Three Gorges

The Three Gorges (Changjiang Sanxia) stretch 193 kilometers from Baidi City in Fengjie, Chongqing, to Nanjin Pass in Yichang, Hubei. This world-famous scenic section of the Yangtze River is not only a must-see attraction when traveling in Chongqing, but also the essential waterway connecting Chongqing and Hubei.

Renowned for steep cliffs, towering peaks, and numerous historical and cultural sites, the Three Gorges are best experienced on a Yangtze Cruise between Chongqing and Yichang. Generally speaking, the three gorges are the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the Xiling Gorge. The region is also home to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.

Qutang Gorge, considered the gateway of the Yangtze River, is the spectacular first of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River. Beginning at the county town of Fengjie in Chongqing Province, it is the shortest, but loftiest of the Three Gorges.

Wu Gorge, also called Ba Gorge in ancient times, is the second of the Three Gorges. The Wu Gorge, about 40 km long is the most graceful and charming of the Three Gorges. The forest-covered mountains, changeable clouds, and mists wreathing around the tops make it a wonderful place to provide the inspiration for numerous sentimental and widely prevailing poems by Chinese poets.

Xiling Gorge, about 66km long, is the longest of the Three Gorges. The Xiling Gorge was once known for its winding waterway, which suddenly narrowed into treacherous rapids or skirted over dangerous shoals. When traveling to this place, you have an opportunity to see the suspended walkways, crystal clear water and hanging coffins of Shennong Stream.

Three Gorges Dam, the world record-smashing, is the world's largest dam and hydroelectric power station which is located in Xiling Gorge. The Three Gorges Dam is 35 km upriver from the Gezhou Dam, which was completed in 1988 at Yichang City. Since the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the river level has been raised up to 180 m, and the river has become much quieter and more navigable.