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, Tribe of the Three Gorges, etc;
3. Find the traces of Hanging coffins on the mountain cliffs;
4. Hear the legendary story of the soaring peaks;
5. Encounter the globally famous Three Gorges Dam.

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.

Three Gorges Summit: as the tallest peak in Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges Summit offers the finest sightseeing of the majestic gorges and the twisting river. For hiking enthusiasts, the site also offers the most scenic and best hiking route in the Qutang Gorge section.

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.

Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: hailed as a "heavyweight national asset," is the largest and most advanced ship lift globally. Visitors can board a cruise ship to experience this incredible "vertical elevator," which lifts vessels 113 meters in a matter of minutes. This unique journey offers a breathtaking view of the calm waters rising from the high gorges and provides an up-close look at the majestic Three Gorges Dam.

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.

The ideal time for a Yangtze River cruise depends on individual preferences.

For those seeking pleasant weather and the stunning natural beauty of blooming peach blossoms or rolling hills covered in red leaves, the months of April, May, September, October, and November are highly recommended.

In contrast, June, July, and August are the peak family travel season, as children are on their summer break. Meanwhile, from December to March of the following year, the Yangtze River cruise enters its low season, offering visitors not only attractive discounts but also a more peaceful and less crowded experience. It’s advisable to avoid Chinese public holidays when selecting dates, as these periods tend to be crowded and cruises are more expensive.

Check more details about Three Gorges Weather, Temperature & What to Wear | Chinese Public Holidays Schedule 2025.

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