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Yangtze Three Little Gorges

The Wushan Three Little Gorges also called Daning River Three Little Gorges, zigzags about 31 miles from Wushan County in the south to the Dachang Ancient Town in the north. It refer to the three gorges of the lower reaches of Daning River (the largest branch of Yangtze River) in Wushan County - Dragon Gate Gorge (Longmen Xia), Misty Gorge (Bawu Xia), and Emerald Gorge (Dicui Xia). Because of its beauty, it has been said that although Wushan Three Little Gorges are not the Three Gorges of Yangtze River, they are almost the same.

When the cruise ship reaches Wu Gorge, the vale of Daning River is within sight. Scenery along the Daning River is elegantly stunning with beautiful peaks, dangerous shoals and unusual stones. The Three Little Gorges, with their combination of natural scenery and historic relics, are the highlight of Daning River scenery. Drifting along the gorges by sitting in a rubber dinghy can add an extra dimension to the trip.

Dragon Gate Gorge

The first is the Dragon Gate Gorge. About 3,281 yards long, it refers to the section of river from the west pass of Wu Gorge to the Yinwo Tan. The precipitous cliffs at the mouth face each other along the two banks making the gorge mouth look like the Kui Gate of Qutang Gorge. This place is therefore reputedly known as the Little Kui Gate. While drifting there, you can admire the Dragon Gate Spring, the Ancient Plank Road, and some other sights like the Nigh-dragon pole, Yinwo Tan (the dangerous shoal of Dragon Gate Gorge), and the Bear Cave.

Misty Gorge

The little boat takes you
to visit Three Little Gorges.

Also known as the Iron Coffin Gorge, it measures six miles. In the cliff of this section, there hangs a black Suspended Coffin. Because the color of it is like that of iron, the coffin is called the Iron Coffin, hence the name. The gorge is characterized by rare rocks on both banks. Some take the form of the monkey fishing for the moon and some look like Kwan-yin sitting on the lotus platform. All of them are full of humor and wit.

Emerald Gorge

It (Dicui Xia) (so named because of its emerald green color) spans 12 miles and is the longest and most charming of the three gorges. Madu River, the Mini Three Gorges, plank road and Boat Coffins are popular sites for visitors to appreciate.

Drifting six miles upstream from the Emerald Gorge, the Dachang Ancient Town has over 1,700 years' history. It is the first large town along the bank of Daning River. The ancient architecture, dock and arches (Paifang) of Ming and Qing Dynasties always tell people the history of the town.

The Three Little Gorges, regarded as a bright pearl of the Yangtze River, offer townspeople a chance to experience another way of life which is calm, natural and simple.

Sightseeing List:

Ancient Plank Road along Daning River

Boat Coffins

Dachang Ancient Town

Little Three Gorges of Madu River

Longgupo Pithecanthrope Site

Luyou Cavern

Suspended Coffins

Wushan Man

- Last updated on Apr. 19, 2021 -

Questions & Answers on Yangtze Three Little Gorges

Asked by Caroline lee from SINGAPORE | Dec. 03, 2024 00:19

Fastest way to get to the lesser 3 gorges. What is the fastest.

I’ll be visiting Chongqing in dec2024 and would like to visit the lesser 3 gorges
1. How to reach via train
2. Staying in yichang is it a better way to get to 3 gorges n also visit other sites in wushan

Answers (1)

Answered by Janice | Dec. 03, 2024 18:18

You mean Small Three Gorges in Wushan, Chongqing? You can take a bullet train at Chongqing North Railway Station to Wushan Railway Station, then take a taxi to the tourist center of the spot, taking CNY 10 or so.

The Three Gorges Dam in Yichang is about 230km away from the three gorges in Wushan. I think you mix up the two attractions.

Asked by Antonia from SLOVAKIA | May. 13, 2019 07:53

How long does Yangtze Three Little Gorges take to visit?

Hello! We live in Chongqing and would like to visit Three Gorges in June. We don't want to take a ship from Chaotianmen but would like to find a cheaper alternative for the visit. We would like to see the 3 little Gorges as well. What itinerary would you recommend? How many days?

Answers (2)

Answered by Kinsley from UKRAINE | May. 16, 2019 00:00

It is advised to take bullet train from Chongqing North Railway Station to Wanzhou North Railway Station. Then go to Wanzhou Xishan Bus Station and take the coach to Wushan and tour around Yangtze Three Little Gorges.

Answered by Antonia from SLOVAKIA | May. 16, 2019 00:40

Kinsley Thank you very much!

Asked by Helen Loch from USA | May. 06, 2016 14:56

What is the proper name of the inlet off the Yangtzee located halfway from 3 Gorges dam&GeZhouDam?

We docked at a point and walked into this amazing green valley with walkways lining turquoise water. A Chinese group of people were dressed in beautiful costumes and were spotted along the way. We saw monkeys at one point, a huge waterwheel, and the walk ended at a path to a tall waterfall. I do not know the name of this spot. Could you help me?

Answers (1)

Answered by Gray from SPAIN | May. 08, 2016 20:42

From your decription, I assume it should be Three Gorges Waterfall.

Asked by Samantha from USA | May. 07, 2015 13:58

Are there any boat tours of the three little gorges for just one day?

Answers (1)

Answered by Martin from INDIA | May. 09, 2015 02:10

It's possible from Wushan County. You can take no.101 or 105 bus to reach Three Little Gorges Tourist Reception Center. It takes around 20 minutes and costs CNY1.5 per person. Or you can take a taxi to reach there. Then you can choose to take a boat to have a tour.

If you are in Chongqing, I am afraid that you can not finish this trip within a day. You know, you need to take long distance bus from Chongqing Longtousi Bus Station to Wushan County first. It takes around 5 hours. The bus fare is around CNY179. A round-trip bus tour needs 10 hours. So you need to spare two days if you go there from Chongqing.

Asked by Nigel from USA | Feb. 07, 2013 14:23

How can we get from Chongqing to Wuxi?

What is the best way to get from CQ City to the Daning River for seeing the Three Little Gorges? Thank you

Answers (1)

Answered by Glora | Feb. 17, 2013 00:52

You can take ferry from Chaotianmen Ferry Terminal in Chongqing and arrive at Wushan. Then transfer to bus to Longmen Ferry Port of the Three Little Gorges.