Pearl by the river, the first glimpse of the true face
In the far east, in the southwest of China, there is a city called Chongqing. Chongqing is famous for its unique topography and passionate hotpot culture, but there is also a bright pearl hidden in its map – Fengjie White Emperor City. When you set foot on this piece of land, the first thing that catches your eyes is the ancient city standing by the riverside, which is located by the mountains and the water, as if it is a giant slowly coming from the long river of history.
White Emperor City is situated on the north bank of the Yangtze River at the mouth of Qutang Gorge, surrounded by the rushing river, with magnificent momentum. Its architectural style combines the wisdom and aesthetics of ancient China, with ancient and heavy city walls and staggered pavilions. Standing in the distance, White Emperor City is hidden in the clouds, like a castle in the fairyland, mysterious and charming, attracting countless tourists to unveil its mystery.
Three Kingdoms, Legends and Clouds
The reason why Baidi Castle is so famous is largely due to its close connection with the dramatic history of the Three Kingdoms period in China. In 222 A.D., Liu Bei, Emperor of Shu Han, was defeated in the Battle of Yiling and retreated to White Emperor City. Here, he entrusted his son Liu Chan to the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, a historical event known as the “Orphanage of White Emperor City”.
Imagine what kind of trust and helplessness it was for Liu Bei to hold Zhuge Liang’s hand on his deathbed and entrust the whole country and his young son to him in that era of war and strife. Zhuge Liang did not fail to live up to this trust, he bowed to exhaustion, dying for the Shu Han regime. This history is not only a household name in China, but has also made White Emperor City a symbol of loyalty and wisdom. Nowadays, when you stroll around White Emperor City, you can still feel the tense and solemn atmosphere of that year, and the heavy sense of history comes to you.
Poetic Rhythm and Cultural Feasts
In addition to the history of the Three Kingdoms, White Emperor City was also a source of inspiration for ancient Chinese writers and artists. Throughout the ages, countless poets have left their popular poems here. Among them, Li Bai’s “Early Departure from White Emperor City” is the most famous one: “I left White Emperor City in the morning between the colorful clouds, and returned to Jiangling in a day. The apes on both sides of the river can’t stop crying, and the light boat has already crossed ten thousand mountains.” This poem vividly depicts the scene when the poet left White Emperor City in the early morning, showing the magnificent scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and the poet’s relaxed and happy mood.
Inside White Emperor City, there are many attractions and cultural relics related to the poem. You can see statues of ancient poets, as if you can hear their voices chanting poems and painting by the riverside; you can also visit the Forest of Poetry Monuments to appreciate those masterpieces that have been passed down through the ages. These poems are not only the treasures of Chinese culture, but also fill White Emperor City with poetic and romantic atmosphere, making it an important place for cultural exchange.
Present-day Style, Still Charming
As time passes, White Emperor City has been baptized by wind and rain for thousands of years, and still maintains its unique charm. Nowadays, it has become a national key scenic spot and China’s 4A-level tourist attraction, attracting tourists from all over the world every year.
The local government has carried out a great deal of repair and maintenance work to protect and pass on the history and culture of White Emperor City. At the same time, a series of tourist programs have been developed, such as boat tours and cultural performances, so that tourists can have a deeper understanding of the history and culture of White Emperor City. Here, you can take a cruise down the Yangtze River and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river; you can also watch the wonderful historical drama performance and feel the magnificent history.
Fengjie White Emperor City, an ancient city where history and culture mingle, is showing the world the brilliance and splendor of oriental civilization with its unique charm. No matter where you come from, you can find your own touch and surprise here.