Baiheliang Underwater Museum in Fuling District, Chongqing

The Baiheliang Underwater Museum (重庆白鹤梁水下博物馆) is a remarkable cultural and historical landmark located in Fuling District (涪陵区), Chongqing (重庆), China. It is the world’s first underwater museum, officially opened to the public on May 18, 2009. This museum is dedicated to the preservation, study, and display of invaluable submerged relics and inscriptions, providing a rare opportunity to explore an ancient hydrological site now protected under water. It is a significant achievement in both archaeological conservation and museum design.

Key Information:

• Location: Fuling District, Chongqing

• Opening Date: May 18, 2009

• Museum Type: Local Historical Museum

• Total Area: 11,300 m²

• Building Area: 8,433 m²

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

• Ticket Price: ¥50 per person

• Transportation: Accessible via buses 113, 119, 302, 306, and 307.

Historical Background

The idea to create an underwater museum to protect the historical relics at Baiheliang (白鹤梁) emerged in 1993. Baiheliang is home to a series of ancient stone inscriptions that were carved into a natural rock formation along the Yangtze River. These inscriptions date back over a millennium, providing crucial insight into early Chinese hydrology and river management.

Key Milestones in the Museum's Development:

• 1993: Central Chinese authorities proposed the idea of an underwater museum at Baiheliang.

• 1998: Tianjin University designed a plan for the underwater museum, but it was eventually discarded due to technical challenges.

• 2001: Ge Xiorun, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, introduced the "pressure-free container" method, which was approved as the final design by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

• 2003: Construction of the museum began.

• 2009: The Baiheliang Underwater Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 18.

Museum Layout and Structure

The museum consists of two main parts: the shore-based exhibition hall and the underwater viewing area. Both sections offer visitors a unique chance to explore the rich history of the site, showcasing ancient relics and inscriptions in their original underwater setting.

Shore-Based Exhibition Hall:

• First Floor: Includes visitor reception, waiting areas, souvenir shops, and educational spaces such as a water-related exhibition and memorial areas.

• Second Floor: Features four main exhibition areas:

  1. Water—Hydrological Observation in Ancient River Civilizations

  2. Scale—Scientific Value of the Baiheliang Inscriptions

  3. Poetry—Cultural Significance of the Baiheliang Inscriptions

  4. Museum—The World’s First Underwater Inscription Museum

• Third Floor: Yangtze River Viewing Platform offering panoramic views of the river.

Underwater Viewing Area:

Visitors are taken 40 meters beneath the Yangtze River surface via a specially designed elevator. The underwater area includes:

• Sloped Corridors and Walkways: Allowing access to submerged relics and offering close-up views of the inscriptions and stone carvings.

• Inscriptions: Over 165 stone inscriptions, many carved into the rocks, document hydrological observations, river management, and cultural achievements.

• Stone Fish Water Markers: These carvings are some of the most prominent features in the underwater museum, symbolizing ancient hydrological practices.

Unique Preservation Technology

The Baiheliang Underwater Museum employs groundbreaking technology for the preservation of its relics. The most innovative element is the “pressure-free container” system, which protects the submerged inscriptions and artifacts from the harsh effects of water erosion.

How the "Pressure-Free Container" Works:

• A steel-concrete "cover" is built around the site to isolate the relics from direct contact with the Yangtze River’s water. This structure prevents water from causing further damage to the inscriptions.

• Inside this container, filtered river water is used to create a pressure-balanced environment that closely mimics the natural conditions of the river, allowing the relics to be preserved without direct exposure to river currents or weathering.

• A visitor walkway is built along the inscriptions, allowing visitors to observe the carvings through 23 glass observation windows.

Air and Environmental Monitoring:

The museum also monitors its environmental conditions to ensure the safety and preservation of its collections:

• Sensors are used to monitor temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels both above and below water.

• The monitoring system includes real-time data visualization, alarm systems, and automatic data storage, ensuring that the air quality is maintained at optimal levels.

Inscriptions and Relics

Baiheliang is known for its ancient hydrological inscriptions, which were carved into the rock over a period of more than 1,000 years, from the Tang Dynasty (唐代) to the Qing Dynasty (清代). These inscriptions contain vital information about ancient Chinese river measurements and hydrological practices.

Notable Features:

• Stone Fish: The stone fish are key markers used in the ancient system of hydrological measurement. They are depicted with 36 scales each, and one fish holds a mugwort plant (symbolizing good fortune) while the other holds a lotus flower (representing purity and divine grace).

• Inscriptions: The museum preserves 165 inscriptions (totaling over 10,000 characters) that document important hydrological data, literature, and poetry.

• Statues of Guanyin: There are two statues of Guanyin (观音), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, which add a spiritual aspect to the site’s cultural significance.

Cultural and Artistic Value:

Baiheliang is often referred to as a "stone treasure trove" for its artistic and literary value. The inscriptions combine elements of literature, calligraphy, stone carving, and art. These inscriptions are considered some of the finest examples of Chinese calligraphy, written by masters from different dynasties, including famous calligraphers like Yan Zhenqing (颜真卿) and Su Shi (苏轼).

Educational and Research Importance

The Baiheliang Underwater Museum plays a crucial role in preserving ancient Chinese hydrology and educating the public about river conservation. It has been recognized as a center for both academic research and public education.

Noteworthy Achievements:

• National Hydrology Education Base: The museum was officially designated as a National Hydrology Education Base by the Ministry of Water Resources in 2016.

• Study and Travel Base: In 2018, the museum became a study and travel base for educational excursions, particularly for middle and high school students.

• Cultural Exchange: In 2021, the museum was included as a designated International Cultural Exchange Base by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of China.

Recognition and Awards

The Baiheliang Underwater Museum has received numerous honors and accolades over the years, reflecting its cultural, educational, and heritage value:

• 2013: Awarded the National 4A Tourist Attraction status by the National Tourism Quality Assessment Committee.

• 2016: Recognized as a National Hydrology Education Base.

• 2018: Approved as a Study and Travel Base by the Chongqing Tourism Development Commission.

• 2021: Designated as an International Cultural Exchange Base by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.

• 2022: Recognized as a National Science Popularization Education Base for the period 2021-2025.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Admission Fees:

• Standard Price: ¥50 per person.

• Special Discounts: From January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, visitors holding a Zhejiang Province resident ID can enter for free as part of a special initiative promoting Zhejiang’s support to Fuling District.

Transportation:

The museum is easily accessible by public transportation:

• Bus Routes: Buses 113, 119, 302, 306, and 307 stop at Baiheliang Station, which is within walking distance of the museum entrance.

The Baiheliang Underwater Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that preserves the cultural and historical significance of the Yangtze River’s hydrological markers. With its groundbreaking preservation techniques and rich collection of ancient inscriptions, the museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore thousands of years of history submerged beneath the Yangtze River. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese hydrology, blending culture, science, and technology into a fascinating cultural experience.