Wu Gorge is the most secluded and beautiful section of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. It is famous for its magnificent landscape and profound culture. 🌄 Recommended core attractions: Shennv Peak. Highlights: Wu Gorge landmark, the legendary incarnation of Yao Ji, with clouds and mist on the top of the peak like a fairyland. How to play: Take a boat to see the panoramic view from a distance, or hike (about 2 hours) to experience it up close. Tips: It is most beautiful when the clouds and mist rise on rainy days. Photography enthusiasts are recommended to go there in the early morning. Twelve Peaks of Wushan Mountain Must-see peaks: Denglong Peak, Shengquan Peak, Cuiping Peak, etc. Each peak has a different shape and can be appreciated one by one when the boat is sailing in the river. Easter Egg: Find the best shooting angle of "Scissor Peak" - it looks like an unfolded pair of scissors when the boat passes the side of the peak. Small Three Gorges & Little Three Gorges Landscape Features: Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, Dicui Gorge, three sections of canyons, clear water and macaques playing. Experience: Transfer to a black-sailed boat to enter the Little Three Gorges, where the boatmen will sing folk songs and interact with you, which is very immersive.
Note: The whole cruise takes about 4 hours, so bring sunscreen and snacks.
Goddess Stream A small secret place: The stream is turquoise, and the vertical drop of the cliffs on both sides is nearly a thousand meters. The cruise ship is like entering a painting.
Suitable for people: Tourists who prefer quiet natural scenery, it is better to avoid the peak hours of tour groups.
🚌 Transportation Guide Major Transportation High-speed rail: Zhengyu High-speed Railway goes directly to Wushan Station. After exiting the station, take a taxi to the county town for 20 minutes.
Airplane: Chongqing/Wuhan flies to Wushan Airport (many flights in peak season), and the airport is 30 minutes away from the county town.
Local Transportation Cruise: Take a sightseeing boat at Wushan Visitor Center. It is recommended to choose the "early boat" to avoid the crowds.
Chartered car: The southern loop of Shennv Scenic Area is suitable for chartered tours (about 300 yuan/day), with flexible stops at the viewing platform.
📅 Best travel season March-May & September-November: The climate is pleasant in spring and autumn, with flowers blooming in spring and red leaves covering the mountains in autumn (best in mid-to-late November).
Lightning avoidance tips: Floods are likely to occur in the rainy season from July to August, and cruise ships may stop sailing; there are few tourists in winter (December-February), and some mountain trails are frozen, so be careful.
⚠️ Notes Cruise boat selection: New energy sightseeing boats are preferred (low noise, no diesel smell), and the second-floor viewing deck has a better view.
Hiking safety: Some sections of the Shennv Peak trail are steep, so you need to wear non-slip shoes and be careful in the rainy season.
Accommodation suggestions: Wushan County River View Hotel is cost-effective (such as Jiangshan Red Leaf Hotel), and reservations should be made one week in advance during the peak season.
Food Check-in: Wushan Grilled Fish (local crispy grass carp), Jade Jelly (made with Sophora japonica), and cured pig's trotter hot pot.
📸 Photography Tips Classic camera positions: Wenfeng Mountain Viewing Peak to take panoramic views of Wu Gorge, Huangyan Cableway to take photos of Goddess Peak from above, and Wushan Yangtze River Bridge to take photos of sunset.
Cloud and fog timing: 9-10 o'clock in the morning on a clear day after rain, advection fog often rises on the river surface, and the fairy atmosphere is full.
The beauty of Wu Gorge lies in the integration of mountains, rivers and humanities. Whether it is the shock of sailing through the canyon or exploring the "once seen" in the thousand-year-old poem, this place can bring a travel experience beyond expectations. It is recommended to arrange a 2-3-day in-depth tour to feel its eternal charm of "a river of clear water and green mountains on both sides".