Stretching about 190 kilometers from Baidicheng (White Emperor City) in Fengjie county, Chongqing, in the west to Nanjinguan in Yichang, Hubei province, in the east, the Three Gorges form the most legendary canyon section of the Yangtze River. Comprising the Qutang, Wuxia, and Xiling gorges, this world-renowned landscape is celebrated for its majestic cliffs, serene stretches, perilous rapids, and the cultural allure of tributaries such as the Daning, Xiangxi, and Shennongxi rivers. Together, they create an ever-changing gallery of natural and human heritage.

Qutang Gorge: The first of the Three Gorges

Qutang Gorge stretches from Baidicheng in Fengjie county, Chongqing, in the west to Daxi Township in Wushan county in the east. Renowned for its grandeur and steep cliffs, its entrance is guarded by Kuimen (Kui Gate), famed as "The Most Majestic in the World."

Qutang Gorge contains many scenic spots and historical sites. Upstream of the gorge entrance are Fengjie Ancient City, the Eight Diagram Array, and Yufu Tower. Inside the gorge, on a mountaintop on the north bank, are Baidicheng (White Emperor City) and the ancient plank road; the south bank features the White Cliff(Fenbiqiang)Inscriptions, Mengliang Ladder, and the Daxi Culture Heritage Site.

Wuxia Gorge

Wuxia Gorge begins at the Daning River in Wushancounty, Chongqing, in the west and extends eastward to Guandukou, Badong county, Hubei, covering a total length of 46 kilometers. Renowned for its serene, picturesque scenery, the gorge presents continuous clusters of peaks along both banks that form a natural gallery. From a boat, the famous Twelve Peaks of Wushan unfold one by one.

The Wuxia Gorge·Goddess Scenic Area highlights gorge and river views and offers boats, walking trails, aerial cableways, sightseeing buses, viewing platforms, and the Goddess Sky Ladder, enabling visitors to experience a panoramic, in-depth view of Wuxia Gorge.

Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge begins in the west at Xiangxikou in Zigui county, Hubei, and extends east to Nanjinguan. Major attractions include Three Gorges Monkey Creek (Houxi) and the Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area (Peach Blossom Spring).

Three Gorges Red Leaves

Each year from November through January, the Three Gorges are dressed in brilliant autumn color. A cruise lets visitors drift through picturesque landscapes and view the fiery red leaves lining both banks up close. Visitors can also go ashore to find prime vantage points, stroll beneath mountains blanketed in color, and marvel at the season's displays.

Tour routes

1. Travel downstream from Chongqing to quickly enjoy the Three Gorges' distinctive scenery.

2. Travel upstream from Shanghai, Nanjing, or Wuhan to follow the Yangtze and its beautiful riverine landscapes.

3. Depart from Yichang at the eastern entrance to fully appreciate the Three Gorges' magical scenery.