Wushan County

Introducing Wushan County

Wushan County is located northeast of Chongqing, on the north bank of the confluence of the Yangtze and Daning Rivers. It boasts a rich history, including the Damiao Longgupo ancient human fossil site, where human incisor fossils dating back 2.01-2.04 million years have been discovered, representing the earliest known human fossils discovered in my country. The world-famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, renowned for their canyon and river scenery, are also a good starting point for exploring the scenic Little Three Gorges and the Mini Three Gorges, offering adventure, leisure, and rafting tours. The area also boasts the "Three Terraces, Eight Scenic Spots, and Twelve Peaks" of Wushan, a cluster of scenic attractions featuring winding paths and Shennv Peak.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended 1-day tour

Chongqing Yangtze River Three Gorges

Located on the main stream of the Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang, the Three Gorges stretch from Fengjie County in Chongqing in the west to Yichang in Hubei Province in the east. The Chongqing Yangtze River Three Gorges, the Chongqing portion of the Three Gorges, encompass numerous scenic spots, including the Wushan Little Three Gorges, Baidicheng, Ghost Town, and Zhang Fei Temple. Nine hanging coffins from the Warring States Period remain on a tawny cliff on the north bank of Qutang Gorge, earning it the nickname "Belling Box Gorge." A boat trip to the Three Gorges is one of the best ways to experience the scenic area; it's a truly relaxing experience as the Yangtze River flows by.

Goddess Peak

Goddess Peak, also known as Wangxia Peak and Beauty Peak, is one of the Twelve Peaks of Wushan Mountain. It is located on the north bank of the Wu Gorge River, approximately 15 kilometers east of Wushan County. Each of the Twelve Peaks has its own unique characteristics: some resemble a soaring golden dragon, others a lion with its head held high, some resemble a graceful young woman, and some resemble a phoenix spreading its wings. Each peak is charming and captivating in its own way. Among them, Goddess Peak is the most beautiful and famous. On the north bank of the Wu Gorge River, a huge rock stands out amidst the green peaks and clouds, resembling a graceful and beautiful girl, hence the name Goddess Peak.

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Most Popular FAQs for Wushan County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Wushan County is located in Chongqing Municipality, situated at the western entrance to Wu Gorge in the Three Gorges region. Before the building of the Three Gorges Dam, the original town was submerged and replaced by a new town built further up. The county is well known for the Lesser Three Gorges on the Daning River and as part of the scenic Three Gorges corridor.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Wushan County is under Chongqing municipality, in the Qijiang (Three Gorges) area, along the Yangtze River’s gorges area.
• The county is served by Chongqing Wushan Airport, which opened in 2019, located about 15 km from the county seat.
• From Chongqing city, one may take intercity buses (5–6 hours) to Wushan. From Wushan, local taxis or boats connect to gorge scenic spots.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• The Lesser Three Gorges scenic boat tours generally run from about 08:00 to 17:30.
• The best visiting season is March to August for lush greenery, and late autumn (November–December) for red leaf viewing.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• The ticket for the Lesser Three Gorges boat trip is about ¥150 per person.
• Tickets can be bought at the scenic area entrance or through travel platforms/boat tour operators.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

While not always required, booking ahead is recommended in peak seasons (weekends, autumn foliage period) to secure boat seats and river tour slots.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For a focused visit to the main gorge scenic area, allow 3 to 4 hours for the boat tour and associated sightseeing. For a full regional trip including hiking and villages, allocate 1–2 days.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Longmen Gorge (Longmen Grand Gorge) – entrance of the Lesser Three Gorges.
• Bawu Gorge and Dicui Gorge – portions of the lesser gorges with dramatic cliffs and scenic features.
• Goddess Stream / Goddess Peak area – popular among red leaf routes.
• Wenfeng Scenic Area and Wenfeng Pagoda footpath – for hillside viewing and walking.
• Wushan Yangtze River Bridge – for striking architectural and river views.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Local tour operators provide guided boat tours (in Chinese); English or bilingual guides may be arranged via travel agencies in Wushan or Chongqing.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Along the river on the boat – for cliff reflections, hanging coffins, rock formations.
• Goddess Peak / Sky Road (Sky Path) overlooking the gorge and misty valley.
• Wenfeng footpaths on hillside ridges for panoramic views.
• The Wushan Yangtze River Bridge – capture the bridge arch with river in frame.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Begin at the Wushan tourist center → take boat to Longmen Gorge → proceed through Bawu & Dicui Gorges → return and explore nearby hillside walks (Wenfeng, Goddess Stream) → end with bridge viewpoint or village visit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night activities are limited and periodic, but during festivals or red leaf season there may be evening light or lantern events in local towns; check at local visitor centers.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Weekends, holidays, and autumn foliage period are busiest.
• Weekday mornings (outside peak seasons) are quieter and offer better lighting.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities exist: restrooms at terminals, snack stalls or small eateries at docks or tourist centers, sheltered waiting areas, souvenir shops at scenic entrances.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Boat tours require boarding steps; those with mobility limitations should check operator facilities. Walking segments may be uphill. Many major viewpoints are accessible by short walks.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used in the region; some smaller stalls may accept cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Wushan County offers local Sichuan/Chongqing-style restaurants serving grilled fish, river fish dishes, local specialties. Tourist centers will have dining options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options (tofu, vegetables, noodles) are generally available. Halal dining is limited; best found in larger towns of Chongqing.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Wushan County has a range of accommodations, from riverside hotels, homestays, and mid-range hotels in the county seat. Many are close to tourist entrances.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• White Emperor City in Qutang Gorge (Fengjie side) – a historical site on the Yangtze.
• Wu Gorge – part of the Three Gorges scenery near Wushan.
• Other gorge attractions and river cruises on the Yangtze in the Three Gorges corridor.
• Nearby rural villages (e.g. Ganyuan Village) for countryside scenery.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include local crafts, river-themed postcards, small carved stone or wood items, local tea, and regional specialty foods (dried fish, local preserves).

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Return by bus or taxi to Chongqing or other cities.
• From Wushan, catch flights via Wushan Airport or regional buses to neighboring counties or scenic areas.
• Board a Yangtze River cruise departing from Wushan region to other gorges.