Three Gorges Summit

At the Three Gorges Summit, the highest and most breathtaking point of the Yangtze River Three Gorges region, you’ll stand 1,388 meters above sea level. Known as the "Gateway to the Three Gorges," it marks the beginning of this stunning natural wonder. Its name is inspired by a famous verse from the poet Du Fu: "The red peaks and white salt reach the sky, the villages and towns surround the mountaintop."

The "Red Peaks" refer to the towering mountain on the northern side of the Qutang Gorge, while the "White Salt" describes the mountain on the southern side. The Qutang Gorge, also called Qutang Pass, is the narrowest and most dramatic section of the Yangtze River, where the river enters the Three Gorges from the Sichuan Basin, flanked by these striking mountains.

Red Peak Mountain owes its name to the reddish hue of the rocks, stained by iron-rich water that clings to the weathered surface, giving it the appearance of a human back. White Salt Mountain, on the other hand, is named for the white, calcium-rich deposits on its rocky surface, resembling salt. The two mountains stand across from each other, their contrasting red and white peaks creating a majestic and harmonious landscape, both grand and graceful.

On the fourth afternoon of the 4-night Yangzi Explorer cruise from Yichang to Chongqing, you’ll have the chance to take a 50-minute drive to the pinnacle of the Three Gorges, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the surrounding landscapes.