Wushan

Wushan

Wushan is located at the western mouth of the serene and picturesque Wu Gorge, on the northern bank where the Yangtze River meets the Daning River. It is the easternmost county in Chongqing, a tourist destination surrounded by mountains and rivers, boasting stunning scenery and numerous historical sites.

The area is home to the world-famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, renowned for their canyon and river landscapes; the deep and beautiful Lesser Three Gorges and Even Smaller Three Gorges, which focus on adventure, leisure, and rafting tourism; and the “Three Terraces, Eight Scenic Spots, and Twelve Peaks” of Wushan, represented by the iconic Goddess Peak. After the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam, the gorges and lakes of Wushan have become interconnected, transforming the region into a scenic tourist city nestled between mountains and water.

Wushan Lesser Three Gorges

The Wushan Lesser Three Gorges refer to the collective name for the [Longmen Gorge], [Bawu Gorge], and [Diciu Gorge]—the lower reaches of the Daning River, the largest tributary of the Yangtze River, within Wushan County, stretching a total of 50 kilometers. Here, the majestic and uniquely shaped peaks, perilous riverbanks, and rapid yet clear streams create a breathtaking scene. The peaks take on countless forms, vibrant and diverse; crystal-clear springs and waterfalls are serene and charming; lush greenery abounds; the ever-changing mist and clouds throughout the seasons lend an ethereal, fairy-tale-like quality. Wildflowers dot the trees, flocks of birds flit across the islands, mandarin ducks play in the water, fish swim near the surface, and playful monkeys echo through the valleys—all forming a magnificent natural gallery. Additionally, the ancient hanging coffins of the Ba people, shrouded in mystery, the perplexing yet fascinating ancient plank roads, and the quaint charm of the Dachang Ancient Town all contribute to unforgettable cultural landscapes. Together, these elements create the stunning and unique gorge scenery of the Lesser Three Gorges, making it a marvelous tourist destination that captivates visitors with its beauty and leaves a lasting impression, earning it the titles “Wonder of China” and “Finest Scenery Under Heaven.”

Longmen Gorge

Located about 3 kilometers from Wushan County, Longmen Gorge is the first of the Daning River gorges. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by towering peaks on both sides that seem to touch the sky, set against a backdrop of azure skies and emerald waters. A 184-meter-long bridge, the Longmen Bridge, spans the gorge, making the entrance resemble a grand gateway—more imposing even than the Kuimen Gate.

The riverbed within the gorge features complex elevation changes, with water flow alternating between rapid and calm. In the fast-flowing sections, white waves churn fiercely,

while in calmer stretches, the surface becomes mirror-like. No matter the depth, the colorful pebbles on the riverbed are clearly visible.

At the gorge’s exit lies the famous Yinwo Shoal, historically known for its treacherous waters and strong currents. In the past, navigating this area was extremely hazardous, with many boats capsizing, hence its name, which implies treasures hidden beneath the water. Today, after dredging, the journey is thrilling yet safe, offering a unique experience.

Upon entering the “Dragon Gate,” one can see small square holes—about six inches wide—carved into the cliffs on both sides. These holes, spaced roughly 1.5 meters apart, mark the starting point of the longest ancient plank road in China, stretching over 300 kilometers in total.

Bawu Gorge

Bawu Gorge is the second of the Lesser Three Gorges, stretching 10 kilometers from Dongpingba to Taipingtan. Named after the Bawu River, a tributary within the gorge, it is also called the Iron Coffin Gorge or the Guanyin Gorge. The gorge is characterized by abruptly rising peaks and grotesque rocks,

with serene blue-green streams flowing gently. The stalactites within take on lifelike shapes resembling humans, objects, and animals, serving as natural sculptural masterpieces. On the western cliff at the gorge’s entrance, a stone slab inscribed with “Bawu Gorge” features a dark brown relief sculpture of a turtle, giving the nearby shoal its name—Turtle Shoal.

The most captivating feature of Bawu Gorge is its hanging coffins. Research suggests that this burial custom began in the Western Zhou Dynasty and ended in the Ming Dynasty. According to local tradition, the higher the ancestors were buried, the more filial the descendants were considered. Some of these coffins, dating back over two thousand years, remain remarkably well-preserved—an extremely rare sight in both China and abroad.

Diciu Gorge is the third and longest of the Lesser Three Gorges, spanning 20 kilometers. It is also the most picturesque. The cliffs on both sides are exceptionally steep and rugged, covered with dense bamboo groves and ancient trees. Amidst the forested cliffs, waterfalls cascade down, scattering beads of water like thousands of silver ribbons drifting from the clouds. The wind sweeping through the green mountains creates the mesmerizing sound of waves on an endless sea. Eagles are often seen circling the mountaintops, while monkeys swing from vines and leap between trees.

The gorge features the towering “Red Cliff Reaching the Sky,” the ancient and mist-shrouded “Luo Family Ancient Stockade,” the elegant “Moon-Reflecting Rock,” the majestic “Heaven-Ascending Peak,” the whimsical “Golden Monkey,” the mystical “White Horse Cave,” and the unfathomably deep “Carp Cave.”

