Wushan Three Little Gorges (巫山小三峡), located within Wushan County on the lower reaches of the Daning River, is a remarkable extension of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges. This scenic area encompasses three stunning gorges: Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge.
The Wushan Three Little Gorges is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring a variety of rugged mountains and peculiar peaks, ever-changing mist, serene waterfalls, and mysterious ancient caves. The region is a lush and vibrant natural tableau, often likened to a delicate bonsai.
Visitors can witness playful monkey troops climbing trees and rocks, pairs of mandarin ducks swimming together, various water birds soaring through the skies, and numerous fish swimming in the clear waters. The sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves create a lively, harmonious atmosphere, earning it the title of a picturesque wildlife sanctuary. The area is also rich in historical significance, with ancient burial sites such as the Ba people’s hanging coffins, boat coffins, and ancient villages, making it a treasure trove of historical relics.
While cruising through the gorges, tourists can admire the towering peaks and unique rock formations that rise dramatically from both sides of the river. The scenery is dotted with cascading streams and waterfalls, with occasional appearances from lively monkeys frolicking on the verdant slopes. When the boat reaches shallower waters, visitors can disembark to explore the beach, collecting smooth stones unique to the Three Gorges. From higher cliff vantage points, ancient, mysterious hanging coffins can be seen nestled in the rock caves. Additionally, the remnants of ancient plank roads can still be spotted on the cliff walls, offering a glimpse into the region’s storied past.
Travel Information about Wushan Three Little Gorges
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 113 yuan
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The ideal seasons to visit Wushan Three Little Gorges are summer and autumn. During summer, the river’s flow is robust, making the rafting experience more exhilarating and enjoyable. In autumn, the maples lining the gorges turn vibrant red, creating a stunning natural painting against the backdrop of the mountains.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Situated on the lower reaches of the Daning River within Wushan County, the gorges span approximately 60 kilometers.
Transportation: Visitors typically embark on a boat from the Daning River entrance near Wushan County, traveling upstream through Longmen Gorge, passing through Bawu Gorge, and finally reaching Dicui Gorge before returning.
Scenic Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Culture: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
- Romance: ★★
Highlights of Wushan Three Little Gorges
Longmen Gorge
Longmen Gorge stretches approximately 3 kilometers and features two towering mountains flanking its entrance. The cliffs rise steeply and appear as if they were sculpted, forming a narrow opening reminiscent of a door. This dramatic landscape has led some to claim, “It is not Kwei Gate, but it surpasses Kwei Gate.” Beyond Longmen Gorge lies the infamous rapids known as Yinwotan (Silver Nest Rapids), where the waters swirl and the currents become perilous, marking a challenging segment of the river journey. After navigating these treacherous waters, visitors enter Bawu Gorge.
On the west bank of Longmen Gorge, numerous neatly arranged stone holes can be found, which are remnants of the ancient plank road along the Daning River. These stone holes are typically square-shaped, measuring about 20 centimeters on each side and approximately 30 centimeters deep. The holes alternate vertically and horizontally in a pattern resembling an inverted “品” character. In the upper holes, wooden stakes were inserted to support wooden planks, while the lower holes held wooden posts that provided additional triangular support. This ingenious construction formed a walkway for both people and animals.
The ancient plank road extends roughly 400 kilometers in total. The northern section primarily served as a salt transportation route, while the southern section featured a bamboo pipe system that transported natural salt springs from the foothills of Baoyuan Mountain to Wushan’s Dachang Dam and the outskirts of Wushan City for salt extraction.
Bawu Gorge
Bawu Gorge is approximately 10 kilometers long, with both sides lined with strange and rugged rocks, forming a series of natural sculptures, each with its own charm. On the eastern bank, there is a long rock that glimmers like golden scales, resembling a giant dragon returning from the sky, with its head already entering a cave. On the opposite bank, halfway up the mountain, there is a cave with a yellow round stone at the entrance, resembling a fierce tiger about to exit.
On the western cliff, there are clusters of hanging stalactites, resembling two fine horses, with their heads already entering the mountain, but their tails and hind legs still outside. This scene is vividly described as “the dragon enters the mountain, the tiger exits the mountain, and the horse returns to the mountain.”
