三峡 The Three Gorges

The Three Gorges region is located along the Yangtze River between the cities of Fengjie and Yichang in Chongqing municipality and Hubei province. It contains Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. It is actually comprised of seven smaller gorges, whose varied names—Military Books and Precious Sword, Rice Granary, Ox Liver and Horse Lungs, Yellow Ox, Bright Moon, Lantern Shadow, and Yellow Cat—are all based upon ancient legends. At its eastern end are the three locks of the current “big dam,” Gezhouba (Gezhou Dam).

Qutang Gorge
It is the first one of the Three Gorges. Qutang Gorge, 8 kilometers long, starts from White King City of Fengjie at its western point to the Daxi town of Wushan County at its east point. The span of its narrowest surface is tens of meters, and the span of its widest reaches is less than 150 meters. Qutang Gorge is famous for its grand, short, narrow features. The main attractions are as follows: Daxi cultural site, Qutang Old Path, Stele Wall, Phoenix Spring, Bellows Gorge, etc. because of the dam the ancient calligraphy is now eye level.

Wu Gorge
Wu Gorge is the second one of the Three Gorges. Wu Gorge, 45 kilometers long, starts from Wu county of Chongqing as its west point to Guandu of Badong County, Hubei as its eastern point. It’s named after Wushan Mountain. To one’s surprise, Wu Gorge, well known for its prettiness, delicacy and diversity, drizzle or mist all the year round, makes a fantastic sight. Wu Gorge is very long with strange and unique peaks, and the water flows in a zigzag. When passing Wu Gorge, you seem to go into a singular and beautiful gallery, the Goddess Peak and caves are now visible without strain.

Xiling Gorge
Xiling Gorge is the third gorge. It starts from the western point, the outfall of Xiangxi River in Zigui County to Nanjin Pass in Yichang, and the eastern point. Xiliing Gorge has got its name for being located in the west of Yichang. It contains Xin Beach, Kongling Beach, the Three Gorges Dam, Dengying Gorge, and Huangmao Gorge. It’s known for strange rock formation, speed and alarming danger. Passing Xiling Gorge is an adventure. The hanging coffins and Zhangfei Shrine are closer now