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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.
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"
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.
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.
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).
Hours: 9:00 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.
