The Wushan Lesser Three Gorges are located in Wushan County, Chongqing Municipality. They are the collective name for the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dripping Emerald Gorge along the lower reaches of the Daning River within Wushan County. Designated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction, the scenic area stretches 50 kilometers in length and covers approximately 50 square kilometers. It is renowned for its majestic mountains, towering peaks, dangerous rapids, and serene scenery, integrating natural landscapes with cultural heritage. The river channels are narrow, the currents swift, and the banks are lined with precipitous cliffs and lush bamboo groves. Within the area, there are ancient plank road ruins, hanging coffins, and other cultural relics, as well as wildlife such as monkey troops and mandarin ducks. Large-scale construction is absent; the area primarily features pristine natural scenery with only a few tourism facilities like docks and observation decks.
History and Culture
The Wushan Lesser Three Gorges boast profound historical and cultural significance. The ancient plank road ruins are an important historical testament, first built during the pre-Qin period. These roads were constructed by chiseling holes and laying wooden beams along sheer cliffs for transportation, trade, and military purposes, stretching hundreds of miles and demonstrating the wisdom and courage of ancient laborers. The hanging coffins are another unique cultural attraction; research suggests most were placed by the ancient Ba people over a thousand years ago. The burial method, shrouded in mystery, reflects the unique funeral customs and religious beliefs of the ancient Ba people. Additionally, the Daning River basin has long been one of the birthplaces of Ba culture, nurturing rich folklore, ballads, and folk activities that carry the living memories and cultural heritage of the local people.
Major Attractions
Longmen Gorge
Longmen Gorge is the first gorge of the Lesser Three Gorges, about 3 kilometers long. At the entrance, two mountains face each other like a gate, earning it the praise “Majestic, Longmen Gorge!” The gorge features high mountains, deep valleys, and turbulent waters, with grotesque peaks and rocks on both banks. Vivid sights include the “Lingzhi Peak” and “Silver Whirlpool.” At the gorge mouth, the Longmen Bridge spans the river, connecting Wushan County town with the scenic area and adding a distinctive landmark.
Bawu Gorge
Bawu Gorge is about 10 kilometers long, famous for its secluded beauty and swirling mists, earning the description “Wondrous, Bawu Gorge!” Inside, stalactites abound, with stalagmites and stone pillars in myriad shapes—some like fairies by the river, others like a pig bowing to Buddha, remarkably lifelike. Bawu Gorge also contains many hanging coffins on steep cliffs, adding an air of mystery. Boating through, visitors feel as if immersed in a splashed-ink landscape painting.
Dripping Emerald Gorge
Dripping Emerald Gorge is the longest, deepest, and most beautiful of the three, about 20 kilometers in length, and is hailed as “Serene, Dripping Emerald Gorge!” The gorge is lush with bamboos and trees, verdant year-round, with mountain springs and waterfalls dripping like emerald beads. On the cliffs, troops of monkeys and pairs of mandarin ducks can often be seen, full of vitality. Notable sights include the “Red Cliff Touching the Sky,” “Heavenly Springs and Flying Rain,” and “Cliffside Buddhist Carvings,” all within this gorge, leaving visitors enchanted.
Tour Route：
Visitors typically board boats at the tourist dock in Wushan County town and cruise through Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dripping Emerald Gorge in sequence. The entire journey is by boat; at major scenic points, the boat will pause briefly for photo-taking and viewing. The tour lasts about 3–4 hours and ends with a return to the Wushan County town dock.
Travel Tips：
It is recommended to visit in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery pleasant—avoiding summer heat and winter cold.
While cruising, prepare your camera or phone in advance and take photos during stops; stay safe and avoid moving around unnecessarily on the boat.
For local cuisine, choose reputable restaurants in Wushan County town to ensure food safety and authentic flavors.
If interested in history and culture, learn about the ancient plank roads and hanging coffins beforehand to better appreciate the cultural connotations.
Important Notes：
Always wear a life jacket while boating, follow crew instructions, and do not lean over the side to prevent accidents.
Some paths in the scenic area may be slippery; watch your step when boarding/alighting or walking on docks—especially seniors and children, who should be accompanied.
Protect the environment: do not litter, damage vegetation, or deface cultural relics.
In summer, bring sun protection and mosquito repellent; in winter, dress warmly.
Transportation：
By air: Fly to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, then take a long-distance bus from the airport’s long-distance transfer center to Wushan (about 5–6 hours).
By train: Take a train to Wanzhou Station, then transfer to a bus from Wanzhou Bus Center to Wushan (about 4 hours).
Self-driving: From downtown Chongqing, take the G50 Shanghai–Chongqing Expressway and G42 Shanghai–Chengdu Expressway; the total distance is about 450 km, driving time about 5–6 hours. Arrive at Wushan County town and proceed to the Lesser Three Gorges tourist dock.
Local transport: In Wushan County town, take a taxi or bus (e.g., Route 3) to the Lesser Three Gorges tourist dock.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open year-round from 08:00 to 17:00. Boat departure times may adjust according to passenger flow; it is advisable to check with the scenic area in advance.
Tickets：
The entrance ticket (including boat fare) is RMB 120 per person. Ticket prices may vary during low/high seasons or special events; please refer to the official announcement for the latest information.