Xiling Gorge is one of the three gorges between the Gezhouba Dam and Three Gorges Dam.

The 400-kilometre section includes lots of breathtaking natural scenic spots including dozens of small gorges with various shapes. Also found along the route are Qu Yuan Temple and, of course, the two huge dams and lakes blocked by the dams. 

Xiling Gorge is renowned for being extremely perilous. The gorge, 80-km-long, is the longest of the Yangtze's Three Gorges stretching from Xiangxikou in the east to Nanjingguan Pass in the west and covering two prefectures in Hubei Province. It is at this spot that the journey appears to be most perilous; the water is full of turbulent whirlpools and dangerous shoals.

The Xiling Gorge consists of three minor gorges, namely the Huangniu (Yellow Buffalo) Gorge, Dengying (Slide Show) Gorge and Huangmao (Yellow Cat) Gorge.

Lots of mountains tower over the river, snaking through the same craggy terrain along both banks of the river. Many noted historic and cultural relics between the two dams, such as Huangling Temple, Sanyou Cave, Lu You Fountain, the ancient battlefield in Yiling, Qu Yuan's Memorial House and Wang Zhaojun's Native Place are the highlights along the river.