The Tai Chi Gorge (太极峡), originally named Shuanglong Gorge, is a scenic area covering an area of 60 square kilometers, with a core area of 38 square kilometers. It is composed of over ten caves, and according to legend, it is believed to be the place where Xuantian Zhenwu, the Great Emperor of Wudang Mountain, secluded himself for cultivation. The scenic beauty of the area is enchanting, with magnificent and magical Danxia landforms, extraordinary stone forest landscapes, making it an ideal destination for tourism, leisure, health preservation, scientific exploration, and adventure. The Tai Chi Gorge is also the only Danxia landform geological park in the entire Hubei Province.
Not only does the area boast beautiful and marvelous natural scenery, but it also holds the mystical story of Liu Xiu’s victory over Wang Mang and the gradual establishment of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The scenic area, forming a triangular and picturesque layout with Xiangyan Temple and Danjiangkou Reservoir, is less than 20 kilometers apart. Here, Taoist and Buddhist cultures converge, and the civilizations of the Yellow River and the Yangtze River merge.
The natural Tai Chi pattern is formed by the erosion of the rifts created during the orogeny. The gorge stretches over 10 kilometers, with a maximum width of over 150 meters and a narrowest point of only around 1 meter. With a depth of over 120 meters, the gorge, shaped by the effects of stream erosion, has nurtured a colorful array of wonders. Within the gorge, cascading waterfalls flow, and the banks are adorned with a variety of unique and beautiful trees. Visitors feel as if they have entered a “natural museum,” where they can fully enjoy the wonders of nature amidst the breathtaking landscapes.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0719-5709888 0086-0719-5709999 |
Location and Transportation
The Tai Chi Gorge Scenic Area is situated in the territory of Shigu Town in Danjiangkou, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China. It lies to the east of the largest artificial lake in Asia and serves as the source of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project’s central route – the Danjiangkou Reservoir. The scenic area is located at the widest point of the reservoir, providing visitors with stunning views of the reservoir’s expansive waters.
To reach the Tai Chi Gorge Scenic Area from Danjiangkou city center, take a shuttle bus bound for Yunyang District (formerly Yun County). Alight at the designated stop for the scenic area, and inform the driver that you are heading to Tai Chi Gorge. The entire journey typically takes around 40-50 minutes.
