The Little Three Gorges of Wushan are located in Wushan County, Chongqing City. They are the general name for Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge through which the lower reaches of the Daning River flow in Wushan. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The scenic area has a total length of 50 kilometers and a total area of about 50 square kilometers. The scenic area is renowned for its majestic mountains, beautiful peaks, dangerous shoals, and secluded scenery, integrating natural landscapes and cultural landscapes. The river here is narrow, with turbulent water flow. On both sides of the river, strange peaks stand upright, and bamboos and trees are lush. There are cultural landscapes such as the remains of ancient plank roads and hanging coffins in the scenic area, and wild animals such as monkeys and mandarin ducks can be seen. There are no large-scale buildings in the scenic area, mainly consisting of original natural landscapes and a small number of facilities such as docks and viewing platforms for tourism.
History and Culture
The Little Three Gorges of Wushan have a profound historical and cultural heritage. The remains of ancient plank roads are an important historical witness. These plank roads were initially built during the Pre-Qin period. They were formed by drilling holes and setting up wooden frames on the precipices, serving purposes such as transportation, commerce, and military affairs, stretching for hundreds of miles, showcasing the wisdom and courage of the ancient working people. The hanging coffins are also a unique cultural landscape of the Little Three Gorges. According to research, most of the hanging coffins were made by the ancient Ba people and have a history of over a thousand years. Their burial methods are full of mystery, reflecting the unique burial customs and religious beliefs of the ancient Ba people. In addition, the Daning River Basin has been one of the important birthplaces of Ba culture since ancient times. It has given birth to rich folk legends, ballads, and folk activities, carrying the living memories and cultural inheritance of the local people.
Main Attractions
Longmen Gorge
Longmen Gorge is the first gorge of the Little Three Gorges of Wushan, about 3 kilometers long. At the entrance of the gorge, two mountains face each other, shaped like a gate, and it is known as "How majestic, Longmen Gorge". Inside the gorge, the mountains are high and the valleys are deep, with rapid water flow. There are numerous strange peaks and rocks on both sides. Sceneries such as the "Lingzhi Peak" and "Yinwo Beach" are vivid. There is a Longmen Bridge spanning both banks at the entrance of Longmen Gorge, connecting Wushan County and the Little Three Gorges scenic area, which is also a unique scenic line.
Bawu Gorge
Bawu Gorge is about 10 kilometers long and is famous for its seclusion, beauty, and swirling clouds, enjoying the reputation of "How amazing, Bawu Gorge". There are numerous stalactites in the gorge. Stalagmites and stone pillars have various shapes. Some are like fairies by the river, and some are like Zhu Bajie offering birthday greetings, vivid and lifelike. In addition, there are many hanging coffins in Bawu Gorge, distributed on the steep cliffs, adding a mysterious touch to the gorge. When tourists take a boat through it, they seem to be in an ink-wash painting.
Dicui Gorge
Dicui Gorge is the longest, most secluded, and most beautiful gorge in the Little Three Gorges, with a total length of about 20 kilometers, and it is praised as "How serene, Dicui Gorge". Inside the gorge, bamboos and trees are lush, green throughout the four seasons. There are clear springs and waterfalls in the mountain streams, and the hanging springs drip with green. On the cliffs on both sides, groups of monkeys playing and pairs of mandarin ducks can be seen from time to time, full of vitality. Famous sceneries such as the "Red Cliff Reaching the Sky", "Heavenly Spring Flying Rain", and "Cliffside Buddha Statues" are all in this gorge, making people reluctant to leave.
Delicacies
Wushan Grilled Fish
Wushan Grilled Fish is one of the most representative local delicacies. Fresh local fish are selected. After a unique pickling process, they are first grilled until the skin is golden and crispy, and then stewed in a soup made of various vegetables such as bean sprouts, agaric, and green peppers and a secret sauce. The fish is tender and flavorful, and the side dishes absorb the aroma of the fish and the taste of the soup, with a rich taste, spicy and delicious, deeply loved by tourists.
