Three Gorges - biggest attraction of Yangtze cruise

Tourists experience along Three Gorges:

1. Enjoy beautiful gallery of picturesque landscape of high mountains and flat river; ;
2. Visit ancient historical culture relics, like Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Shibaozhai Pagoda, etc;
3. Find the traces of Hanging coffins on the mountain cliffs;
4. Hear the legendary story of the soaring peaks;
5. Meet the renowned Three Gorges Dam in the world.

Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡）

Known for the majestic view, Qutang Gorge is the shortest one of only 8 km from White Emperor City to Daxi stream. However, there actually are many places of interests along both banks of this gorge for your sightseeing enjoyment and historical culture enrichment. With dramatic and gorgeous ancient narrow trestle road along the cliff, it is also endowed with great human culture relics.

What to see in Qutang Gorge:

White Emperor City: nationally famous, it is a great site to know the touching history of Liu Bei, King of the Shu Kingdom, entrusting his sons to Zhuge Liang, his loyal minister before he died there and more interesting stories of the Three Kingdoms period thousands of years ago.

Kuimen Gate: long been well-known as “Kuimen Gate boasting the most magnificent view under heaven,” Kuimen Gate is the shining spot of Qutang Gorge and get its real essence. Thus, it is pressed on the 10 Yuan Chinese note.

Attractions before Qutang Gorge: Fengdu Ghost City, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Mount Shuanggui, etc.

As the deep and quiet canyon, Wu Gorge extends 45 km from Wushan to Guandukou in Badong County, so it is also called the Large Gorge (Da Xia). Featured with fantastic and peculiar strong peaks, banking the water and boasting an interesting legend, Wu Gorge presents elegant, twists and turns, and attractive sceneries. Its beautiful and poetic views make people seem to enter into an amazing picturesque gallery.

What to see in Wu Gorge:

Shennv Stream: a tranquil and mysterious fairyland with multiple high hills embracing the emerald water. Highly recommended place to escape from city noise and immerse into the serene nature.

Shennong Stream: branch stream from Wu Gorge of about 60km. It is popular by the various shoals and the idyllic featured rural life and natural scene. The “bean pod” sampan is the best try to feel the authentic ancient life there.

Lesser Three Gorges: famous site attracting continuous visitors by its verdant natural sightseeing of peculiar mountains, elegant water and interest of winding water path.

Others: 12 Shennv Peaks, Small Lesser Three Gorges, Dachang Old Town, etc.

Section from Zigui to Nanjin Pass in Yichang is called Xiling Gorge, the longest part with 76 km and also the most beautiful one among all the three gorges. Known for its dangerous rugged shoals & turbulent waters, historically. Now tourists can hardly see the billowy waves, but the beautiful landscape and historical sites will let you forget the worries and linger, like exploring the Three Travelers’ Cave and Huangling Temple, both historical landmarks.

What to see in Xiling Gorge:

Three Gorges Dam Project: It is the world largest and most complicated hydro power engineering, which has improved the electricity production, flood control, shipping, irrigation, economy and many other aspects of cities and towns along the Yangtze River.

Tribe of Three Gorges: famous ancient village to appreciate the picturesque scenery of water, hill, residents and houses, and feel the simple and pure life and customs of local Tujia people.

Quyuan Birthplace:: hometown of the great poet called Qu Yuan, where is best to know about the great stories of him and the historical cultural relics of the Warring States Period. It also a good point to admire the Three Gorges Dam Project.

Others: Gezhou Dam, Three Travelers’ Cave and Huangling Temple, etc.

In fact, Three Gorges are suitable to be visited in all the four seasons. However, periods of spring, autumn and winter are the best.

In spring from about March to May, you can appreciate the pinky peach blossoms on the banks in the warm sunshine. In autumn from about September to November, the fresh fruits and the golden autumn leaves dress up the mountains into the beauty. And in winter from around December to February, the fiery red leaves spreading the continuous hills make it the best time for photographing. And in summer from around June to August, plants and trees at the Three Gorges are flourish, which provides a cool retreat from the heat.

Check more details about Three Gorges Weather & What to Wear | Best Time to Visit Yangtze River Three Gorges.

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