Qutang Gorge is the shortest and narrowest section of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, but it is most majestic and steep. It enwinds 5 miles (about 8 kilometers) from the White Emperor City in Fengjie County to the Daxi Town in Wushan County.

The widest point measures only 500 feet (about 150 meters) wide. The mountains on either side reach as high as 4,000 feet (about 1,200 meters). These narrow gorges among high mountains with several switchbacks creates spectacular scenery. So the Qutang Gorge is often considered the most beautiful of all the Three Gorges.

Immediately downstream of the ancient White Emperor City, the Yangtze River flows between the Baiyan Mountain (literally White Salt Mountain) on the south and Chijia Mountain (literally Red Armor Mountain) on the north. The point where the river flows between these mountains is called the Kui Gate, also known as Kui Pass. It serves as an entrance to the Gorge – the first of the Three Gorges. Because of the Kui Gate, the Qutang Gorge is also known as the Kui Gorge.