Xiaoxia Sanxia, encompassing the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge along the lower reaches of the Daning River in Wushan, spans 45 kilometers and is designated as a top-tier AAAAA scenic area. It has been honored with titles such as ‘Top 40 Tourist Destinations in China,’ ‘National Scenic and Historic Interest Area,’ ‘Civilized Scenic Area of Chongqing,’ and is acclaimed by celebrities as ‘A Wonder of China,’ ‘A Unique Scenery Under Heaven,’ ‘Not the Three Gorges, Yet Better Than the Three Gorges,’ and ‘A Mysterious Gorge of the World.
‘ Poetic praises include ‘Once you’ve seen the vast sea, all other waters pale in comparison; once you’ve seen the Daning River, all other gorges lose their charm; after returning from the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains are worth seeing; after returning from the Daning River, no other gorges are worth visiting.’ A trip to Xiaoxia Sanxia involves a scenic boat ride that lasts approximately four hours. The scenic area boasts a variety of steep and peculiar peaks, ever-changing clouds and mist, serene and pristine waterfalls and springs, mysterious and unpredictable cliffs and ancient caves, lush forests and bamboo groves, making it an exquisite natural bonsai; playful monkeys climbing trees and rocks, pairs of mandarin ducks, various waterfowl in flight, a multitude of fish swimming in the clear waters, and the cheerful songs and laughter of birds in the woods can be heard at any time, making it a well-deserved scenic zoo; ancient coffins and boat coffins of the Ba people, as well as ancient stockades, are precious historical relics. The unique gorge scenery, where natural and cultural landscapes blend seamlessly, makes Xiaoxia Sanxia a shining pearl on the golden tourism waterway of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. The main scenic spots in Xiaoxia Sanxia include: Longmen Gorge, Longmen Bridge, Longmen Ancient Stockade, Inscription Rock, Green Lion Guarding the Gate, Lingzhi Peak, Panda Drinking Water, Fairy Throwing Embroidered Ball, Immortal Peach Peak, Lion Peak, Guanyin Sitting on a Lotus Platform, Pigsy Paying Homage to Guanyin, Suspended Coffin, White Snake Drilling Through a Cave, Dicui Gorge, Beef Liver and Horse Lungs, Rock Carvings of Buddha, Heavenly Spring Flying Rain, Luojia Stockade, Madu River, Ascending to Heaven Peak, Golden Monkey Peak, Red Cliff Reaching the Sky, Boat Coffin, Two Eagles Playing on a Screen, and Flying Cloud Cave. Xiaoxia Sanxia, the sister gorge of Daning River’s Xiaoxia Sanxia, is named for being smaller, and it is the collective term for the three gorges of Sancheng Gorge, Qinwang Gorge, and Changtan Gorge in the lower reaches of the Madu River, a tributary of the Daning River, spanning 15 kilometers. Wushan’s Xiaoxia Sanxia is known for its narrower waterways, more peculiar mountains, and deeper gorges. Within Xiaoxia Sanxia, peculiar peaks are abundant, mountains and waters reflect each other, and the scenery is enchanting. The cliffs on both sides stand in opposition, with towering heights, narrow waterways, and a sky that opens up like a slit, revealing an irresistible allure of the wilderness. The stalactites hanging upside down on the mountain rocks are grotesque and varied, exuding an atmosphere of primitive simplicity. As you travel by boat, the scenery on both banks is boundless, with lush greenery that is very pleasing to the eye, making one feel as if they have returned to nature and embraced its essence. The entire area is open throughout the year from 08:00 to 17:30, with two boat departures at 10:00 and 14:00.Essential Tips for Visiting Xiaoxia Sanxia:
1. During the hot months of July and August, light clothing such as short sleeves is sufficient. Wushan is known for its frequent rainfall, so always carry an umbrella or raincoat.
2. The Xiaoxia Sanxia Drift Route: Begin your journey at Xiaoxia Sanxia to Dachang Tourism Wharf, take a vehicle to Pinghe Resort, then switch to a two-person rubber dinghy for drifting down Xiaoxia Sanxia, followed by a traditional Wupeng boat to Maduhekou, and finally, board a Xiaoxia Sanxia cruise ship back to Wushan County. For a two-day tour, include an overnight stay at Pinghe Resort. Due to fluctuating water levels in Xiaoxia Sanxia, it is advisable to check the official website to confirm if drifting is available.
