Overview
Perched at an elevation of 1,388 meters on Chijia Mountain in Fengjie County, Chongqing, the Summit of the Three Gorges Scenic Area (Sanxia Zhidian) is widely celebrated as the highest physical, visual, and spiritual vantage point of the legendary Three Gorges. Opened to the public on May 1, 2020, and designated a national AAAA-level tourist attraction later that year, this destination blends dramatic natural scenery with profound cultural heritage rooted in over 4,000 years of Chinese history. Visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of the Qutang Gorge—the narrowest and most majestic of the Three Gorges—alongside immersive installations that honor China’s earliest musical traditions.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The name “Summit of the Three Gorges” draws inspiration from a famous line by Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu: “Chijia and Baiyan both pierce the heavens; villages coil upward to meet the mountain peaks.” This poetic imagery captures the awe-inspiring verticality of the landscape, where crimson-hued Chijia Mountain and snow-white Baiyan Mountain rise dramatically above the Yangtze River. Beyond its literary fame, the area is revered as one of the birthplaces of Kuí music—an ancient form of ceremonial court music dating back to the Xia Dynasty. According to legend, Kuí, China’s first official musician and the mythical founder of Ya Yue (elegant ritual music), originated here. The scenic area pays homage to this legacy through thoughtfully designed cultural landmarks such as the Kuí Drum Altar, Four Directions Music Platform, Kuí Ancestor Statue, Kuí Character Gate, Bamboo Pitch Pavilion, and Yinglong Terrace—each serving as a modern tribute to China’s sonic and spiritual roots.
Natural Grandeur and Panoramic Views
Stretching over 10 kilometers from Zuo Fang Cao in the north to Baiyan Mountain in the south, the Summit of the Three Gorges offers unparalleled perspectives of the surrounding terrain. To the west lies the historic Baidi City (Poet’s City), famed for its literary associations with Li Bai and other classical poets; to the east, the newly built Wushan Airport nestles amid misty peaks. On clear days—or more commonly, amidst ethereal clouds and golden sunsets—visitors witness the Yangtze River snaking below like a luminous jade ribbon through layered ridges and sheer cliffs. The summit’s glass skywalk, suspended high above the gorge, delivers heart-pounding thrills and embodies the poetic ideal of “standing atop the highest peak, overlooking all lesser mountains”—a direct nod to Du Fu’s enduring vision.
Visitor Experience and Highlights
While entrance to the scenic area itself is free, access requires purchasing a mandatory shuttle bus ticket due to the remote and elevated location. The journey begins with a scenic ride up winding mountain roads before arriving at the main viewing platforms. Key photo spots include the cliffside observation decks, the symbolic Kuí-themed installations, and the transparent glass walkway that extends over the abyss—offering both vertigo and wonder in equal measure. Interpretive signage (in Chinese with limited English) provides context about the geological formation of the gorges and the mythological origins of Kuí music. Early morning visits are highly recommended to avoid crowds and catch the mystical sea of clouds that often blankets the valley below.
Sustainability and Modern Tourism
As a model of eco-cultural tourism in western China, the Summit of the Three Gorges emphasizes green development and heritage preservation. Infrastructure is carefully integrated into the natural environment, with minimal visual impact and strict environmental controls. The site also serves as a pilot zone for “cultural root-seeking” tourism, inviting domestic and international travelers to connect with China’s ancient artistic and philosophical traditions through experiential design rather than static exhibits. This harmonious fusion of nature, history, and innovation has earned it consistent praise on Chinese travel platforms like Mafengwo and Ctrip, where it frequently ranks among Chongqing’s top must-visit destinations.