Dicui Gorge
Dicui Gorge is the longest section of the Three Little Gorges, characterized by both magnificent grandeur and delicate, transparent scenes. The 20-kilometer-long gorge appears deep and beautiful. Within the gorge, numerous peaks compete in beauty, with sheer cliffs extending endlessly, and waterfalls are abundant everywhere. Visitors feel that the name “Dicui Gorge” (Dripping Emerald Gorge) is quite fitting.
The main attractions include the Water Curtain Cave, Immortal Banana Forest, Cliffside Buddha Statues, Heavenly Spring Rain, Luojia Village, Sheep Cliff, Red Wall Sky High, Hanging Coffins, Twin Eagles Playing on the Screen, and Flying Cloud Cave, among others.
Wushan Three Mini Gorges
Wushan Three Mini Gorges refers to the three gorges of Sancheng Gorge, Qinwang Gorge, and Changtan Gorge, located downstream of the Madu River, a tributary of the Danning River, with a total length of about 20 kilometers. The “Three Mini Gorges” is the sister gorge of the Danning River’s Three Little Gorges, and it is named “Three Mini Gorges” because it is smaller than the latter. This area is filled with unique peaks, picturesque landscapes, and tranquil waters. The cliffs on both sides rise steeply, creating a narrow river path that resembles a finely crafted gorge bonsai, which is irresistibly alluring. It is a dazzling gem and a stunning treasure within the Three Mini Gorges Scenic Area.
Changtan Gorge: Stretching 5 kilometers from Shuanghe to Pinghe, this gorge features a 2-kilometer-long riverbank that is over ten meters wide, with waters as smooth as a mirror and white sandy beaches. The lush mountains and waters on both sides contribute to its name, Changtan Gorge (Long Beach Gorge). Within the gorge, one can find attractions such as Dripping Water Rock, Smart Spring, Hand Climbing Rock, and Piercing Cave. The entire length of the Changtan Gorge is 20 kilometers, filled with uniquely shaped peaks and scenic waters. The nature-oriented rafting experience here, known as “China’s No. 1 Rafting,” is an irresistible temptation.
Qinwang Gorge: From Shangdukou to Shuanghe, the gorge extends 4 kilometers. This area features clear waters, serene depths, and smooth, transparent streams. Attractions in Qinwang Gorge include the Nostalgia Platform, Dragon Head Rock, Yellow Dragon Crossing the River, Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate, Fairy Welcoming Guests, Fairy Music Bell, and Arhat Hall.
Sancheng Gorge: With a narrow river channel and towering cliffs, the waters flow swiftly, and there are no towpaths for pulling boats upstream. Therefore, continuous use of poles to propel the boats gives rise to the name “Sancheng” (Three Supports). The original vegetation remains intact, with vibrant green colors everywhere, bizarre stalactites emerging along the way, and misty waterfalls filling the air with a rich poetic charm.
Rafting: The rafting experience in Wushan Three Mini Gorges is divided into half-rafting and full-rafting options. For full-rafting, you can take a boat from Dachang and then travel by vehicle to the starting point; however, this option does not allow you to experience the thrill of tow-rope rafting. In contrast, the half-rafting option allows you to travel upstream from the bifurcation point of the Danning River.
Within the Three Mini Gorges, you can ride on a small willow-leaf-shaped wooden boat, using a pole to gently push off the riverbed’s pebbles as you glide through the waves, enjoying the beautiful scenery on both sides. Alternatively, you can also take a rubber raft, wielding a three-foot silver paddle to steer downstream, fully experiencing the splashes of water and the thrill of a safe yet exciting rafting adventure.
Ningchang Ancient Town
Ningchang Ancient Town is located 14 kilometers from Wuxi County and is one of the first historical and cultural towns designated by Chongqing. The town is built alongside a mountain and river, featuring narrow blue stone streets. Traditional wooden structures, such as stilt houses and pedestrian bridges, stretch along the Huxi River for 3.5 kilometers, commonly referred to as the “Seven Mile Half Street.”
With a history of salt production spanning over 4,000 years, Ningchang Ancient Town is recognized as the birthplace and cradle of ancient human civilization in the Three Gorges region. It is often hailed as the “Ancient Salt Capital of the World” and considered the “ancestor” of artisanal workshops worldwide.
Dachang Ancient Town
Dachang Ancient Town is located in the northern part of Wushan County, on the left bank of the Danning River, upstream from the Three Little Gorges. Founded over 1,700 years ago in modern times, it is the only ancient town in the Three Gorges region that has been preserved intact. This compact town is characterized by its unique architecture, where “four gates allow conversation, a single lamp illuminates the entire town, and every household can hear the discussions in the hall.”
