Chongqing Baidi City
Chongqing Baidi City
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
52 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
20
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Laurie48
San Diego, CA341 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
I see where there is little written on this US$40-45 boat excursion. The riverboat docked at the port and the only way you can get off the boat is to take this tour. My daughter and I found it interesting, some good exercise and were very glad we did not miss it. Only the two of us and two Brits got off and we had our own English speaking guide who was very helpful. As we walked off the boat we went by some local vendors making such things as the local crafts like combs. We then took a bus to where we departed and walked over a bridge to the White Emperor City. You definitely get a good view of the gorge that has the picture of the 10RMB. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for us, We climbed the 300 pus stairs, The Brits opted to do the individual rent a chair with carriers up. We walked through the temples, museums and watched artists do temple rubbings. This was the first time on this trip I saw where they were doing them. I had bought several rubbings in China in 78 but heard the government no longer allows some to be done. They are priced very reasonably in a small store, We walked down the other side of the hill and also had some good views. This particular day had gorgeous views of the opening of the gorge. There was a photographer that had the choice spot and his pictures were very good. (We did not take time to have one done and it was pretty crowded). So, we had a great day with our new Brit friends seeing the City.
Written May 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin B
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,999 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Baidi City was actually originally a small town and is I believe more commonly known as White Emperor City which dates from the Western Han dynasty, approximately 2000 years ago, when a rebel general set himself as the king of Shu and called himself the White Emperor, hence the name White Emperor City. The city / temple has been repaired many times since.
Originally built on the top of a hill it is now on an island due to the flooding which resulted from the building of the Three Gorges Dam. Entrance to the sight is by a long ornate wooden bridge, following which is a 346 step climb to the city / temple itself. The temple consists of many buildings, gardens and ornate water features. Many of the buildings have ornate replica statues which help to explain the history behind the White Emperor and Temple / City itself.
Also present are some historically important stone slabs with Chinese writing / poems, a particularly famous one is made from bamboo leaves. Also present is a room with some of the original cliff coffins found in the area, and also some details as to there significance.
We visited the site whilst on a 5 day / 4 night upstream Yangtze river cruise, the cruise ship berthed on the right hand shore of the river and after walking through a small area selling souvenirs and fresh fish we took a short 5 min bus to the bridge at the entrance of the site. Although this off boat tour was organised by the cruise ship it was an additional 290 yuan per person to visit.
Finally, from the top of the hill / temple are magnificent views of the Yangtze river looking upstream. However, the downstream view is simply stunning as you are looking directly at the Kui Gate which marks the entrance of the Yangtze river as it flows into the Qutang Gorge (the most westerly of the Yangtze Three Gorge Area). This view is depicted on the back of a 10 yuan note. An another hill to the left of the Kui gate is an old fortress guarding the strategic importance of the Kui Gate and the entrance to the Qutang Gorge, you can still see the canons which guarded the entrance from the Japanese during WWII.
A must see attraction whilst cruising the Yangtze River.
Tip: although the 346 step climb up the hill makes this attraction definitely not wheelchair accessible there is the option to use a litter (Chinese sedan chair carried by two porters), cost of which I heard was an expensive 100 yuan (negotiable).
Originally built on the top of a hill it is now on an island due to the flooding which resulted from the building of the Three Gorges Dam. Entrance to the sight is by a long ornate wooden bridge, following which is a 346 step climb to the city / temple itself. The temple consists of many buildings, gardens and ornate water features. Many of the buildings have ornate replica statues which help to explain the history behind the White Emperor and Temple / City itself.
Also present are some historically important stone slabs with Chinese writing / poems, a particularly famous one is made from bamboo leaves. Also present is a room with some of the original cliff coffins found in the area, and also some details as to there significance.
We visited the site whilst on a 5 day / 4 night upstream Yangtze river cruise, the cruise ship berthed on the right hand shore of the river and after walking through a small area selling souvenirs and fresh fish we took a short 5 min bus to the bridge at the entrance of the site. Although this off boat tour was organised by the cruise ship it was an additional 290 yuan per person to visit.
