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Baidi City (White Emperor City)

Baidi City (White Emperor City) is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, a few miles into Fengjie County. It is situated on Baidi Mountain at the mouth of Qutang Gorge, one of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. The Baidi City is also called the Baidi Temple.

  • White Emperor City is like an island on the Yangtze River.

    White Emperor City is like an island on the Yangtze River.

  • There is a big and high entrance gate to the White Empeor City and Temple.

    There is a big and high entrance gate to the White Empeor City and Temple.

Legend of Baidi City

Because of its strategic position the town was chosen in the first century AD by Gong Sunshu, an official turned soldier, as the site of his headquarters. The legend goes that in AD 25 white vapour in the shape of a dragon was seen rising from a nearby well. Taking this as an auspicious omen, Gong declared himself the "White Emperor" and the town "White Emperor City".

Remains of the city wall can still be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain. The 12-year reign of the White Emperor was regarded as a time of peace and harmony, so after his death a temple was built to commemorate his reign. This temple dates back over 1,950 years.

What to See in Baidi Temple

In Baidi Temple, you can appreciate some ancient architecture, and Tuogu Tang (Entrusting Son's Hall) is the most attractive one.

In the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280), the king of the Shu Kingdom, Liu Bei, failed in the battle with the Wu Kingdom at Baidi City. He became ill and entrusted his son to his prime minister, Zhuge Liang before closing his eyes. Now, the hall exhibits the statues which depict the scene of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang.

  • The hall exhibits the statues which depict the scene of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang.

    The hall exhibits the statues which depict the scene of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang.

  • The hall exhibits the statues which depict the scene of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang.

    The figures on the left side of the hall that Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang

Mingliang Palace is where the statue of Gongsun Shu was once sacrificed by the people. In the Ming Dynasty, the stature was replaced by those of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhangfei and Zhuge Liang.

  • The hall exhibits the statues which depict the scene of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang.

    The figures on the right side of the hall that Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang

  • Architecture style in Observing Stars Pavilion, which is beautiful and attractive.

    Architecture style in Observing Stars Pavilion, which is beautiful and attractive.

Another feature worth-mention is the Observing Stars Pavilion (Guanxing Ting). It is the place where Zhuge Liang observed the stars and developed the tactic of using arms.

Other relics housed in Baidi Temple are a stele forest, ancient suspended wooden coffins, painting and calligraphy works by celebrities of different dynasties.

How to get there?

When taking the Yangtze River cruise, you can take a boat to Xin Town and then take the Bust directly to the White Emperor City.

Generally, the White Emperor City tour is an option for some Yangtze River cruise, and they will organize the tour for you and take you there with the special services.

You will have a two and half hours for your White Emperor City visit to appreciate the rich historic story and mysterious legend.

Just tell us as more as you have in mind: how many days & how long, which ship you prefer, what kind of room, and any other special requirement. Email Response Within 24 Hours.

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