The streets feature archways and clusters of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing blue bricks, dark tiles, carved beams, painted rafters, and flying eaves that reflect the town’s rich historical flavor. The town also preserves traditional handicrafts such as handmade brewing and weaving, vividly presenting the life and production scenes of the Dachang people over the centuries.
A must-visit in Dachang Ancient Town is the Wenjia Courtyard, the largest and best-preserved building in the town, originally constructed in the early Qing Dynasty. Facing east, it covers an area of over 320 square meters. The entire structure features a traditional wooden bracket-style architecture, comprising an entrance hall, main hall, and rear hall, all supported by wooden beams, with a total of 12 columns and 37 beams.
The window frames are intricately carved with floral patterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The carved windows resemble giant double happiness characters and feature auspicious symbols such as immortality peaches, bats, chrysanthemums, and peonies. The water leakage system in the courtyard drains wastewater and rainwater, while the surrounding buildings form a corridor. The main hall serves as the reception area for family elders, adorned with two chairs and a plaque that reads, “Ancestral virtue thrives for generations,” signifying deep meaning and strength.
Visitor Guide for Wushan Three Little Gorges
Cuisine of Wushan
Zhang’s Three Cakes (张氏三糕): Known as “Wawengao” (碗碗糕), “Zengzhengao” (甑蒸糕), and “Nuomiyangao” (糯米年糕), Zhang’s Three Cakes are famous snacks from the ancient city of Wushan, boasting over 600 years of history. Upon entering Wushan County, you’ll hear the calls of vendors selling these delicious cakes, and you’ll find that any shop you visit serves up tasty options.
Wushan Weak Green Liangfen (巫山弱翠凉粉): Commonly known as “Banjiao Ye Tofu” (斑鸠页豆腐), “Chai Tofu” (柴豆腐), or “Shen Tofu” (神豆腐), this dish is made by extracting juice from the leaves of the wild stinking yellow vine plant. The juice is then processed using traditional methods to create a semi-transparent gelatinous “tofu” with an emerald-like color, hence its name. Rich in pectin and protein, it is believed to have cooling, detoxifying, and beautifying effects, making it both a food and a medicinal ingredient.
Wushan Konjac Chicken (巫山魔芋鸡): This dish features handmade konjac, which is not the ordinary soft type, but a locally unique crunchy konjac. The chicken used is selected from free-range chickens over three years old, combined with a secret broth and various ingredients to create the dish. The chicken is spicy and chewy, while the konjac offers a bouncy texture.
Wushan Grilled Fish (巫山烤鱼): This specialty dish from Wushan combines three cooking techniques: marinating, grilling, and stewing. It draws on the characteristics of traditional Sichuan cuisine and hot pot ingredients. The fish is crispy and flavorful, with a spicy and fragrant taste, making it a unique and nutritious local snack.
Shopping in Wushan
Wushan Snow Jujube (巫山雪枣): Originating from Dachang Ancient Town in Wushan, Snow Jujube is one of the county’s famous local specialties. The fruit resembles jujubes, measuring about 8 to 9 centimeters in length and 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. Its surface is coated with a white powdery substance, resembling frost or snow, which gives it its name. With a crisp, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it is loved by both young and old alike.
Three Gorges Mixed Sugar (三峡杂糖): Also known as “Zaojun Sugar” (灶君糖), this sweet pastry is characterized by its dry, crispy, and sweet nature. Made primarily from flour and eggs, it is slowly baked over low heat until the surface turns golden brown. Three Gorges Mixed Sugar has been a traditional specialty in the region for over 100 years.
Wushan Top Tea (巫山顶上茶): Formerly known as Wushan Divine Tea (巫山神茶), this tea is produced in the fog-covered mountains of the Three Gorges area, using leaves from a locally unique tree called “Linqin.” The tea brews to an amber color and is renowned for its ability to remain fresh overnight, making it a perfect natural drink for cooling off in summer. Locals refer to it as “Longevity Tea” for its remarkable effects on vitality and mental clarity.
Wushan Plums (巫山李子): Ripe between July and August, plums are among the favorite fruits of the locals. With a sour taste, they can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, promoting gastrointestinal motility and improving appetite. Plums are rich in various nutrients that enhance beauty and moisturize the skin. They are also remarkably high in antioxidants, making them a “superfruit” for anti-aging and disease prevention.