Baiheliang Underwater Museum

A Remarkable Testament to Ancient Hydrology

Located beneath the Yangtze River in Fuling, the Baiheliang Underwater Museum offers visitors a unique and profound glimpse into the past. White Crane Ridge, the site of this exceptional museum, is not marked by monumental scale, but rather by its quiet intellectual depth and precision in capturing over 1,200 years of human observation.

A Historical Hydrological Gauge

The significance of Baiheliang lies in its role as one of the earliest and most accurate natural hydrological gauges in the world. First recorded during the Tang Dynasty, the ridge became a living record of the Yangtze River's fluctuations over centuries, long before modern measuring tools were available. Local scholars and officials carved water level markings, dates, poems, and calligraphy into the stone, capturing the ebb and flow of the river with remarkable precision. These inscriptions are considered the oldest and most comprehensive ancient hydrological records in existence.

The Legend of White Crane

The name "Baiheliang" or White Crane Ridge is deeply rooted in local legend. It is said that a scholar once saw a white crane land on the ridge and took it as a sign of good fortune. From that moment, the ridge became more than just a hydrological gauge. It transformed into a place of reflection and ritual, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Preserving a Legacy Beneath the River

Following the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, Baiheliang was submerged for much of the year. Yet, in an effort to preserve and share this invaluable heritage, a groundbreaking underwater museum was created beneath the riverbed. The museum allows visitors to explore this submerged treasure through glass corridors, offering an opportunity to view the ancient inscriptions in their original underwater setting. Soft lighting illuminates the carvings, while detailed explanations provide historical context and insight into their meaning.

An Unforgettable Experience on the Yangzi Explorer

If you're embarking on a 3-night cruise from Chongqing to Yichang with Yangzi Explorer, you'll have the exclusive opportunity to visit the Baiheliang Underwater Museum on the second day of your journey. This exceptional experience offers you the rare chance to explore the world’s first underwater museum, allowing you to delve into the rich cultural and scientific heritage of the Yangtze River.