Absolutely stunning! Chongqing's "Little Guilin", a 4-hour boat tour through a landscape gallery

"Once having seen the ocean, other waters seem unworthy; after Mount Wu, no clouds are truly clouds."

When textbook poetry becomes reality, I finally understood why Li Bai and Du Fu were so enchanted by it! No need to squeeze through crowds or exhaust yourself climbing—just relax on a boat and take in the "wonders of China". Even the landscapes of Guilin pale in comparison to this hidden gem—Wushan Little Three Gorges. Here's our tested summer family travel guide!

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🚢【Immersive Experience That Defies Expectations】

▫️Relax on the boat the entire time—no climbing required!

A 90-minute large boat + 40-minute awning boat combo, fully equipped with air conditioning, restrooms, and a snack bar—perfect for seniors and kids.

▫️Three gorges, three distinct worlds

1️⃣Dragon Gate Gorge: Sheer cliffs like knife cuts on both sides. Sail through the "Natural Dragon Gate" and snap photos that look straight out of a wuxia film!

2️⃣Bawu Gorge: Discover the mystery of thousand-year-old hanging coffins and spot the natural "Guanyin" rock statue on the cliffs—full of mystique!

3️⃣Emerald Gorge: Jade-green river water mirrors the emerald mountains, with mini waterfalls cascading down the cliffs like spilled turquoise paint!

▫️Hidden gem: Little Three Gorges

Only 2 boat trips per day (9:00/14:00). Switch to an electric awning boat and venture into deeper, more secluded gorges. The water is so clear you can count the fish—like stepping into "The Peach Blossom Spring"!

📸【100% Photogenic Spot Guide】

1️⃣Large boat viewing deck: Head straight to the paid area upon boarding!

▫️Second floor: 50 RMB/person (compact but unobstructed, facing the gorge directly)

▫️Third floor: 30 RMB/person (more space but with railings, ideal for panoramic shots)

2️⃣Hanging Coffin Viewing Deck: Secure a spot early in Bawu Gorge and use a telephoto lens to capture the thousand-year-old hanging coffins against the green mountains!

3️⃣Awning boat bow: During the Little Three Gorges segment, ask the boatman to pause and take a backlit shot with the emerald water and mountains—pure atmosphere!

🐒【Kid-Friendly Highlights】

✅ Spot wild monkeys on the cliffs from afar—kids will squeal with excitement (no feeding! Keep your distance)

✅ Free tastings of Wushan-style chicken bites and snowball pastries at Dachang Ancient Town, plus unlimited refills of mineral water!

✅ Listen to the boat guide’s tales of Wushan’s cloud and rain legends—more captivating than cartoons!

🚗【Ultra-Detailed Transportation Guide】

▫️Self-drive: Navigate to "Wushan Little Three Gorges Visitor Center"—underground parking is free!

▫️High-speed rail: Chongqing North Station → Wushan Station (2.5h), then a 10-minute taxi to the pier

▫️Accommodation rec: Jiangshan Hongye Hotel (5-minute walk to the pier, mountain views from your window)

⏰【Time-Optimized Itinerary】

08:30 Arrive at the visitor center, exchange tickets, and take the escalator down 3 floors to board

09:00 Large boat departs—90 minutes through Dragon Gate + Bawu Gorges

10:30 Transfer to awning boat—40 minutes exploring Little Three Gorges

11:30 Return to the large boat; bring snacks for lunch (boat sausages cost 10 RMB each)

12:30 Arrive at Dachang Ancient Town for free food and drinks

13:30 Take the shuttle bus back to the visitor center (5-minute wait)

💡【Lessons Learned the Hard Way】

1️⃣ Buy tickets online in advance! On-site tickets cost 20 RMB more per person

2️⃣ Wear white/bright colors—they pop against the green mountains and blue water

3️⃣ Pack sunscreen + sunglasses—the river glare is intense

4️⃣ Cloudy days = better photos! Sunny days make the water look yellowish (guides say it’s greenest 3 days after rain)

📍Address: No. 111, Ningjiang Road, Wushan County, Chongqing

🎫Ticket price: 120 RMB/adult (includes large boat + Little Three Gorges), free for kids under 1.2m

🚢Boat schedule: Departures from 8:30-14:00 (Little Three Gorges has fixed times)

"A river of emerald flows east, layers of green mountains paint the scene."

As the boat passes the final gorge and you look back at the ink-wash mountains, you’ll suddenly grasp why the ancients said, "After Mount Wu, no clouds are truly clouds." This summer, escape the 40°C heat with your kids and dream across millennia in the 23°C river breeze~