The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan lies on the Daning River, the largest tributary of the Yangtze Three Gorges in Wushan County, Chongqing. As one of China’s first national 5A-level scenic areas, it is composed of Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge and Dicui Gorge with a total length of 50 kilometres.
This scenic gem earns its famous comment “Not the Three Gorges, yet surpassing them”. The river runs between towering precipices covered with dense vegetation. Clouds often linger among peaks, creating dreamlike scenery. Boat sightseeing is the main experience. On the cruise, travellers can admire cascading waterfalls, weird rock formations and ancient hanging coffins, the mysterious burial relics of the ancient Ba tribe.
Wildlife such as macaques and mandarin ducks are often seen along the banks. In late autumn, mountainsides are covered with fiery red maple leaves, forming the famous Wushan red leaf landscape. The site also includes the Mini Three Gorges on Madu River, a narrower tributary gorge, known as “canyon bonsai”.