Kuimen is the west gate of Qutang Gorge and the western entrance to the Three Gorges. The water in the Kuimen section is turbulent. The high gorges on both sides stand towering, several hundred meters high but less than a hundred meters wide. It is like a gate guarding the Three Gorges, hence the name Kuimen. The water from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River enters the gorge through this gate. It is the west gate of the Yangtze River Three Gorges, also known as ‘Qutang Pass’.
The high mountains on both sides of Kuimen are named ‘White Salt Mountain’ on the south side and ‘Red Armored Mountain’ on the north side. The two mountains rise straight from the ground and tower into the clouds. The riverbank is as vertical as if cut by a knife and an axe, just like a naturally made gate. White Salt Mountain is named because it contains calcium and its color is like white salt. Red Armored Mountain is named because the mountain soil and rocks are red and look like a person baring his back. The two mountains face each other across the river. One is in red and the other is in plain dress, setting off each other and being extremely enchanting. Both mountains are limestone. Due to long-term wind erosion and rain erosion, the rock walls on both sides of the river seem to be cut by a knife and an axe, forming a very magnificent scene. The water at Kuimen is turbulent. The great poet Du Fu once wrote a poem, ‘All waters converge at Fuling and Wanzhou. Qutang contends for one gate.’ The word ‘contend’ vividly portrays the surging water of Kuimen. On the cliff facing the river are engraved ten large characters of ‘Kuimen is the most majestic under heaven. Ships and planes pass gently.’ by Sun Yuanliang. Also, Li Duanhao’s seal cutting ‘Majestic Kuimen’ and running script ‘Kuimen Qutang’ are all clearly visible.Kuimen
Kuimen is the west gate of Qutang Gorge and the western entrance to the Three Gorges. The water in t[...]
