Wudao Gorge

Wudao Gorge

Wudao Gorge is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national nature reserve.

Wudao Gorge Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Baokang County, 22 kilometers from the county town. The gorge stretches 7.5 kilometers and consists of five gully sections. About 5 kilometers long, the gorge features peaks connected by a stream, standing majestically in diverse shapes, with clear waters rushing all year round. Mountains, forests, caves, waterfalls, streams, the sky, birds, and beasts, along with historical relics and folk legends, intermingle to form a grand natural painting that embodies the wild beauty of the strange, the perilous, the majestic, and the serene.

Covering a total area of 1,667 hectares, including 1,335 hectares of primeval forest, this is the place where Bian He of the Chu State during the Spring and Autumn Period found the uncut jade of the "Heshi Bi." The scenic area features meandering streams with undulating drops, flanked by verdant mountains and surging peaks. Beautiful karst caves, graceful waterfalls, and uniquely shaped rocks are scattered across the landscape, complementing one another.

There are eight cave groups represented by the Immortal Cave, six mountain stronghold groups represented by Dragon King Stronghold, and eight waterfall groups represented by Fairy Waterfall.

Notable attractions include Dragon King Stronghold, Reclining Dragon Cave, Fairy Waterfall, Resounding Waterfall, Sun Family Stronghold, Dragon Palace Hall, Fairy Bath Hot Spring, Jade Silver Waterfall, Overlord Peak, Red Scarf Army Tomb, and Immortal Rock, totaling over 100 sites.

On the gate of the Chu City Tower hangs an ancient and vigorous couplet: “Cliffs above strongholds, strongholds atop cliffs, horses fly above cliffs; caves within waterfalls, waterfalls inside caves, dragons lie within caves.” This is a true depiction of the Wudao Gorge’s rugged beauty, perilous charm, and rustic allure.

“Stones glow with embedded jade, waters shine with hidden pearls.” This is how visitors from all over praise Wudao Gorge. This renowned alpine valley, famous both within and beyond the province, boasts not only spectacular mountains and beautiful waters that blend natural scenery, folklore, myths, and cultural landscapes, but also a pristine ecological environment that helps improve local climate conditions. The average daily temperature in the gorge area is 19°C, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer, with spring-like weather all year round.

The entire Wudao Gorge Scenic Area highlights caves, forests, streams, and waterfalls as its main landscapes, characterized by the strange, the perilous, the majestic, and the serene. It complements a wealth of cultural attractions and folk legends. Clear and rapid streams flow year-round, and more than 10 spectacular waterfalls are a major highlight. There are eight karst caves represented by the Buddha’s Hand Cave, six mountain strongholds represented by the Sun Family Stronghold, and seven waterfalls represented by the Fairy Waterfall. Notable attractions include Jade Embracing Rock, Jade Discovery Site, Dragon King Stronghold, Reclining Dragon Cave, Buddha’s Hand Cave, and Resounding Water Cave, totaling over 100 sites. The area is home to more than 10 types of rare national plants, such as wild peony, wild wintersweet, yew, camphor, and ginkgo, as well as over 30 types of nationally protected animals, including macaques and giant salamanders.

The hot spring is located in Tangchi Gorge, 12 kilometers from Baokang County Town. The asphalt road is fully connected, and more than 10 springs have been discovered so far, with a daily flow of over 10,000 cubic meters and an average water temperature of 39.5°C. The water quality meets the national standards for natural mineral drinking water and is classified as high-quality natural mineral water, containing various trace elements beneficial to human health. Regular consumption of this water can promote metabolism and bone growth, and has anti-cancer and cancer-treatment effects. It also provides significant therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular, digestive, urinary system diseases, as well as conditions like hypertension and stomach ailments. Regular bathing in this spring can improve circulation, accelerate metabolism, enhance blood flow, and deliver positive therapeutic effects for various illnesses.

Key attractions and facilities already completed include the Immortal Cave, Dragon King Stronghold, Resounding Waterfall, Dragon Palace Hall, parking lot, and main hiking trails. Plans are underway to develop the second phase of the project in partnership, which includes three roller dams, 8,500 acres of Azalea Mountain, four pavilions, statues of the Four Divine Immortals, ancient mountain strongholds, the Red Scarf Army Tomb, and 12 supporting facilities for food, accommodation, and transportation. Once fully completed, it will be an ideal natural ecological tourism destination for adventure, exploration, mystery discovery, and sightseeing.

Wudao Gorge is 4 kilometers long. The scenic area highlights caves, forests, streams, and waterfalls as its main landscapes, characterized by the strange, the perilous, the majestic, and the serene. Notable attractions include Jade Embracing Rock, Dragon King Stronghold, Buddha’s Hand Cave, Welcome Waterfall, Couple Peaks, Fairy Waterfall, and Single Tomb, totaling over 100 sites. Visitors say: “The first gorge welcomes you, the second gorge draws you in like a painting, the third gorge engages your taste, the fourth gorge captivates you, and the fifth gorge mesmerizes your soul.” It is an exceptional leisure and holiday destination in northwestern Hubei.

Source: Official Website of the People's Government of Hubei Province