in China that flows from south to north. It is known as a "River of History" and was an ancient route for transporting salt and cinnabar.

Why is it called "Divine Turtle Gorge"? The name comes from the natural rock formations along the river that look like turtles. Local legends say these are divine turtles guarding the river and the mountains,.

What is the best way to see the gorge? The best way to experience the gorge is by boat or bamboo raft drifting, which allows visitors to see the "Water Gallery," the cliffs, and the wildlife up close,.

When is the best time to visit? The best times are generally April to May and September to October when the weather is mild, the vegetation is lush, and the water is clear.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Youyang Shengui Gorge?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.