White Emperor City, also known as Baidi Temple 白帝庙 or Baidicheng 白帝城 in Chinese, is located a few miles into Fenjie County, on Baidi Mountain at the mouth of Qutang Gorge, one of the Three Gorgers of the Yangtze River.
History
It is said that in the late Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD), Gongsun Shu, a general, set up a separatist regime by force of arms in Sichuan. He claimed himself the King of Shu. Because he saw white fog rising from the well of the mountain which was like a white dragon, he called himself the White Emperor. And he made it the capital city and gave the city the name - White Emperor City.
What to see?
The White Emperor City exists now at the site was repaired in the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty (1368 - 1911). As it against Kui Gate of Qutang Gorge in the east, it is close to the Eight Elements Battle Formation in the west and is surrounded with water on three sides, it was often the point of battle in history. Numerous celebrities have been here and created poems. So the city is reputed to be Poem City.
In Baidi Temple, some ancient architecture can be seen. 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. 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. 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.
Since the water level has risen due to the Three Gorges Dam Project, Baidi City has become an isolated island surrounded with water. In order to facilitate tourist to visit this ancient temple, a wind-rain bridge has been built at the foot of Baidi City. Also, a dock was built for visitors to visit the ancient emplacement, cliff-side inscriptions and other attractions by boat.
Travel Tips
Add: Baidi Mountain, Fengjie County of Chongqing City
Opening Hours: 08:001-17:00
Admission Fees: CNY 100 for Entrance Charge inculuded Round-Trip Cable Car