Three Gorges of the Yangtze River
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River—Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge—form a 193-kilometer natural masterpiece spanning Chongqing and Hubei Province. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this iconic landscape features sheer cliffs, winding waters, and cultural treasures, blending natural grandeur with millennia of history.
Historical Overview
A strategic crossroads since ancient times, the Three Gorges served as a vital military and trade route. In the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BCE), it facilitated military campaigns, while the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) saw it become a hub for transporting Sichuan’s resources. The 20th century brought modern transformation: the Three Gorges Dam, constructed from 1994 to 2006, reshaped the river’s ecology and elevated the region’s global significance.
Structural Layout
The gorges are divided into three sections:
- Qutang Gorge (8 km): The shortest but most dramatic, with cliffs rising 1,000+ meters and a narrowest point of 100 meters.
- Wu Gorge (45 km): Known for its “Twelve Peaks of Wu Mountain” and lush landscapes.
- Xiling Gorge (66 km): The longest, featuring treacherous rapids and the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project.
Major Attractions
Three Gorges Dam: A 2,309-meter concrete gravity dam with 225 GW installed capacity, offering tours of its ship locks and exhibition halls.
White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng): A 2,000-year-old fortress overlooking Qutang Gorge, linked to the Three Kingdoms’ legend.
Shennu Peak: One of Wu Gorge’s “Twelve Peaks,” revered in Chinese mythology.
Fengdu Ghost City: A cultural complex blending Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs.
Shibaozhai: A 12-story wooden pagoda clinging to a cliff.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Cruise (4 days):
Chongqing → Fengdu Ghost City → Shibaozhai → Qutang Gorge → Wu Gorge → Xiling Gorge → Three Gorges Dam → Yichang.
Highlights: Scenic cruising, cultural sites, and dam engineering marvels.
Express Route (2 days):
Yichang → Three Gorges Dam → Xiling Gorge → Wu Gorge → Shennv Stream → Chongqing.
Highlights: Focus on natural beauty and hydroelectric innovation.
Deep Culture Tour (5 days):
Add visits to Zhang Fei Temple, Qu Yuan’s hometown, and the ancient plank road along Wu Gorge.
Ticket Purchase
Cruises: Book via platforms like Ctrip or the official Three Gorges Cruise website. Prices range from ¥299 (basic cabin) to ¥17,800 (luxury suite).
Dam Tours: On-site tickets (¥35) or combo passes including museums (¥100–150).
Free Entry: Children under 1.2m; discounts for students/seniors.
Transportation
Cruise Ships: Most popular, departing from Chongqing or Yichang (3–5 days).
High-speed Rail: Connects Chongqing/Yichang to major cities (e.g., 4.5 hrs from Shanghai to Yichang).
Domestic Flights: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) and Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH) offer direct flights.
Best Time & Tips
Ideal Season: Autumn (Sep–Nov) for mild weather and red maple foliage.
Avoid: Summer (flooding) and winter (low water levels).
- Essentials:
Wear sturdy shoes (cruise decks can be slippery).
Pack light rain gear for occasional showers.
Photography allowed (no drones without permits).
Respect cultural sites—no climbing on relics.
More popular itineraries
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
