Wushan Small Three Gorges Guide: Hanging Coffins, Daning River Cruise & Travel Tips

Wushan Small Three Gorges: A Complete Guide

The Wushan Small Three Gorges, also called the Little Three Gorges, offer a more intimate and mysterious alternative to the massive Yangtze Three Gorges. Located on the Daning River, a tributary of the Yangtze in Wushan County, Chongqing, this 50-kilometer-long canyon corridor is renowned for its emerald water, vertical cliffs, hanging coffins, and ancient plank road ruins. As a National 5A Scenic Spot and a core part of the Three Gorges National Scenic Area, the Small Three Gorges attract travelers seeking a quieter, more photogenic experience away from the main Yangtze cruise traffic.

This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit: what to expect, when to go, how to get there, and what makes each gorge special. We also address common questions about the hanging coffins, the Daning River cruise, and the reconstructed Dachang Ancient Town.

Overview of the Small Three Gorges

The Wushan Small Three Gorges consist of three narrow gorges along the Daning River:

• Longmen Gorge (Dragon Gate Gorge) – the shortest and first section, known for its imposing cliff walls that resemble a massive gate.
• Bawu Gorge – the middle section, famous for grotesque rock formations and the mysterious ancient hanging coffins.
• Dicui Gorge (Dripping Green Gorge) – the longest and most scenic, with lush vegetation and calm turquoise water.

The entire boat journey takes about 4 hours round-trip from the Wushan County ferry terminal. Unlike the broad, often muddy Yangtze, the Daning River remains clear and green, reflecting the towering cliffs and dense forests. This contrast makes the Small Three Gorges a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.

Why Visit the Small Three Gorges?

Many travelers ask whether the Small Three Gorges are worth visiting if they have already seen the main Yangtze Three Gorges. The answer is yes, for several reasons:

• Scale and atmosphere – The gorges are narrower, so you feel closer to the cliffs and water. The silence (broken only by the boat engine and occasional bird calls) enhances the sense of discovery.
• Water quality – The Daning River is much clearer than the Yangtze, offering mirror-like reflections.
• Cultural relics – The hanging coffins and plank road ruins are unique to this tributary. You won't see them in the main gorges.
• Dachang Ancient Town – A fully relocated Ming-Qing walled town that gives a glimpse of historical river trade life.
• Seasonal beauty – Spring blossoms and autumn red leaves (from mid-November to early December) are spectacular here.

The Small Three Gorges suit travelers who enjoy scenic nature, ancient history, and relaxed boat trips. They are less demanding than hiking-oriented attractions and are fully accessible by boat, making them suitable for seniors, families, and anyone with mobility concerns.

Who might skip it? If you are short on time in Chongqing or prefer active adventures like hiking or rafting, the Small Three Gorges may feel too passive. Also, if you have already spent several days on Yangtze cruises, the landscape might feel similar, though more refined.

Best Time to Visit

The source data lists spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) as best, with specific highlights:

• April–May: Spring blossoms color the hillsides. Temperatures are mild, and water levels are high enough for smooth navigation.
• November–December: The red leaves of the local sumac and other trees cover the mountains, creating a fiery contrast against the green water. This is the most photographed season.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but morning cruises are pleasant. Mist often clings to the cliffs, producing moody photos.
• Winter (December–February): Cold, but fewer tourists. Water may be low, and some cruises may operate on a reduced schedule.

Avoid Chinese public holidays (National Day in October, May Day) when crowds can be overwhelming. The small boats fill quickly, and waiting times increase.

The Three Gorges in Detail

Longmen Gorge (Dragon Gate Gorge)

Longmen Gorge is the first stretch after leaving Wushan pier. It is only about 3 kilometers long but impressive for its sheer vertical walls that rise directly from the water. The cliffs appear to split open like a gate, which gave the gorge its name.

On the right side, you can spot rows of square holes drilled into the rock – these are the remains of the ancient plank road that once allowed traders to travel above the rapids. The holes are about 10-15 meters above today's water level, indicating historical river levels.

Bawu Gorge (Hanging Coffin Gorge)

Bawu Gorge, roughly 10 kilometers long, is the highlight for archaeology enthusiasts. The cliffs here are dotted with small crevices where wooden coffins were wedged over 2,000 years ago by the ancient Ba people. Local guides call them "iron coffins" because of their dark, aged wood. The coffins are visible from the boat, but binoculars help.

No one knows exactly how they were placed so high. Theories include ropes from above or platforms that later collapsed. The mystery adds to the gorge's allure.

Besides the coffins, rock formations in Bawu Gorge have earned evocative names: "Monkey Fishing for the Moon," "Immortal's Foot," and "Dragon Entering the Mountain." These natural sculptures stimulate the imagination, though they require good light and a guide's narration.

Dicui Gorge (Dripping Green Gorge)

Dicui Gorge, at 20 kilometers, is the longest and most beautiful. Its name translates to "dripping green" – a perfect description of the dense vegetation that cascades down the cliffs. The water here is so clear and calm that it reflects the green landscape like a mirror. Waterfalls tumble from high above, especially after rain.

This section feels like floating through a green tunnel. Boat captains often cut the engine here to allow passengers to enjoy the silence and bird calls. Dicui Gorge is the primary reason the Small Three Gorges are praised as "better than the Three Gorges."

Cultural Heritage: Hanging Coffins and Plank Roads

The two main cultural attractions are the hanging coffins and the ancient plank roads.

Hanging coffins are found not just in Bawu Gorge but also in other parts of the Three Gorges region. The practice was common among the Ba, Bo, and other ancient ethnic groups who believed that raising the dead high on cliffs brought them closer to heaven and protected them from floodwaters. The coffins are made of tung wood and are often placed in pairs or groups. Most are now empty, having been looted or removed for study. A few replicas have been installed for visitor viewing, but the originals remain in place.

