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Lesser Three Gorges
Located in Wushan County, Chongqing, the Lesser Three Gorges is one of the most beautiful and tranquil destinations along the Yangtze River region. Situated at the meeting point of the Yangtze River and the Daning River, Wushan lies just above the western entrance of the famous Wu Gorge and serves as the starting point for boat tours through the spectacular Lesser Three Gorges.
With a history dating back to the late Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1027 BC), Wushan is an ancient town surrounded by dramatic mountains, deep valleys, and rich natural resources. The name “Wushan” is traditionally associated with Wu Xian, a respected doctor of the Tang Dynasty who was buried on Nanling Mountain across the Yangtze River.
Today, Wushan is the administrative center of Wushan County, a mountainous area famous for its abundant medicinal herbs, the Daning River valley, and part of the spectacular Wu Gorge landscape.
Scenic Boat Tour Through the Lesser Gorges
The Lesser Three Gorges stretch approximately 33 kilometers along the clear waters of the Daning River. Compared with the Yangtze River’s often muddy waters, the Daning River is famous for its crystal-clear streams, peaceful atmosphere, and untouched natural scenery.
During a boat trip through the gorges, visitors can enjoy a landscape of steep cliffs, green forests, and abundant wildlife. The sounds of birds singing and monkeys calling from the riverbanks create a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from modern life.
The Lesser Three Gorges consist mainly of three scenic sections:
* Dragon Gate Gorge (Longmen Gorge)
* Misty Gorge (Bawu Gorge)
* Emerald Gorge (Canglong Gorge)
Each gorge features unique landscapes and fascinating historical remains.
Dragon Gate Gorge – Towering Cliffs and Ancient Plank Roads
The first and most dramatic section is Dragon Gate Gorge, where the Daning River narrows to only about 10–30 meters wide. On both sides, cliffs rise dramatically, reaching heights of approximately 800–1,000 meters.
The steep cliff faces are home to rare plants, mysterious vegetation, and legends of longevity herbs. Along the rock walls, visitors can still see two rows of square holes stretching through the gorge. These holes are the remains of an ancient plank road that once provided access to salt mines deep in the mountains.
The existence of this ancient walkway was first recorded in 246 BC. It remained in use for centuries before being destroyed during the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century after a major peasant uprising.
Misty Gorge – Ancient Hanging Coffins of the Ba People
One of the most fascinating sights in the Lesser Three Gorges is found in Misty Gorge, where an ancient hanging coffin can be seen suspended high on a cliff face.
These mysterious coffins are believed to be relics of the Ba people, an ancient ethnic group that lived in the Three Gorges region between approximately 3,500 and 1,800 years ago. Hundreds of hanging coffins once existed throughout the Three Gorges and Daning River area, placed in seemingly unreachable locations on steep cliffs.
The hanging coffins remain one of the most intriguing cultural mysteries of the region, reflecting the unique burial traditions and history of ancient civilizations along the Yangtze River.
A Must-Visit Destination Near the Three Gorges
Combining spectacular canyon scenery, clear rivers, rare wildlife, and ancient cultural relics, the Lesser Three Gorges offers a quieter and more intimate experience compared with the main Three Gorges route. A boat journey through Wushan’s Daning River allows travelers to discover the natural beauty and historical treasures hidden within one of China’s most remarkable landscapes.
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