Baiheliang Underwater Museum
Dive 40 metres beneath the Yangtze River and explore a millennium-old underwater hydrological chronicle!
No diving equipment required to reach the riverbed. Located in Fuling, Baiheliang Underwater Museum is hailed as the world’s first ancient hydrological station. It is also the world’s first on-site underwater relic museum accessible without diving, known as the “Underwater Forest of Steles” resting in the Yangtze River.
In ancient times, a natural stone ridge emerged from the middle of the river during dry seasons, where white cranes often gathered — hence the name Baiheliang (White Crane Ridge). Starting from the second year of the Guangde reign in the Tang Dynasty, over more than 1,000 years, ancient people carved stone fish on the ridge as water level gauges. Today, visitors can see 165 inscriptions and 18 stone fish, which continuously recorded the Yangtze River water levels across 72 dry seasons over 1,200 years. There is an ancient legend: When the stone fish emerge, a bumper harvest is coming. Literary masters including Huang Tingjian left calligraphy and poems here, blending hydrological science with classical art.
After the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the stone ridge was permanently submerged underwater. Thanks to the innovative pressure-free container protection technology, Baiheliang has been well preserved in its original location. Take the 91-meter extra-long descending escalator down to 40 metres under the river. Walk along the hundred-meter underwater viewing corridor, and admire the millennium-old inscriptions resting in the river water through pressure-resistant observation windows. Weathered by river currents for centuries, the carved characters remain legible, allowing you to appreciate the ancient Chinese wisdom of observing rivers and living in harmony with nature.
The onshore exhibition hall systematically presents the long history of Baiheliang, popularises hydrological knowledge, stone carving culture and the cutting-edge heritage protection project, making it an ideal destination for study tours. Surrounded by soft blue river light in the underwater corridor, you will feel as if stepping into a time tunnel to witness the everlasting civilisation bred by the Yangtze River.
A hidden gem in Chongqing for culture enthusiasts, families on educational trips and travellers seeking unique experiences. Break away from ordinary museum visits and embark on an exclusive riverbed adventure to connect with the millennia-old Yangtze River heritage.
Location: Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Fuling, Chongqing