An underwater window into two civilizations

Baiheliang is renowned as an ancient natural hydrological observation station. The ridge stretches about 1,600 meters in length and 15 meters in width. Named after the white cranes that once gathered there, it bears records of water levels and 72 drought years spanning the period from 764 to 1963.

Known as both the "Ancient Hydrographic Station" and the "Underwater Stele Forest", the site contains more than 165 inscriptions, carvings of 18 stone fish, two Guanyin (Bodhisattva), and a white crane. These features demonstrate the scientific knowledge, historical record-keeping and artistic skills of ancient China, local authorities said.

Baiheliang's transformation into an underwater museum was prompted by the Three Gorges Project, which submerged the ridge beneath about 40 meters of water, requiring innovative measures to preserve the site.