On the right bank of the Qutang Gorge in the Yangtze River, a hidden danger looms—the Diao Zui unstable rock mass. This area is not only a critical section of the Yangtze River’s Golden Waterway but also the scenic backdrop featured on China’s fifth series of 10-yuan banknotes.

Behind this breathtaking landscape lies a massive unstable rock formation of 1.406 million cubic meters. If it were to collapse, the resulting waves would directly threaten the safety of the waterway, nearby docks, and the lives of over 3,000 people. A large-scale stabilization project is now underway to address this hazard.

The Peril Overhead: 1.4 Million Cubic Meters of Unstable Rock Threatening the Golden Waterway

At the entrance of Qutang Gorge, the river surges forward. Approximately one kilometer upstream on the right bank, a colossal unstable rock mass of 1.4 million cubic meters hangs precariously. The Diao Zui rock formation consists of 27 individual unstable sections, 50 fracture zones, and 17 isolated boulders. Among these, five exceptionally large slab-like unstable rock masses have a staggering volume, equivalent to stacking dozens of standard football fields 100 meters high.

Surveys indicate that while the overall rock mass is relatively stable, some sections are showing signs of instability. The consequences of a collapse would be catastrophic—initial waves could impact the Baidi City scenic area, the Fengjie Port passenger terminal, and the Yangtze River’s primary waterway, with estimated direct economic losses exceeding 300 million yuan.

“This is not only a crucial shipping route but also a core scenic area of the Three Gorges. Immediate action is imperative,” said an expert from the Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources.

Since 2022, Fengjie County has implemented emergency monitoring, deploying 40 automated devices to track cracks and stress changes in real time. The stabilization project completed its design phase in March 2024 and officially commenced construction in October.

Today, workers tread carefully on the steep cliffs as drilling machines roar continuously.

“Surgical” Stabilization: Pioneering Techniques for a Critical Challenge

The danger of Diao Zui lies in its steep riverside face, with the lower section of the unstable rock mass less than 200 meters above the water. Even small falling rocks could cause significant damage to passing ships. Chongqing’s approach focuses on creating a precise aerial defense system.

The project manager explained that facing a near-vertical 258-meter cliff—equivalent to an 80-story building—the team developed a comprehensive stabilization plan involving rock removal, support structures, anchoring, horizontal tension cables, active protective netting, crack sealing, continuous monitoring, avoidance measures, and ecological restoration.

Three unconventional techniques are particularly crucial: a 165-meter suspended scaffold built in tiers with independent load-bearing systems; horizontal tension nets to secure the critical W4 rock mass; and an “aerial material corridor” to solve vertical transportation challenges, ensuring precise material delivery.

As of August 2025, the project is 47% complete, with 70% of the active protective netting installed and 100% of loose rock cleared by specialized climbers. The main structure is expected to be finished by year-end, fully stabilizing the massive rock formation.

The Economics of Prevention: 300 Million in Benefits Versus Investment

Protecting lives and the waterway far outweighs the costs. “The project requires an investment of 44.73 million yuan but will prevent direct economic losses of at least 300 million,” explained a local official.

This goes beyond simple cost savings. Successfully “locking down” the unstable rock mass ensures uninterrupted navigation on this vital waterway, prevents port closures and shipping disruptions, and safeguards the millions of annual visitors to the Baidi City-Qutang Gorge scenic area, maintaining the region’s tourism industry.

During construction, the team prioritized environmental protection alongside stabilization, carefully preserving and restoring vegetation to ensure the cliffs remain both secure and ecologically vibrant.

With the main project entering its final phase, this critical section of the Yangtze—known as the “Gateway to the Gorges”—will soon regain its majestic beauty while remaining secure for generations to come.

Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge is the shortest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River in China, known for its steep cliffs and narrow passage. Historically, it has been a strategic military site and a source of inspiration for poets and artists, with cultural significance dating back over 2,000 years. The gorge remains a symbol of natural beauty and Chinese heritage, though parts were submerged after the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, stretches over 6,300 kilometers through China, playing a vital role in the country’s history, culture, and economy. For centuries, it has served as a major trade route, supported agriculture, and inspired countless works of art and literature. Today, it remains essential for transportation, hydroelectric power (notably the Three Gorges Dam), and tourism, while also facing environmental challenges.

Diao Zui unstable rock mass

The Diao Zui unstable rock mass, located in China, is a striking geological formation known for its precarious balance and natural instability. This site, shaped by centuries of erosion and weathering, serves as both a tourist attraction and a subject of geological study, highlighting the dynamic forces of nature. Its history reflects the region’s complex geological activity, making it a notable example of fragile rock formations in mountainous areas.

Baidi City scenic area

Baidi City, also known as the “White Emperor City,” is a historic scenic area located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Chongqing, China. Famous for its association with the ancient Shu Kingdom and Tang Dynasty poetry, it served as a strategic military stronghold and cultural landmark. The site is renowned for its temples, traditional architecture, and stunning river views, linked to legends of the Three Kingdoms period.

Fengjie Port passenger terminal

Fengjie Port passenger terminal is a key transportation hub located in Fengjie County, Chongqing, China, near the scenic Qutang Gorge of the Yangtze River. Historically, Fengjie is an ancient city with over 2,000 years of history, once serving as a strategic military and trade center. Today, the terminal facilitates river cruises and passenger travel, connecting tourists to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Three Gorges region.

Three Gorges

The **Three Gorges** is a scenic region along the Yangtze River in China, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, towering cliffs, and deep valleys—Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges. Historically significant for thousands of years, it has inspired Chinese poetry and art, while the modern **Three Gorges Dam**, completed in 2006, stands as the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, transforming the area’s economy and environment. The dam also caused large-scale relocations and submerged numerous cultural and archaeological sites.

Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources

The Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources is a research institution in Chongqing, China, focused on geological surveys, mineral exploration, and resource development. Established to support regional and national mining industries, it plays a key role in studying geological formations and sustainable resource management in Southwest China. While its exact founding date is unclear, it has contributed significantly to China’s geological sciences and mineral resource policies.

Fengjie County

Fengjie County, located in Chongqing Municipality, China, is a historic area known for its strategic position along the Yangtze River and its association with the ancient Ba and Shu cultures. It is famed for the Qutang Gorge, one of the Three Gorges, and was an important military stronghold during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE). Today, Fengjie attracts visitors for its dramatic landscapes, cultural heritage, and role in Chinese history.