Ancient plank roads once ran along the cliffs of the Daning River for trade and military transport. Workers cut square holes into the rock, inserted wooden beams, and laid planks on top. This created a narrow, terrifying pathway above the rapids. The road was used from the Warring States period to the Qing dynasty. Today, only the holes remain. In some sections, a short reconstructed plank walkway has been built for tourists, offering a feel of the original.

Dachang Ancient Town

At the upstream end of the cruise lies Dachang Ancient Town. Originally a bustling river port with a 1,700-year history, it was relocated piece-by-piece between 2005 and 2008 to save it from the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam. The entire town was moved to a site about 8 kilometers away, brick by brick. Today, visitors can walk its stone-paved streets and Ming- and Qing-style buildings, including a temple, an old theatre, and a city wall.

Dachang is less commercialized than many reconstructed ancient towns in China. You will find some souvenir shops and tea houses, but also actual residents going about daily life. A typical stop is a short meal break (local fish and river snails are specialties) before the boat returns downstream.

Note: Some cruises may not stop at Dachang if water levels are low or time is limited. Confirm with your tour operator beforehand.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Getting There

Wushan County is most commonly reached by river cruise from Chongqing or Yichang. Many Yangtze cruise itineraries include a side trip to the Small Three Gorges by transferring to smaller boats at the mouth of the Daning River. If you are traveling independently:

• From Chongqing: take a bullet train to Wanzhou (about 1.5 hours), then a bus or taxi to Wushan (another 2–3 hours).
• Alternatively, a direct bus from Chongqing Jiefangbei to Wushan takes about 6 hours.
• Once in Wushan, the ferry terminal is on the riverfront. Public boats and private tours depart from there.

Cruise Experience

The standard cruise is a 4-hour round trip on a covered sightseeing boat with an open upper deck. Boats leave roughly from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, but schedules vary by season and demand. Tickets are sold at the terminal; no reservation is needed for individual travelers, but during peak leaf season, bookings are recommended. The boat stops at Dachang Ancient Town for 30–60 minutes.

What to bring:

• Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses (the sun reflects off water)
• Light jacket or sweater (wind can be cool on the water)
• Binoculars (for hanging coffins)
• Camera with zoom lens (200mm or more recommended)
• Snacks and water (limited options on board)
• Cash (some small vendors at Dachang do not accept cards)

Photography Notes

• Best light for the gorges is early morning (8:00–10:00 AM) when the sun illuminates the eastern cliffs. Afternoon light creates backlighting, which can make cliff details hard to capture.
• Fall colors peak in late November. Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid haze.
• Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on the water and enhance the green color.
• The hanging coffins require a long lens. Some boats have a guide who points them out; anticipate the location and shoot at 200mm or more.
• For dicui gorge's "green tunnel" effect, use a wide-angle lens at the front of the boat, but watch for spray.

Safety

The cruise is safe. Life jackets are provided on the boat. The Daning River is calm, and the boats are stable. However, during heavy rain, the river can rise quickly and become muddy; cruises may be canceled. Always check weather forecasts and the local navigation office. There are no steep hikes unless you disembark at Dachang, which is flat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Wushan Small Three Gorges located?
They are located in Wushan County, Chongqing Municipality, along the Daning River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, near the entrance to the Wu Gorge.

How do I visit the Small Three Gorges?
The most common way is to take a sightseeing cruise boat from the Wushan County ferry terminal. The round trip typically takes about 4 hours. Many Yangtze river cruises include this as a side excursion.

What is the difference between the Three Gorges and the Small Three Gorges?
The Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, Xiling) are on the main Yangtze River and are massive and grand. The Small Three Gorges are on the Daning River tributary, narrower, with clearer water, offering a more intimate and delicate landscape known for its "mystery" and "elegance."

When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) for blossoms and mild weather, and late autumn (November-December) for spectacular red leaves. Summer is hot but offers misty scenes; winter is cold and quiet.

Can I see the hanging coffins clearly?
Yes, some of the hanging coffins in Bawu Gorge are visible from the boat, though they are high up on the cliffs. Guides point them out. Binoculars improve the view.

Do I need a permit to visit?
No special permit is required. You simply buy a ticket at the Wushan ferry terminal. Foreign visitors do not need extra documentation beyond a valid China visa.

Is the cruise suitable for children and elderly?
Yes. The boat is flat and stable. There is no walking except at Dachang, which is level stone streets. Life jackets for children are available.

How long should I allocate for the visit?
Plan at least half a day (4 hours for the cruise plus transport from Wushan to the scenic area). If you are on a full-day trip from Chongqing, allow 10–12 hours including travel.

Are there any other attractions nearby?
The Three Gorges area offers Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, Baidi City, and Shennong Stream. Wushan itself has a small museum and a lively riverfront market.

Can I take a private boat?
Private charters are available at higher cost, offering flexibility for photographers. Arrange through a local travel agency. Standard group cruises are the norm.

Final Thoughts

The Wushan Small Three Gorges deliver a concentrated dose of the beauty that makes the Yangtze River region famous, but in a quieter, more refined package. The combination of emerald water, steep green cliffs, ancient mysteries, and a well-preserved historic town makes this destination a strong addition to any Chongqing or Yangtze itinerary. Whether you come for the hanging coffins, the autumn leaves, or simply the serenity of drifting through a canyon, the Small Three Gorges are likely to exceed expectations.

For the best experience, go in late November with binoculars and a telephoto lens, and give yourself a full morning to absorb the atmosphere without rushing. Confirm cruise schedules a day ahead. This is one of those rare attractions where the reality matches the postcards.