Wu Gorge
This gorge extends from the western tip of Wushan County at the mouth
of Daning River to Badong County, a distance of 24.8 miles to the
east. The western section is called the Gold Helmet and Silver Armor
Gorge while the eastern section is called the Iron Coffin Gorge. On
either side there are peaks and green vegetation. The gorge zigzags
and the waterway is no more than 328 feet in width. There are three
platforms - Chopping Off Dragon Platform, Chuyang Platform and Book
Presenting Platform.
Chopping
Off Dragon Platform
It is a raised semi-spherical stone plate shaped like a drum on the
west shore of Cuokai Gorge. Legend says that Da Yu chopped off the
head of the Jade Dragon, which had wrought havoc to people by causing
constant floods.
Chuyang Platform
It is on Gaodu Mountain, Wushan County. Prince Chu was said to have
had a rendezvous with the Fairy of Wushan there. There is also an
ancient temple, Gaotang Temple, which was built 1,000 years ago and
still stands today.
Book Presenting Platform
It is half way across the mountain at Feifeng Peak on the southern
shore of the Wu Gorge. Yao Ji, the fairy, was said to have handed
a book to Da Yu to help him conquer floods. The temple, built in the
Tang Dynasty, is dedicated to the memory of the fairy.
The 12 Peaks of the Wushan Mountains
This is the most splendid scenery in the Wu Gorge. The 12 Peaks are
spread on both shores of the Yangtze, forming a vista of mountains
and rivers.
Fairy Peak
Fairy Peak is on the northern shore of Wu Gorge and is the most famous
of the 12 Peaks of Wushan. A huge limestone column stands 20 feet
high atop the mountain. It resembles a standing girl with exquisite
figure. Legend says that the column is the embodiment of a celestial
girl, named Yao Ji, daughter of the Queen of the West. She descended
from heaven to help Da Yu to conquer floods. She decided to stay among
men to ensure the safety of boats that pass through the Three Gorges.
Standing out from clouds and fog, she appears beautiful and mysterious.
Wushan County
The county is situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Daning
Rivers, at the northern end of Wu Gorge. It is a picturesque place
with a long history dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period. It
was named Wushan in the Sui Dynasty. The famous poet Lu You said that
as the county is located in the gorge, it is provided with a magnificent
view. Visitors to the county can view the clouds and rain of the Wushan
Mountains, the Lu You Cave and the features of Fairy Peak. It is a
popular place for tourists visiting the Three Gorges.
Stone Tablet Inscription
Written by Zhuge Liang
(also known as the Kong Ming Tablet)
This is on Jixianfeng Peak on the northern shore of the Yangtze River.
There is a huge grotto on a precipice. Words in six Chinese characters
describe Wu Gorge as having rock after rock and peak after peak. Some
of the words are hard to read as a result of erosion. They were written
in the Three Kingdoms Period by Zhuge Liang.
Lianxiahe
Scenic Spot
This is 16.5 miles south of Badong County in Hubei Province. It is
around 3,280 feet above sea level and 494 acres in area. The clear
water, natural beauty and elegant scenery attract many visitors. The
shores are dotted with precipices, and the area includes a zone of
strange and rare flora, in which monkeys play. Visitors interested
in the customs of minority groups will enjoy a warm welcome at the
Tujia ethnic village.
The Temple of Qu Yuan,
Former Home of Qu Yuan
Qu Yuan (340 B.C.-278 B.C.) lived in the State of Chu during the Warring
States Period. A temple was built in Zigui, birthplace of the poet,
where a bronze statue now stands. The Qu Yuan Memorial Hall is in
the main architectural structure and the tomb of Qu Yuan is located
in the back.
Lepingli or Luojiaoping is the birthplace of Qu Yuan. It is 18 miles
east of Zigui County. There are many historic sites, such as the Reading
Cave and Poetry Reciting Platform. A well, which served as a mirror
for Qa Yuan is still remain.
Plank Road in Wu Gorge
Extending over 18.6 miles is a plank road built on the cliff from
Wushan County to Qinglianxi (Green Lotus Stream) at the border of
Hubei Province. At a distance the plank road looks like a flying dragon,
long and majestic.
Lesser Shennongjia Scenic Spot
This is a natural area in the north of Badong County, