Wu Gorge

　　Wu Gorge lies between Wushan County in Sichuan Province and Badong County in Hubei Province, spanning a total length of 42 kilometers. Its mountains rise high into the sky, and the area features the famous Twelve Peaks of Wushan, renowned for their extraordinary beauty. The section within Badong County stretches 22 kilometers, starting from Bianyu Stream in the west and ending at Guandukou Town in the east of the county. It was historically also referred to as Bashixia (Ba Gorge).

　　The Twelve Peaks of Wushan are situated on both the northern and southern banks of the gorge and are the most iconic scenic highlights of Wu Gorge. These peaks soar into the sky, stand precipitously with cliffs thousands of feet high, and plunge sharply down to the river below. In the gorge, wisps of clouds drift gracefully and swirl unpredictably, adding an ethereal charm to the peaks. Moreover, the numerous beautiful myths and legends passed down through generations further enrich the mysterious and romantic poetic allure of the area.

　　Wu Gorge is home to numerous historical sites and scenic spots. In addition to the Twelve Peaks, there are other attractions such as Lu You’s Ancient Cave, the Platform Where Emperor Yu Received the Heavenly Scriptures, the Ruins of the Goddess Temple, Zhuge Liang’s Stone Tablet, as well as the Kuifu Plank Path clinging to the steep cliffs, the Bianyu Stream on the Sichuan-Hubei border, and the inscription “The Great Divide between Chu and Shu.” There are also numerous rope marks carved into the rocks along the riverbanks, all contributing to the gorge’s poetic and picturesque ambiance. These have inspired generations of poets and scholars, leaving behind a brilliant constellation of literary works.

　　Wu Gorge is deep, narrow, and long, with limited sunlight. The lingering moisture in the gorge easily forms clouds and fog that take on a myriad of shapes—some resembling galloping horses or dragons, others crawling close to the ground, while some hang like waterfalls from the cliffs. Occasionally, they gather into flowing veils of mist. When illuminated by sunlight, they can create the phenomenon known as the “Buddha’s Halo” of Wu Gorge. Hence, the ancients left behind the timeless verse: “Having seen the vast ocean, no other waters can compare; save for the clouds of Wushan, no other clouds are worth mentioning.”

　　After the Three Gorges Reservoir reached a water level of 175 meters, the water level in Wu Gorge only rose by 80 meters, which has had minimal impact on the deep and beautiful scenery of the gorge. On the contrary, it has made more secluded and pristine gully landscapes, such as the Shanmuchang Stream and the Goddess Stream, accessible, adding more wild charm and wonder to the experience of visiting Wu Gorge.