Within Diciu Gorge, the “Water Curtain Cave” waterfall drifts like a white silk ribbon, while the lotus-shaped stalactite “Red, Jade, and Green Lotus” hangs upside down from a red cliff. The “Heavenly Spring Rain” is a stream of water gushing from a high mountain cave, cascading down like a waterfall, transforming into a shower of droplets that dance throughout the gorge—a natural wonder reminiscent of a celestial realm.

Wushan Even Smaller Three Gorges

The Wushan Even Smaller Three Gorges are the sister gorges of the Lesser Three Gorges of the Daning River, named for being even smaller. The Madu River, a tributary of the Daning River, consists of three sections: the Three-Prop Gorge, the Qinwang Gorge, and the Longtan Gorge, totaling 20 kilometers in length. This area features uniquely shaped peaks, harmonious reflections on the water, enchanting scenery, gentle and crystal-clear currents, and steep cliffs that rise vertically from the narrow riverbanks, creating a “slit of heaven.” It embodies the essence of serenity, beauty, lushness, wonder, peculiarity, and uniqueness, resembling an exquisite miniature canyon bonsai with irresistible charm. Most captivating of all is the safe, exciting, and enjoyable self-participatory rafting experience that combines leisure tourism and physical activity. It is a dazzling jewel and a vibrant blossom within the Lesser Three Gorges scenic area.

The Madu River originates from Wudunzi in Dangyang Township, Wushan County, where the dense forests border the mysterious Shennongjia primitive forest. The woods are home to unique “couple trees,” also known as linked branches. The river flows from the northeast to the southeast before joining the Daning River at the Heaven-Ascending Peak in Diciu Gorge.

Legend has it that the Madu River got its name during the 13th year of the Chongzhen Emperor’s reign in the Ming Dynasty. After the peasant rebellion leader Zhang Xianzhong destroyed the Ming army stronghold at Tudi Ridge, he divided his forces into three routes

and crossed the river here under the cover of night to capture Dachang County. Hence, it became known as “Horse-Fording River.” Another theory suggests that, in ancient times, there were no ferries, and horses were used to transport people across, leading to the name. The *Wushan Place Names Record* states: “In the Ming Hongwu era, when advancing against Ming Sheng, horses crossed the river via two routes here, hence the name.”

The Madu River Even Smaller Three Gorges offer an adventure rafting experience that combines tourism, exploration, and physical activity, making it one of the best rafting destinations in the country. When you ride an inflatable raft without a guide, wearing a vest-style life jacket and gripping a three-foot paddle to steer downstream, you can fully enjoy the thrilling yet safe splash-filled journey.

The Twelve Peaks of Wushan

The Twelve Peaks of Wushan are situated on both banks of the Yangtze River in the eastern part of Wushan County. There are six peaks on the southern bank and six on the northern bank, each located 10–30 kilometers from the county town. The northern peaks include Denglong, Shengquan, Chaoyun, Wangxia (Goddess), Songluan, and Jixian, all clearly visible. On the southern bank, the peaks Jingtan, Qiyun, and Shangsheng are hidden behind the mountains, while only Feifeng, Cuiping, and Juhe are visible. The twelve peaks are exquisitely beautiful, each with its own unique posture. Throughout history, they have been celebrated as wonders of the world. The ancient verse “Sailing down Wu Gorge, my heart lies with the Twelve Peaks” reflects people’s deep admiration for them.

In addition to their graceful forms, the ever-changing and elusive mists and rains of Wushan add to the mystique of the Twelve Peaks. The high mountains and deep valleys trap moisture, which rises along the slopes, sometimes forming delicate clouds and light rain. Amid the fog, the peaks may be obscured by rolling dark clouds or shrouded in vast white mist, appearing and disappearing like a celestial paradise.

In addition to their elegant and varied shapes, the Twelve Peaks of Wushan are further shrouded in mystery by the unpredictable and elusive Wushan mist and rain. The high mountains and deep valleys of the gorges trap moisture that rises slowly along the slopes, sometimes forming drifting clouds and light drizzle. Within the mist, it may gather into rolling dark clouds or transform into vast white fog. The Twelve Peaks appear and disappear intermittently, resembling a fairyland.

Ancient literati often wove the names of the Twelve Peaks into poems. Here is one such poem:

I once walked to the Pure Altar to visit the Immortal Gathering,

Where morning clouds rise from deep layers, connecting with drifting clouds;

Ascending the Peak’s summit, I gaze at distant rosy clouds,

Moonlight shines on the emerald screen as cranes gather and return.

Just glimpsed the Dragon Ascending soaring into the Han sky,

Gazing afar at the Flying Phoenix playing above the sunny river;

The two shores resound with the calls of pine-clad peaks,

Surely friends are called to drink from the Sacred Spring.

Immortal Gathering Peak

Pine Clad Peak

Rosy Clouds Peak

Morning Clouds Peak

Sacred Spring Peak

Dragon Ascending Peak

Emerald Screen Peak

Crane Gathering Peak

Flying Phoenix Peak

Pure Altar Peak

Rising Clouds Peak

The “Three Terraces and Eight Sceneries” of Wushan

The Three Terraces of Wushan