Baiheliang (白鹤梁), located in the Fuling section of the upper Yangtze River, is a natural giant stone ridge that stretches approximately 1,600 meters in length and 16 meters in width. It only emerges from the water between December and March each year, during the dry season. For centuries, it served as an important gauge for ancient people to observe water level changes and predict agricultural conditions. Engraved on the ridge are 18 lifelike stone fish, meticulously carved to measure the low water levels of the Yangtze River. These carvings have documented water levels and drought cycles for over a thousand years, providing invaluable hydrological data. Baiheliang is regarded as the world’s earliest hydrological station, predating China’s first official water level gauge in Wuhan by more than 1,100 years.
In addition to its scientific significance, Baiheliang also holds cultural importance due to the inscriptions left by scholars and poets throughout history. There are currently 165 inscriptions with over 30,000 characters carved in various calligraphic styles, including seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script, and cursive. These inscriptions, featuring notable figures like Song dynasty poet and calligrapher Huang Tingjian, have earned Baiheliang the title of the “Forest of Steles Underwater.”
With the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, Baiheliang was permanently submerged. To preserve this cultural relic, the government invested 200 million yuan to create the Baiheliang Underwater Museum, the world’s first underwater museum. Built around the original site, this museum allows visitors to explore the historical significance of Baiheliang through underwater viewing facilities.
The stone fish carvings on Baiheliang are not only cultural symbols but also serve as key references for studying the dry water patterns of the Yangtze River. Records from the stone fish carvings correspond closely with the 10-year drought cycle observed in modern hydrological data. Locals believe that when the stone fish appear, it signals a bountiful harvest. This belief was reinforced when the fish emerged in 1953, 1963, and 1973, all years marked by abundant harvests. The stone fish, therefore, hold great historical and agricultural significance.
Travel Information about Baiheliang Underwater Museum
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 50 RMB.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM). Closed on Mondays.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: No. 185, Section 2, Binjiang Avenue, Fuling District, Chongqing.
Public Transport: Take bus routes 113, 119, 302, 306, or 307 to Baiheliang Station, then walk to the museum.
Attraction Ratings
- Unique Features: ★★★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Excitement: ★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★
Exhibitions in Baiheliang Underwater Museum
Ground Display Hall
The Ground Display Hall of Baiheliang Underwater Museum spans two levels. The first level functions as a reception and transition area, offering various services such as consultation, a main entrance hall, an exit hall, a waiting area for the underwater exhibition, and a souvenir shop. The second level focuses on exhibitions and is divided into different thematic areas. These areas highlight the importance of hydrological observation in ancient river civilizations, the scientific value of the Baiheliang inscriptions, the cultural and poetic significance of these inscriptions, and the uniqueness of this museum as the world’s first underwater inscription museum. Additionally, the second floor features detailed records of the historical development of the Baiheliang inscriptions, replicas of the original stone carvings, as well as the legends and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Underwater Viewing Area
The underwater viewing area of Baiheliang Underwater Museum consists of four main sections: the sloped corridor, horizontal corridor, observation corridor, and the original site of the underwater inscriptions. Visitors descend slowly via a 91-meter-long electric escalator, travel through a 150-meter horizontal corridor, and then arrive at the observation corridor located 40 meters below the surface of the Yangtze River. From here, they can view the Baiheliang inscriptions through 23 circular observation windows. The distance between the inscriptions and the windows varies, with the nearest being just 1 meter away and the farthest about 8 meters.
To enhance visibility, over 10,000 lights arranged in six rows illuminate the underwater inscriptions, ensuring that visitors can clearly see the stone carvings, including the iconic stone fish and engraved characters. Additionally, 28 rotating cameras installed underwater allow for close-up views of specific inscriptions, which can be adjusted via touchscreens. Visitors can also access related video footage through a computer database. Throughout the tour, museum staff provide guided explanations to enrich the experience.