Goddess Creek

What are the most recommended things to do in Goddess Creek?

  • Boat ride through the gorge — drift through narrow stream, cliffs, deep valleys.
  • View and photograph the “Twelve Peaks of Wushan” from the stream or from shore observation points.
  • Walk hillside or cliff-side trails, rooftop/view-platforms to see forest, red leaves in autumn, mist and sunrise/sunset views.
  • Explore natural features along the stream: caves, waterfalls, rock formations, scenic pools, and untouched valleys.
  • Visit observation or visitor centers and use sky road (Godess Sky Road) and viewing decks for panoramic vistas.

Introducing Goddess Creek

Shennv Creek, also known locally as "Beauty Creek," is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, originating in Guandu District, Wushan County, Chongqing. The lower reaches of the river, constrained by its rugged terrain, have retained their pristine natural beauty.

The 15-kilometer-long creek, with 10 kilometers of it remaining a pristine, rarely visited valley due to its turbulent flow and shallow, narrow path, is now accessible. After the third phase of impoundment, visitors will be able to explore the depths of the creek's canyon, where stunning scenery and its pristine inhabitants will be revealed. The breathtaking peaks and scenic beauty, previously known only to a handful of photographers, will become a new highlight of Three Gorges travel.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon humid climate;

Best to visit in summer

Tickets

About 100 yuan, depending on the actual release


Most Popular FAQs for Goddess Creek

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

Goddess Stream is a gorge/stream on the south bank of the Yangtze in Wushan, formed by Guandu → Ziyang rivers, flowing into the Yangtze. It was relatively inaccessible and in a primitive natural state; after reservoir levels rose from the Three Gorges Dam, more of it became navigable by boat, allowing new tourism. The area carries strong mythic/cultural significance via the Goddess Peak and local legends. It’s valued for geology, biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural identity in the Three Gorges region.

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

  • About 20 km from Wushan County seat, on the south bank of the Yangtze River, opposite Goddess Peak.
  • By boat/cruise: Many Yangtze River cruises stop near or pass by—the cruise docks, then transfer to smaller boats for the stream segment.
  • By road: from Wushan town by car or taxi; local roads from Guandu / Qing Shi / Blue Stone Town areas. There are signposted routes; sometimes you drive then take boat.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Hours: approximately 08:00-17:30 for general boat / stream tour operations.
  • Best times: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for decent weather, clearer views, red leaves in autumn.

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

  • Ticket cost: about ¥130 per person, including the stream boat ride.
  • Children under ~1.3 m height often ride free or get discount.
  • Tickets can be bought at the scenic area's ticket office or via tour operators or travel platforms.

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

No strict requirement in off-peak times. But in peak seasons (autumn red leaf, holidays, weekends) booking ahead is strongly recommended for boat rides and avoiding wait times.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

About 2-3 hours for stream ride + key viewpoints. If adding hiking, visiting Sky Road, observation decks, or combining with other nearby attractions, half a day is safer.

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

  • The gorge section of Goddess Stream with cliff sides, narrow water passage.
  • Peaks: Flying Phoenix Peak (飞凤峰), Cuiping Peak, Shangsheng, Qiyun, etc.
  • Netan Peak (净坛峰); rock formations and named scenic spots inside the stream like caves and narrow chasms.
  • Sky Road (神女天路), observation platforms and land-based trails for views across the river, of peaks and of stream.

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

Boat tours and local guides are available, usually in Chinese. English or multilingual guides may be arranged via tour agencies or as part of cruise ship shore excursions, but these are less guaranteed. No strong mention of fixed audio guides.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • From inside the stream on boat, capturing reflections, cliff walls, peaks.
  • Viewpoints along Sky Road and observation platforms overlooking the stream and river and peaks.
  • During autumn when red leaves contrast with cliffs and water.
  • At sunrise or misty mornings when valley fog lingers.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

  • Start in Wushan → take cruise or boat to stream entrance (often via Blue Stone (Qingshi) or Guandu town) → small boat ride through Goddess Stream gorge → return → visit Sky Road / observation platforms / trails / possibly hike some peaks or view peaks from shore.

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

No regular night/light shows are noted. Special seasonal festivals (red leaf festival etc.) happen. Most tours are daytime.

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

  • Peak crowd: autumn foliage season, weekends, national holidays.
  • Least crowded: weekdays, early morning, off-peak seasons (late spring or early summer).

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

There are visitor / tourist service centers (e.g. Liuping, Huangyan), boat docks, observation platforms, walkways, basic eateries or stalls, restrooms. Some infrastructure like skywalks, cable cars (or plans/ongoing) for easier access on land routes.

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

Partially accessible: boat segments and observation decks are manageable; some terrain is rugged, walkways steep or with steps; elderly/children can do the river and easier sections; disabled access challenging in more primitive areas.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments are widely accepted in Chongqing tourist sites; small vendors still may prefer cash. Tickets often sold via apps.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In Wushan town there are many local restaurants offering Sichuan/Chongqing cuisine, hot pot, local river fish, etc. Close to Goddess Stream entrance and visitor centers, there are food stalls and small eateries. Specific names include restaurants in Wushan town like “巴味苑酒楼”, “德庄火锅”, etc.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options (e.g. stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes) are generally available. Halal restaurants are not widely documented for the immediate stream area; better options in larger towns/cities nearby.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Wushan County has a range of options: riverside hotels, guesthouses, homestays; some are in Wushan town, others nearer to the stream entrance. Specific names are less documented, but “dream guesthouses” exist along the route. It’s feasible to stay in Wushan and commute.

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

  • Goddess Peak (神女峰) — the peak opposite the creek, visible from many spots.
  • Sky Road / 神女天路 — land-based scenic route with observation platforms.
  • Red leaf scenic areas around Wushan.
  • Wushan Yangtze River Bridge and towns, riverside villages, culture in Wushan.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir stalls exist at the tourist centers; typical items include local teas, carved wood or stone miniatures of peaks, postcards, local preserved or dried river fish, small crafts related to the Goddess Peak legend.

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

  • Return to Wushan town by boat or road. From there catch regional buses or go to Wushan Airport for flights.
  • If on a Yangtze cruise, continue along river to the next gorges or tourist stops.