Wu Gorge

Introducing Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge, the second of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, is known for its beauty and depth. Stretching from the Daning River east of Wushan County to Guandukou in Badong County, it stretches 46 kilometers and is also known as the Grand Gorge.

Its gorges are long and deep, with towering peaks and overlapping ridges, shrouded in mist and clouds. The river winds and twists, creating a thousand turns. Sailing by boat, it feels like entering a magnificent gallery, brimming with poetic beauty. The saying, "A thousand majestic peaks flow through a single river, the key to Jingxiang's majestic majesty," truly captures the essence of Wu Gorge. On both sides of the gorge, lush green mountains stretch endlessly, forming a screen of peaks. As you sail through the gorge, you'll sometimes face towering mountains, seemingly blocked by rocks, and suddenly, the path appears impassable. Then, a winding path appears, and the clouds part, revealing a new world. It's like a winding gallery. The peaks on both sides of Wu Gorge are each uniquely distinctive.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Spring and autumn are the most beautiful seasons in the Three Gorges.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 6 hours

Twelve Peaks

Located on both sides of the Yangtze River in eastern Wushan County, six peaks stand south and six north. Beyond their stunning beauty, the ever-changing, elusive presence of Wushan's clouds and rain adds to its mystique. The mountains are high and the valleys deep, and the lingering humidity rises slowly along the slopes, sometimes forming drifting clouds and drizzles. Within the mist, it sometimes transforms into billowing black clouds and sometimes into vast white fog. The twelve peaks appear and disappear, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

Wu Gorge boasts numerous scenic spots and historical sites, including the Lu You Ancient Cave, Dayu's Teaching Platform, the Goddess Temple ruins, the Kongming Stone Stele, the Kuiwu Plank Road perched on the cliffs, the Bianyu Creek on the Sichuan-Hubei border, the inscription "Chu-Shu Honggou," and the numerous inscriptions carved into the rocks along the riverbanks. These are all imbued with poetic beauty, inspiring the writings of generations of wandering poets and leaving behind a legacy as splendid as a starry sky.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Wu Gorge

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

Wu Gorge (Wǔ Xiá, 巫峡), the second of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, stretches about 45 km from the Daning River mouth in Wushan County (Chongqing) to Guandukou in Badong (Hubei). It is celebrated for its deep, narrow canyon, mist-shrouded peaks, and the “Twelve Peaks of Wushan.” The gorge has long inspired Chinese poetry and myth, especially around Goddess Peak, which is said to resemble a maiden watching over the river.

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

Wu Gorge sits between Wushan County, Chongqing and Badong County, Hubei, along the Yangtze River. The most common way to visit is via a Yangtze River cruise that passes through the gorge. Alternatively, one can travel overland to Wushan by bus or car, then board a river cruise or local ferry.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Wu Gorge is a natural river passage and has no fixed opening hours — cruises operate year‐round.
• Best seasons: March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn) for pleasant weather and clearer skies.
• Mist, clouds, and changing light are most dramatic in early morning or after rain.

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

• Wu Gorge itself does not charge a separate “entrance fee” — it is experienced as part of a Yangtze River cruise. (Trip.com notes “Free entry” for the gorge)
• You pay for the cruise or boat ticket, which covers passage through Wu Gorge and associated sightseeing.

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

Yes — for popular Yangtze River cruises (especially in spring/autumn), booking ahead is important to secure good cabins and ensure your boat will pass through Wu Gorge. The earlier, the better (weeks to months).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To traverse the gorge portion and appreciate its scenery, part of a multi-day cruise is typical (i.e. passing through the gorge is one segment of a 3–5 day cruise). For viewing from land and short stops, half a day may suffice.

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

• The Twelve Peaks of Wushan, on both banks, including the famous Goddess Peak.
• Sections known as Golden Helmet & Silver Armor Gorge (Jinkui Yinjia Xia) and Iron Coffin Gorge — subsegments of Wu Gorge.
• Relics & inscriptions such as the Kongming Tablet beneath Jixian Peak.
• The entrance stretch where the Daning River meets the Yangtze (i.e. transition to the gorge).

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

Guided commentary is typically provided aboard the cruise ship (often in Mandarin, sometimes in English or multilingual) as it passes through the gorge. There’s less mention of standalone audio guides specific to Wu Gorge.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• From the deck of the river cruise as you enter and travel through the gorge — capturing cliff faces, peaks, and mist.
• When the cruise passes Goddess Peak (Shénnǚ Fēng), especially at sunrise or sunset.
• At land-based stops in Wushan or Badong for views looking into the gorge.
• Watch for cloud and mist effects in the morning or after rain, which often hang within the gorge.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• A typical route: embark on a Yangtze cruise in Chongqing → sail through Qutang Gorge → enter Wu Gorge (begin at Daning River mouth) → pass through sub-gorges and Twelve Peaks → exit at Guandukou → continue toward Xiling Gorge.
• If combining with side excursions: exit the cruise at Wushan or Badong to explore peaks, inscriptions, walk local paths.

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

Night or light shows specific to Wu Gorge are not commonly advertised. The gorge is mainly experienced during daylight on the cruise. Some cruises may have evening events or illumination schemes along the riverbanks, depending on ship and itinerary.

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

• Peak periods: spring and autumn, national holidays, weekends when cruises are full.
• Less crowded: Off-peak seasons (late winter, early summer), early morning departures.

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

Facilities are mainly those provided on the cruise ship (restrooms, dining, lounges). At ports and docking towns (Wushan, Badong), you’ll find tourist centers, shops, rest areas, food stalls.

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

Since the core of Wu Gorge is seen from a cruise ship, access is relatively comfortable (boarding the ship is the main hurdle). Those with mobility challenges should confirm ship access and docking stops. Walking excursions may involve uneven terrain.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

On major cruise lines and in tourist hubs, card or mobile payments are accepted. However, small local shops or boats may still prefer cash. It’s wise to carry some cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

At embarkation and docking towns like Wushan and Badong, you’ll find riverside restaurants, local cuisine shops, and cafés serving regional specialties (river fish, Sichuan/Chongqing fare). On the cruise ship, meals are included.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian dishes are commonly available in Chinese tourist dining (tofu, vegetables, noodles). Halal options may be limited in remote areas; larger towns may have them.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Wushan County has a range of hotels, inns, and guesthouses catering to Yangtze cruise travelers. Badong also offers lodging for cruise disembarkation. Many visitors stay in Wushan as a base.

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

• Shennong (Shénnóng) Stream — side tributary excursions in the gorges region.
• Lesser Three Gorges (Daning River) — upstream tributary gorge, often added to itineraries.
• Riverside towns of Wushan and Badong — local culture, markets, viewpoints.
• Historic relics and cliff inscriptions (e.g. Kongming Tablet) along the gorge.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops at ports and tourist towns sell items such as postcards, prints of the gorge, local crafts, teas, carved stone/wood peaks, local food specialties (dried fish, herbs).

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

• Continue your Yangtze River cruise downstream or upstream through Xiling Gorge, etc.
• From Wushan or Badong, take bus, car, or regional transport to next destinations (Hubei, Chongqing, etc.).
• Return to Chongqing via overland routes if disembarking cruises.