The Yangtze River is the longest river in China as well as one of the longest rivers in the world. The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River are famous for their breathtaking scenery, and are praised as nature's art gallery. Of the three Gorges, the Qutang Gorge is the most magnificent and precipitous, the Wuxia Gorge is the deepest and most beautiful and the Xiling Gorge has the most rapids and rocks.

Guarding the entrance to Qutang Gorge and on the north bank of the Yangtze River is a famous historical city called Baidicheng, or the White King City. The city's name comes from a true story.

Over 2000 thousand years ago, the ruling Western Han Dynasty was overthrown by a rebellion. Before the new central government was established, a local military leader named Gongsun Shu ruled the State of Shu, the present day Sichuan province. As the legend goes, Gongsun Shu once dreamt someone told him that he was to be King for 12 years. The second day he found a well which emitted white vapors which he associated with a white dragon. So he renamed himself the White King and the town Baidicheng.

His friend, Ma Yuan came to help him. But he found that Gongsun Shu paid too much attention to trivial things like clothing.  He left, believing Gongsun Shu could never achieve anything.

Eventually, after 12 years as emperor, Gongsun Shu was defeated and killed in battle with Liu Xiu, who reunited the country and became the first emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty. But during his rule, Gongsun Shu managed to protect his small kingdom and developed a farming and irrigation system. To memorialize him, the local people built a temple for him.

There are many other legends about the Three Gorges area.

Today, a huge dam is being built along the Three Gorges. Some of the historical sites and scenic spots will be submerged under water. But after completion, it will offer visitors a new experience amidst the gorges.