Xiling Gorge is the longest section of the Three Gorges, about 49 miles (76 kilometers). It starts from Xiangxi Kou of Zigui County in the west, and ends at Nanjing Pass in Yichang city. It is also famous for its spectacular scenery.

This area is named after the Xiling Mountain in Yichang. This Gorge is actully a series of small gorges, and their names originated from different ancient legends. Among them, there are four famous small gorges, such as Bingshu Baojian Gorge (Military Manual and the Precious Sword Gorge), Niugan Mafei Gorge (Ox’s Liver and Horse’s Lung Gorge), Kongling Gorge, and Dengying Gorge (Lantern Shadow Gorge). These four small gorges are reputed as “Four Gorges of Xiling”.

The Three Gorges Dam divided Xiling Gorge into two sections. Part of the western section above the Dam has been submerged under water, but the eastern section keeps the original scenery of the old Three Gorges, which is particularly precious.