Three Gorges, Chongqing

Name: Three Gorges
Address: Chongqing, China

#8 among attractions in Chongqing

Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of China's Chongqing Municipality, the Three Gorges region is a breathtaking natural wonder that has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. This spectacular canyon, carved by the mighty Yangtze River, is renowned for its stunning scenery, which includes towering cliffs, lush mountains, and a serpentine river that winds its way through the landscape.

The Three Gorges—Qutang, Wu, and Xiling—are known not only for their natural beauty but also for their cultural and historical significance. With a history that dates back to ancient times, the gorges have been the inspiration for countless poets, artists, and scholars, who have been drawn to their mystical aura and majestic presence.

Spanning a length of approximately 120 kilometers, the Three Gorges is one of the most impressive geological features in China. The Qutang Gorge is the shortest and most dramatic, with its narrow passageway and steep limestone cliffs. Wu Gorge is known for its serene beauty and forest-covered mountains, while Xiling Gorge is the longest and features numerous shoals and rapids.

The construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station in terms of installed capacity, has significantly altered the landscape and ecosystem of the region. However, it has also created the Three Gorges Reservoir, which has become an attraction in its own right, offering spectacular views of the submerged gorges and enabling large cruise ships to navigate the once treacherous waters of the Yangtze.

Visitors to the Three Gorges can embark on river cruises that offer an unparalleled perspective of the canyon's grandeur. These cruises provide an opportunity to experience the local culture, visit historical sites, and witness the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. Additionally, the region is home to several ancient relics and points of interest, including the suspended coffins of the Ba people and the historic city of Fengdu, known as the "Ghost City," with its temples and shrines dedicated to the afterlife.

Local name: 长江三峡 Maximum elevation: 440 ftCoordinates: 31°2'34"N, 109°33'40"E

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Chongqing China

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Day trips

Three Gorges – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Qutang Gorge, Baidicheng, Fengjie Yangtze River Bridge, Meixi River Bridge.

~330 ftE
Natural attraction, Canyon
Qutang Gorge, Chongqing
2 min walk • Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Chongqing, China, the Qutang Gorge stands as a breathtaking marvel of natural beauty and geological wonder. This magnificent canyon, the shortest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, spans a length of...
0.6 miE
Temple
Baidicheng, Chongqing
16 min walk • Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Baidicheng, also known as White Emperor City, is a historical temple complex that holds a special place in the heart of Chongqing, China.
5 miW
Bridge
Fengjie Yangtze River Bridge, Chongqing
127 min walk • The Fengjie Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge which crosses the Yangtze River in Fengjie, Chongqing, China. Completed in 2005, it carries 4 lanes of traffic on the S201 provincial road. The bridges main span measures 460 metres which places it among the longest cable-stayed spans in the world.
2.8 miNW
Bridge
Meixi River Bridge, Chongqing
73 min walk • The Meixi River Bridge is an arch bridge which crosses the Meixi River in Fengjie, Chongqing, China. It replaced an earlier suspension bridge across the river built in 1990.
3.8 miNW
Bridge
Meixi River Expressway Bridge, Chongqing
98 min walk • The Meixi River Expressway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge near Fengjie, Chongqing, China. The bridge opened in 2010 carrying traffic on the G42 Shanghai–Chengdu Expressway across and spans 386 metres across the Meixi River.