Overview
The Baiheliang Underwater Museum, located in the Yangtze River in Fuling, Chongqing, is the world's first underwater archaeological site museum accessible without diving, and is hailed as the "world's first ancient hydrological station." The museum preserves 165 inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty and 18 stone fish, which can be viewed directly through 23 observation windows in the underwater corridor.
A visit of 2 hours is recommended. The best seasons are spring and autumn (when the weather is mild), avoiding the peak of summer. It is suggested to first visit the surface exhibition hall to learn about the history, and then take the escalator down to the underwater viewing area.
How to Get There
From downtown Chongqing, the most convenient way is to take a high-speed train to Fuling North Station (approximately 40 minutes, ticket price around 27 yuan). After exiting the station, transfer to Fuling Bus Route 119 and get off at "Baiheliang Station". Alternatively, you can take a bus from Hongqihegou Bus Station to Fuling, then transfer to bus routes 113, 302, or 307.
Suggested itinerary: First, visit the ground-level exhibition hall (second-floor exhibition hall for historical and cultural information), then take the 91-meter-long escalator to the underwater circular corridor to admire the inscriptions through the observation windows, and finally experience cultural and creative rubbings.
What to Expect
The museum is well-equipped, with restrooms and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and experience stone fish rubbing (approximately 10 yuan per piece). Free guided tours are available (approximately 20 people per group), and luggage can be temporarily stored in the lobby.
Practical Tips
- Plan 1.5-2 hours for the visit, and go in the morning for a quieter viewing corridor and better visibility through the underwater windows.
- Use Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps rather than Google Maps in China — search for "白鹤梁水下博物馆" for the most accurate route.
- The underwater temperature is around 18℃ year-round; a wetsuit is recommended in summer; wear non-slip shoes.
- Flashlights are prohibited underwater: to protect artifacts and avoid glare from portholes.
