BEIJING – A collaborative effort between China and Egypt aims to secure World Heritage status for the Baiheliang stone ridge in Chongqing and the Raoudha Nilometer in Cairo, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving ancient knowledge related to river monitoring. This initiative was highlighted at the recent 2026 Yangtze River Civilization Forum in Chongqing.
Baiheliang, also known as White Crane Ridge, is located at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Wujiang rivers in the Fuling district of Chongqing. At the forum, this ancient hydrological observation site was featured prominently in a promotional video during the event’s opening ceremony in mid-September.
Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, Baiheliang served as an early natural hydrological station, documenting water levels and drought conditions from 764 to 1963. The site stretches about 1,600 meters long and 15 meters wide. Known as the “Ancient Hydrographic Station” and the “Underwater Stele Forest,” it houses over 165 inscriptions, as well as carvings of stone fish, Bodhisattva, and a white crane, showcasing the scientific and artistic heritage of ancient China.
Baiheliang was submerged by approximately 40 meters of water due to the Three Gorges Project. To preserve the site, it was transformed into an underwater museum, which opened in 2009. The preservation strategy, designed by academician Ge Xiurun, involved creating an elliptical metal enclosure that maintains water balance and limits sediment accumulation. Visitors can view the inscriptions through a submarine-like corridor.
Last year, the Chongqing Baiheliang Underwater Museum attracted over 400,000 visitors, significantly boosting Fuling’s cultural and economic development. Tourists like 43-year-old Li You from Anhui province expressed admiration for the site, noting its innovative design and the historical significance of the artifacts on display. “We’ve long admired this historic city and came specifically to see this underwater museum,” he shared.
Efforts are underway to advance the joint World Heritage application with Egypt, which is rooted in the historical roles both sites played in monitoring river levels. The Raoudha Nilometer, constructed in 861, was essential for measuring the Nile River’s height and helped ancient Egyptians anticipate annual floods crucial for agriculture.
The Yangtze River Civilization Forum furthered this partnership through cultural exchanges, including a joint documentary aired in Arab nations and a digital exhibition presented in Egypt. Ongoing preparations for the application have been supported by international symposiums and reciprocal visits between the two countries.
As the application process advances, Dai Chuan, head of the World Heritage Application Office of Fuling’s Culture and Tourism Commission, emphasized adherence to UNESCO guidelines in refining the documentation. “We will proceed in an orderly manner,” he said.
