The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in Chongqing

　　    The world-renowned Three Gorges of the Yangtze River extend 193 kilometers from Fengjie in Chongqing in the west to Yichang in Hubei in the east. The Three Gorges refer collectively to the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.
　　    Qutang Gorge lies in the west, within the territory of Fengjie and Wushan counties governed by Chongqing. Its mouth is the Kuimen Gate, where two sheer cliffs stand opposite each other like a grand gate. At its narrowest point, the river is less than 100 meters wide. With towering mountains and swift waters, it presents a truly spectacular sight, often described as “Kuimen—the most majestic under heaven.” There are many scenic spots within the gorge, among which cliff inscriptions and remnants of plank roads along the precipices are the most eye-catching. At the high point near the mouth of the gorge lies the ancient city of Baidi, rich in relics from the Three Kingdoms period. Some cruise ships include sightseeing stops at Baidi City. Downstream from Qutang Gorge lies the Daning River Valley, and the Lesser Three Gorges of the Daning River are an important part of the overall Three Gorges scenery.
　　    Wu Gorge is in the middle, located between Wushan County in Chongqing and Badong County in Hubei. It features deep valleys and long stretches of the gorge, known for its tranquility and elegance. The famous Twelve Peaks of Wushan resemble twelve graceful fairy maidens. Since ancient times, there has been a romantic legend that “in the morning they drift as clouds, in the evening they become rain.” Travelers should keep an eye out for these peaks as indicated on their cruises. The hometowns of the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan and the Han Dynasty beauty Wang Zhaojun are both located near Wu Gorge.
　　    Xiling Gorge is in the east, situated within Hubei Province. Stretching 75 kilometers in length, it has long been feared for its fast-flowing water and numerous dangerous shoals, making navigation treacherous. However, after improvements, the conditions have significantly improved. The rock walls along both sides of Xiling Gorge are uniquely shaped and colored. Sections such as the Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge, the Military Book and Precious Sword Gorge, and the Yellow Ox Gorge all have distinctive features. At the lower end of Xiling Gorge, the massive Three Gorges Dam project is under construction, forming a new cultural landscape centered around modern engineering.
　　    The journey through the Three Gorges concludes beyond Xiling Gorge. Travelers can disembark and continue their journey by train or road, or continue cruising through the massive ship locks of the Gezhouba Dam (the experience of passing through the locks is quite interesting and is almost like a fourth gorge beyond the Three Gorges), to enjoy the magnificent view of the broad, gently flowing river downstream.

　　     Chongqing’s Wushan County