The viewing platform atop the Three Gorges Scenic Area in Fengjie, Chongqing, amid swirling mountain mists during the Kuizhou Poetry Recital on September 18 (COURTESY PHOTO)  

On September 18, the Kuizhou Poetry Recital, a key supporting activity of the 2026 World Great Rivers Poetry Festival & 10th Baidicheng International Poetry Festival, took place at the Peak of the Three Gorges Scenic Area in Fengjie, Chongqing. More than 300 domestic and foreign poets, scholars, cultural practitioners and local poetry lovers gathered atop the 1,388-meter-tall Chijia Mountain. With the rolling Yangtze River and towering Kuimen Gate stretching out before them, participants climbed high to recite verses and share literary sentiments, reviving the age-old poetic tradition nurtured by the Three Gorges landscape. 

Mountain winds wandered through the valley, carrying the gentle rhythm of ancient Chinese poetry. Guests and local poets chanted classic Kuizhou works, including works by Tang Dynasty (618-907) poets Li Bai (701-762) and Du Fu (712-770), such as Leaving the White Emperor Town at Dawn and On the Height. Powerful verses reverberated across the Qutang Gorge, blending millennia of poetic heritage with the grand natural scenery and creating a vivid cultural scene that defines Fengjie as China's renowned "Poetry City.” 

The event also brought ancient poems to life through immersive performances. Actors portrayed literary giants such as Li, Du and Liu Yuxi (772-842), allowing audiences to connect with traditional poetry in a vivid, intimate way. 

Poets and guests join the collective poetry recital at the top of the Three Gorges Scenic Area（COURTESY PHOTO）  

Overlooking the sprawling mountain and river landscape, international visitors were profoundly touched by the perfect fusion of natural magnificence and time-honored civilization. 

Dr. Alaa El Menshawy, visiting scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (Institute of Modernization), spoke highly of the region's unique integration of natural geography and ancient cultural roots. He told Beijing Review that the Three Gorges stands as one of humanity's most precious sources of ancient culture. 

"It's amazing. I like this very much. This area is very important, and it's clear to us what the connection is between the mountains and the Yangtze River in this area. We go back to one of the oldest civilizations in the world," El Menshawy said. 

The spectacular mountain-and-river view also struck a deep chord with Russian violinist Anna Ganin, who has long been influenced by Chinese Tang poetry. She told Beijing Review that setting foot on the very land that inspired ancient poets felt incredibly surreal and moving. 

"The view is absolutely gorgeous. And we are so happy to be here. It's amazing, exciting and very poetic. And I would never think that I would come here, to walk this path like Du, like Li, and to see the same views as they did," Ganin told Beijing Review. 

In her eyes, poetry is a spiritual treasure that transcends time and generations. She explained that literary heritage constitutes the highest level of human civilization and lives permanently in cultural memory. 

"I think poetry is important for all eras and generations, because it is part of our history and part of our civilization. Literature and poetry, for any nation, are perhaps the highest level of human development. Our ongoing progress is absolutely amazing. But poetry, like feeling, like music, is something that remains forever in the cultural memory of our civilizations," she said. 

Mexican poet Dulce Chiang traveled to Fengjie on a Yangtze River cruise. She said that the eye-opening journey has greatly enriched her creative inspiration, and she would like to capture the beauty of the Three Gorges through her works. 

"I am so happy to be here in Fengjie. It's been such an enriching experience. I think it will enrich my poetry. And I'll write about this," Chiang said. 

The Kuizhou Poetry Recital bridges Chinese poetic culture with global artistic vision. Through the genuine voices of international guests, the timeless charm of the Three Gorges and traditional Chinese poetry are vividly presented to the world, enabling deeper cross-cultural understanding and communication. 

(Reporting from Chongqing) 

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

Comments to xubei@cicgamericas.com