Finally, from the top of the hill / temple are magnificent views of the Yangtze river looking upstream. However, the downstream view is simply stunning as you are looking directly at the Kui Gate which marks the entrance of the Yangtze river as it flows into the Qutang Gorge (the most westerly of the Yangtze Three Gorge Area). This view is depicted on the back of a 10 yuan note. An another hill to the left of the Kui gate is an old fortress guarding the strategic importance of the Kui Gate and the entrance to the Qutang Gorge, you can still see the canons which guarded the entrance from the Japanese during WWII.
A must see attraction whilst cruising the Yangtze River.
Tip: although the 346 step climb up the hill makes this attraction definitely not wheelchair accessible there is the option to use a litter (Chinese sedan chair carried by two porters), cost of which I heard was an expensive 100 yuan (negotiable).
Written March 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter R
Buderim, Australia2,336 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
This was an interesting site to see but the stange thing was that only 6 non chinese people opted to go on the tour and the rest were chinese ?? something to do with white dragons being associated with the City. Anyhow it was worth while seeing the rare stone carving, The Bamboo Leaf Tablet, on which the charecters of a poem are engraved in the form of 3 bamboo branches
Written May 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia13,898 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
Baidicheng or "White Emperor City" is an ancient temple complex located atop a hill overlooking Qutang Gorge. It is 8 kilometres downstream from the ancient town of Fengjie (existed for at least 2300 years).
The significance of this place as a strategic defence area during the Three Kingdoms period in 223 AD was explained in a chinese movie called "Red Cliff" (available in DVD and Blu Ray).
It takes around 300 steps to climb up to the templex complex. We climbed these steps very easily, but it seemed to be a strain for some of the older and obese people.
The significance of this place as a strategic defence area during the Three Kingdoms period in 223 AD was explained in a chinese movie called "Red Cliff" (available in DVD and Blu Ray).
It takes around 300 steps to climb up to the templex complex. We climbed these steps very easily, but it seemed to be a strain for some of the older and obese people.
Written November 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wendyanddavid536
Solihull, UK2,116 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
A fascinating place, much frequented by local Chinese, but little visited by westerners.
It is quite a climb up many steps, but well worth the effort.
The entrance to Qutang Gorge is here, as featured on the 10 yuan banknote.
When you reach the top of the hill, the White Emperor City has several Ming era halls housing statues of the Three Kingdom heroes, and also an original 2300 year old Ba hanging coffin.
Several beautiful temples and gardens too, with great views overlooking the gorge.
It is quite a climb up many steps, but well worth the effort.
The entrance to Qutang Gorge is here, as featured on the 10 yuan banknote.
When you reach the top of the hill, the White Emperor City has several Ming era halls housing statues of the Three Kingdom heroes, and also an original 2300 year old Ba hanging coffin.
Several beautiful temples and gardens too, with great views overlooking the gorge.
Written October 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr Stephen
Ashbourne, UK2,784 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
My wife and I visited White Emperor City off a Yangtze River cruise. The island city is famous for the Three Kingdoms Period of Chinese history, Emperor Liu Bei and his adviser Zhu Geliang. We learned this from a guide book as our tour guide Betty was terrible - weak on story and always rushing us around.
You’ll see an original hanging coffin here and two smaller burial caskets. There are also great views of “The Dragon Gate” - the entrance to the Qutang Gorge (as featured on the 10 Yuan note).
Overall, well worth a visit. But avoid Betty...
You’ll see an original hanging coffin here and two smaller burial caskets. There are also great views of “The Dragon Gate” - the entrance to the Qutang Gorge (as featured on the 10 Yuan note).
Overall, well worth a visit. But avoid Betty...
