White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum


White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum, located in Fuling District, Chongqing, is the world’s first underwater museum accessible without diving. This 4A-rated national scenic site preserves 1,200 years of hydrological records and ancient stone inscriptions submerged beneath the Yangtze River, offering visitors a unique blend of history, engineering, and natural wonder.



Highlights of the Museum

  1. Historical & Hydrological Significance

  • Originally a 1,600-meter-long natural stone ridge, White Crane Ridge (Baiheliang) was engraved with 165 inscriptions (including 108 hydrological records) dating back to 763 AD (Tang Dynasty).

  • The stone fish carvings served as ancient water-level markers, predicting floods and droughts with remarkable accuracy—earning it the title "World’s First Ancient Hydrological Station".

  • Engineering Marvel: The "No-Pressure Container"Underwater Museum 3.jpg

    • To protect the ridge after the Three Gorges Dam submerged it under 40 meters of water, Chinese engineers designed an underwater "no-pressure" capsule—a reinforced concrete structure filled with filtered river water to balance pressure.

    • Visitors descend via a 91-meter escalator into the capsule, where 23 observation windows reveal the millennia-old inscriptions just meters away.




    Best Time to Visit

    • Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November): Mild weather (15–25°C) and fewer crowds enhance the experience.

    • Weekdays: Avoid weekend congestion; guided tours (in Mandarin) run at 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM.

    • Avoid Summer (June–August): Though the underwater section stays cool (~16°C), surface areas can be hot and humid.



    Travel Tips

    1. Getting There

    • From Chongqing: Take a 2-hour bus from Longtousi Station to Fuling (¥50), then a taxi (10 min, ¥15) to the museum.

    • By Cruise: Yangtze River ships often stop at Fuling Port.

    • Ticketing

      • Entrance Fee: ¥50 (adults); free for seniors/students (ID required).

      • Hours9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays).

    • Must-Do

      • Photograph the stone fish through observation windows.

      • Visit the shore exhibit for historical context before descending underwater.

    • Nearby Attractions

      • Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon: A scenic 1-hour drive away.

      • Fuling’s Pickled Mustard Green Museum: A quirky local specialty.

    • Etiquette

      • No flash photography underwater to protect relics.

      • Respect safety barriers; the capsule’s environment is carefully controlled.


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