Wushan Emerald Jelly
Wushan Emerald Jelly is a characteristic snack, made from local unique plants. The finished product is green in color, crystal clear, with a delicate and smooth taste. When eating, add brown sugar water, lemon juice, and other seasonings. It is refreshing and relieves the summer heat, and it is a rare delicacy in summer.
Wushan Old Smoked Pork
Wushan Old Smoked Pork is made from local rural native pigs through multiple processes such as pickling and smoking. The smoked pork has a bright red color, firm texture, and a salty and fragrant taste. It can be directly sliced and steamed for eating, or stir-fried with chili peppers, garlic sprouts, etc. It is a common delicious dish on the tables of Wushan people and a characteristic souvenir that tourists like to buy.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket for the Little Three Gorges of Wushan (including the boat ticket) is 120 yuan per person. The ticket price of the scenic area may be adjusted according to the peak and off-peak seasons or special activities. Please refer to the official announcements of the scenic area for specific information.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open throughout the year from 08:00 to 17:00. The departure time of the cruise ships may be adjusted according to the passenger flow. It is recommended to consult the scenic area in advance.
Tour Routes
Tourists usually board the boat at the tourist wharf in Wushan County and visit Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge in sequence. The whole journey is by boat. At the main scenic spots, the cruise ship will stop briefly to facilitate tourists to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The tour time is approximately 3 to 4 hours, and after the tour, return to the tourist wharf in Wushan County.
Transportation
- By plane: First, arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, and then take a long-distance bus to Wushan at the airport's long-distance transfer center. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.
- By train: Take the train to Wanzhou Station, and then take a bus to Wushan at the Wanzhou Bus Passenger Transport Center. The journey takes about 4 hours.
- By self-driving: Starting from Chongqing urban area, passing through Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway and Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, the whole journey is about 450 kilometers, and the driving time is about 5 to 6 hours. After arriving in Wushan County, go to the tourist wharf of the Little Three Gorges.
- Transportation within the county: In Wushan County, you can take a taxi or a bus to the tourist wharf of the Little Three Gorges. Bus route 3 and others can directly reach there.
Must-visit Attractions
- Longmen Gorge: The entrance of the gorge is spectacular, with strange peaks and rocks on both sides. Feel the beauty of "majesty". It is about 3 kilometers long and is the gateway landscape of the Little Three Gorges.
- Bawu Gorge: It is famous for its stalactite landscapes and mysterious hanging coffins. The gorge is secluded, and the scenery is fantastic. It is about 10 kilometers long and is full of mysterious colors.
- Dicui Gorge: It is the longest and most beautiful gorge in the Little Three Gorges, with lush bamboos and trees, flowing springs and waterfalls, and rich wild animals. It is about 20 kilometers long and is an excellent place to experience the beauty of the natural ecology.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to visit in spring or autumn. At this time, the weather is mild and the scenery is pleasant, without the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
- When taking a boat tour, prepare a camera or mobile phone in advance and take photos in time when the boat stops at the scenic spots. Pay attention to shooting safety and do not walk around on the boat casually.
- When tasting local delicacies, go to regular restaurants in Wushan County to ensure food safety and taste the authentic flavor.
- If you are interested in history and culture, learn about the ancient plank roads, hanging coffins and other relevant knowledge in advance to better feel the cultural connotation of the scenic area.
Notes
- When taking a boat tour, be sure to wear a life jacket, follow the instructions of the staff on the boat, and do not lean out of the boat to avoid danger.
- Some sections in the scenic area are slippery. Pay attention to safety under your feet when getting on and off the boat or walking at the wharf, especially the elderly and children need to be accompanied by someone.
- Protect the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, and do not damage the vegetation and cultural relics.
- Take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures when visiting in summer, and keep warm when visiting in winter.