Guidelines for free admission for children
The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan(Small Three Gorges)
巫山小三峡
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No. 3 of Cool Water Escapes in ChongqingOpen Opening hours of The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan
The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan Highlights: Must-See Features and Attractions
The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan refers to the collective name of Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge along the lower reaches of the Daning River in Wushan County, spanning 45 kilometers. It is one of the first AAAAA-rated attractions in China. Recognized as one of "China's Top 40 Tourist Destinations," a "National Scenic Area," and a "Chongqing Civilized Attraction," it has been praised by notable figures as a "Chinese Wonder," "World-Class Spectacle," "Not the Three Gorges, Yet Surpassing Them," and the "World's Most Extraordinary Gorge." The saying goes: "After witnessing the vast sea, other waters pale in comparison; after visiting the Daning River, no other gorge can impress. Having seen the Five Great Mountains, no other peaks are worth seeing; after experiencing the Daning River, no other gorge can compare."
Exploring the Little Three Gorges by boat offers a scenic journey lasting about 4 hours. The attraction features diverse towering peaks, ever-changing misty clouds, serene waterfalls and clear springs, mysterious ancient caves on cliffs, and lush forests and bamboo groves, forming a delicate natural landscape. Visitors can spot playful monkeys climbing trees and cliffs, pairs of mandarin ducks, various waterbirds in flight, and fish swimming in crystal-clear waters, with birdsongs echoing through the woods—a true wildlife paradise. The area also preserves ancient Ba people's cliff coffins, boat coffins, and historic villages, serving as precious historical relics. This unique gorge scenery blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, shining as a brilliant gem along the Yangtze River's Golden Tourism Route.
The main attractions of Little Three Gorges include: Dragon Gate Gorge, Dragon Gate Bridge, Ancient Dragon Gate Village, Calligraphy Rock, Green Lion Guarding the Gate, Lingzhi Peak, Fairy Tossing the Embroidered Ball, Immortal Peach Peak, Lion Peak, Guanyin Sitting on Lotus Throne, Hanging Coffins, White Snake Entering the Cave, Emerald Green Gorge, Ox Liver and Horse Lungs Rock, Cliff Carved Buddha Statues, Heavenly Spring Flying Rain, Luo Family Village, Madu River, Sky-reaching Peak, Golden Monkey Peak, Red Cliff Touching the Sky, Boat Coffins, Twin Eagles Playing on Screen, and Flying Cloud Cave.
The Mini Three Gorges is the sister gorge of the Little Three Gorges, named for being even smaller than its counterpart. It consists of three sections: Sancheng Gorge, Qinwang Gorge, and Changtan Gorge, stretching 15 km in total.
Wushan County's Little Three Gorges earned its name from its exceptionally narrow waterways, strikingly steep mountains, and deep canyons. Within Little Three Gorges, peculiar peaks, mirrored landscapes, and breathtaking scenery create a mesmerizing view. Sheer cliffs stand face-to-face on both sides, with towering rock walls and a narrow river channel that reveals just a sliver of sky, exuding an irresistible wild allure. The oddly shaped stalactites hanging from the cliffs emit an ancient, primitive charm. Drifting through on a boat, one is surrounded by endless greenery and stunning vistas, evoking a pure return to nature and an embrace of its untouched beauty.