A small island which emerges from the Muodaoxi River in southwest China every spring has become a new tourist hot spot because of its similarity to a turtle , reported People 's Daily Online . The scene has been dubbed 'spring turtle rising from water ' by local residents . Turtle is an auspicious sign in China representing longevity . The rock 's appearance depends on the amount of floodwater heading downstream . The turtle shape only appears when the water level stands between 163 and 168 metres . The island seen from afar . Know as the 'spring turtle rising from water ' , the rock in Muodaoxi River is a new tourist hot spot in southwest China . Turtle shape become most visible when the Three Gorges Reservior sends water downstream and the water level drops to 163-168 metres . Muodaoxi river is located within the Three Gorges Reservoir Region and the water level is controlled by the Three Gorges Dam . Spring is regarded as the best time to enjoy the scene as the Three Gorges Reservoir supplies water to the areas downstream , which brings down the water level . The natural phenomena is now so well known that once it appears each year word quickly spreads , causing a flood of tourists to take photographs from the nearby mountains and hills . 'It 's a popular saying round here for the arrival of spring , we just say the turtle is coming , ' said local Meng Liu . Although new to general tourists , the annual spectacle is well-known among locals . Instead of saying spring is coming , they say 'turtle is coming ' When the river is at its normal depth at 175 metres , the island only shows a small tip above the water . In comparison , when the water falls to around 145 metres , the rock becomes connected to the mainland . The island is in the middle of Muodaoxi River which runs through Longshi village in Yunyang County in Chongqing city . The natural phenomena is now so well known that once it appears a flood of tourists swarm over to take photographs .
Turtle shape only appears when water drops to certain level . Island is located within the Three Gorges Dam . The scene is dubbed 'spring turtle rising from water ' by locals . Turtle is an auspicious sign in China representing longevity .