Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge is located between Wushan County in Sichuan Province and Badong County in Hubei Province, stretching 42 kilometers in total. With towering mountains reaching into the clouds, it is home to the world-renowned Twelve Peaks of Wushan. The section within Badong spans 22 kilometers, extending west from Bianyu Stream to Guandukou Town at the eastern edge of the county, and was historically also known as Ba Gorge.

The Twelve Peaks of Wushan are located on both the northern and southern banks of the gorge and are its most iconic attractions. They rise high into the sky, with sheer cliffs standing thousands of feet tall, their bases hidden deep in the river and their peaks piercing straight down to the water’s edge. Within the gorge, clouds drift lightly and curl around, ever-changing and unpredictable, adding an ethereal charm to the peaks. Moreover, the many beautiful myths and legends passed down through generations lend an air of enchanting romance.

Wu Gorge boasts numerous historical sites and scenic spots. In addition to the Twelve Peaks, there are Lu You’s Ancient Cave, the Platform Where Emperor Yu Received the Book, the Ruins of the Goddess Temple, Kong Ming’s Stone Tablet, as well as the Kuizhou-Wushan Plank Road carved into the steep cliffs. Other attractions include Bianyu Stream at the Sichuan–Hubei border and the “Boundary Between Chu and Shu” inscriptions, not to mention the rows of rope marks carved into the rocks along the riverbanks—all of which are filled with poetic beauty. These have inspired countless poets and scholars throughout history, leaving behind a brilliant constellation of literary works.

Wu Gorge is deep, narrow, and receives little sunlight. The lingering moisture in the gorge easily forms clouds and mist, which take on a myriad of forms—some resembling galloping horses or dragons, some crawling low to the ground, others hanging like waterfalls from the cliffs. Occasionally, they gather into vast, flowing veils of cloud, which under the sunlight create the famed Wu Gorge Buddha’s Halo. This inspired the timeless verse: “Having seen the ocean, no other water will do; save for Wushan’s clouds, no other clouds will do.”

After the Three Gorges Reservoir reached a water level of 175 meters, the water level in Wu Gorge only rose by 80 meters, having minimal impact on the gorge’s deep and picturesque scenery. On the contrary, it has made possible the development of even more secluded gorges such as Shanmu Rangxi and Goddess Gorge, adding further wonder and wild charm to the experience of exploring Wu Gorge.