The Little Three Gorges of the Fuchun River

The Little Three Gorges of the Fuchun River

“Among all the beautiful landscapes under heaven, those of Fuchun have been praised throughout the ages.” This was how ancient people praised the Fuchun River; “Not the Li River, yet surpassing it” is how modern visitors describe it, ranking it alongside the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and the Li River in Guilin as one of China’s three most famous river scenic routes.

Located along a 24-kilometer stretch of the upper Fuchun River, from Qili Long in Tonglu to Meicheng in Jiande, this is the most picturesque section of the river.

The Little Three Gorges of the Fuchun River are also known as the Tong River or Qili Long. They are divided into the Dragon Gate Gorge, Ziling Gorge, and Zixu Gorge. From the mouth of Qili Long to the Fishing Terrace of Yan Ziling is the “Dragon Gate Gorge,” about 4 kilometers long; from the Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace to the Zixu Ferry is the “Ziling Gorge,” 12 kilometers long; and from the Zixu Ferry to the Sanjiangkou (the confluence of the Fuchun River, Xin’an River, and Lan River), the 8-kilometer-long section is named after Wu Zixu, who reportedly crossed here to flee persecution during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu Zixu of the State of Chu fled the attempted assassination by King Ping of Chu and escaped to the State of Wu. He later passed through this ferry to enter the capital of Wu, Gusu. The towering stone cliffs at the ferry site feature cliff inscriptions reading “Zixu Ferry.” The area boasts a wide, tranquil river surface, surrounded by ancient paths, hence the name “Zixu Wild Ferry.” Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the ancient town of Meicheng, Twin Pagodas Piercing the Clouds, and the Gourd Waterfall. The ancient town of Meicheng, which served as the seat of government for the ancient Mu Prefecture, Yan Prefecture, and Jiande County, has a history of over 1,700 years. The town is embellished by two lakes to the east and west, with twin pagodas standing opposite each other to the north and south. Attractions within the town such as the Sifan Memorial Archway, Jiande Marquis Archway, Ming Gui Qingke, and the Six Harmonies Ancient Well offer historical exploration, while nearby sites like the Yuquan Temple, Fengzhen Taoist Temple, Wulong Ridge, Wansong Forest, Twin Pagodas Piercing the Clouds, and the Two Rivers Forming a Character provide opportunities for discovery and adventure. The Twin Pagodas Piercing the Clouds — the South Peak Pagoda and North Peak Pagoda — are seven-story brick pagodas standing on opposite sides of the confluence of the Xin’an, Fuchun, and Lan Rivers, forming the scenic view known as “Twin Pagodas Piercing the Clouds.”

“Extraordinary mountains and unique waters, unparalleled under heaven.” The Qili Long of the Fuchun River blends stunning natural scenery with brilliant ancient cultural relics, resembling a magnificent scroll painting — truly exquisite.