Written October 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
silverbrook
London, Canada4,881 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
We took the White Emperor City excursion from our cruise ship to this site. We were met at our ship by a local guide who led us on our tour and shared some history and other interesting facts with us during the tour. There is a lot of interesting information on the area at this site as well as an amazing photo-op - the scene that is located on the back of the 10 Yuan bill. Definitely wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for lots of steps - alternatively you can pay to have people carry you up and/or down the steps in a sedan. There is also an area that has information on the hanging coffins that are found in the area.
Written May 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathryn E
Sheffield, UK410 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
This was an optional excursion on our Yangtze river cruise. We had been told that it was only really suitable for Chinese because it was about their ancient myths and legends. We decided to go because you cannot leave the boat unless you are on a trip, and the boat stays docked whilst excursions are running. There are more than 300 steps up to the top (although before the Yangtze was dammed and the water level raised it used to be 1000!) but you can pay extra to be carried up in a sedan chair. Our guide tried to explain the heritage to us, and we thought she did well. We enjoyed seeing the start of the 3 gorges that is on the back of the 10 RMB note. Two members of the group did have a problem returning to the boat. We were taken back to the bus station, but we left by a different entrance to the one we had entered and they got separated from the group and got lost. Although it was only a five minute walk back to the boat, it would probably have been safer if the guide had returned with us. The guide did pick us up from the boat. We walked through a small market back to the boat and also saw some locals dancing in the square.
Written November 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tanja S
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia1,371 contributions
Mar 2018
368 steps to get there. Before the 3 Gorges Dam, it used to be 1000 steps. Now the water has risen. But don't feel daunted. It's an easy hike, with plenty of story telling stops in between. And one can even be carried up in a sedan chair, for Yuan 100 per person. It's a short bus ride from the pier. Views are stunning. I loved the stories. Making China and it's people come alive. Enjoy! NB: Somehow I cannot attach photos. A pity.
Written March 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JPDM 🇨🇦🍷🍷🍷
Austin, Canada53,376 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
This site as such has nothing special to offer and is not worth the detour. Mind you, there aren't too many attractions in Fengjie.
I did like the town of Fengjie a lot though. Because of its geography (very hilly), its position (next to the river) and the people, I found that it had a very good feeling. And the ladies there love their high heels and miniskirts.
Fengjie is a nice town to visit but this "park" is nothing special.
I did like the town of Fengjie a lot though. Because of its geography (very hilly), its position (next to the river) and the people, I found that it had a very good feeling. And the ladies there love their high heels and miniskirts.
Fengjie is a nice town to visit but this "park" is nothing special.
Written May 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reluctando
Vermont3 contributions
In 1983 we visited White Emperor City, and I was awestruck by the beauty of the Bamboo Leaf Poem tablet. I purchased a 6-inch tall replica in the gift shop, and asked our three Chinese guides aboard our ship, the Kun Lun, to translate. After an hour of debate and many interpretations of the ancient script (and to properly convey the poetic sense), they agreed on one final version that honors the fidelity and honor of three brothers who lived during the Three Kings Period 300 BC, Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zheng Fei. The three strands of bamboo, embellished with “leaves” of Chinese characters, represent the three brothers. It’s an extraordinary work of art, a replica of which has sat on our mantle for almost forty years.
The poem is entitled “A Portrait of Noble Spirit”.
I don’t care for pity or money
because I’m proud of what I am.
Although my leaves are scattered and sparse,
I can stand erect in the world forever.
Can I take a day trip from Chongqing to Baidicheng?
How long can I get from Chongqing to Fengjie by express bus?
Chongqing Baidi City (Fengjie County) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Chongqing Baidi City
- We recommend booking Chongqing Baidi City tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Chongqing Baidi City tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Chongqing Baidi City:
- (1.09 mi) Kuimen Hotel
- (6.17 mi) Kuizhou Hotel
- (6.32 mi) Jingxin Business Hotel
- (6.69 mi) Outing International Hotel
- (6.60 mi) Fengjie Hotel