The Lesser Three Gorges

The Lesser Three Gorges is the collective name for the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge along the lower reaches of the Daning River in Wushan County, spanning 45 kilometers. It is one of the first AAAAA-rated attractions in China. Recognized as one of “China’s Top 40 Tourist Destinations” and a “National Scenic Area,” it has also been honored as a “Civilized Scenic Spot in Chongqing.” Esteemed figures have praised it as a “Wonder of China,” “Peerless Landscape,” “Not the Three Gorges, Yet Surpassing Them,” and “The Marvelous Gorge of the World.” Poetic tributes include: “Having seen the vast sea, other waters pale; beyond the Daning, no gorge can prevail. After scaling the Five Sacred Mountains, no peaks impress; after visiting the Daning, no gorge can impress.” Exploring the Little Three Gorges by boat offers a scenic journey lasting about 4 hours. The attraction features magnificent peaks, ever-changing misty clouds, serene waterfalls and springs, mysterious ancient caves, and lush forests—creating a natural masterpiece like a delicate bonsai. Playful monkeys climb trees and cliffs, mandarin ducks swim in pairs, various waterbirds soar, and fish glide through clear waters while birdsongs fill the air, making it a true wildlife paradise. Ancient relics like the hanging coffins, boat coffins, and old villages of the Ba people add historical significance. This unique gorge blends breathtaking natural beauty with cultural heritage, shining as a brilliant gem along the Yangtze River’s golden tourism route. Little Three Gorges features scenic spots including: Dragon Gate Gorge > Dragon Gate Bridge > Ancient Dragon Gate Village > Calligraphy Rock > Green Lion Guarding the Gate > Lingzhi Peak > Panda Drinking Water > Fairy Tossing an Embroidered Ball > Immortal Peach Peak > Lion Peak > Guanyin Sitting on Lotus Throne > Hanging Coffins > White Snake Entering Cave > Emerald Green Gorge > Ox Liver and Horse Lungs > Cliff Carved Buddha Statues > Heavenly Spring Flying Rain > Luo Family Village > Madu River > Skyward Peak > Golden Monkey Peak > Red Cliff Touching the Sky > Boat Coffins > Twin Eagles Playing on Screen > Flying Cloud Cave. The Lesser Three Gorges is the sister gorge of the Daning River Small Three Gorges, named for being even smaller than its counterpart. It encompasses three sections—Sancheng Gorge, Qinwang Gorge, and Changtan Gorge—along the lower reaches of the Madu River, a tributary of the Daning River, stretching 15 kilometers in total. In Wushan County, The Lesser Three Gorges is renowned for its narrower waterways, strikingly steep cliffs, and exceptionally deep valleys. Here, peculiar peaks, mirrored landscapes, and breathtaking scenery create a mesmerizing display. Sheer cliffs rise on both sides, with the river channel so narrow it feels like a slit in the sky, exuding an irresistible wild allure. Stalactites hang from the rock faces in bizarre and varied shapes, evoking a primal, rustic charm. Drifting through the gorge, visitors are treated to endless vistas of lush greenery, offering a profound return to simplicity and a deep embrace of nature.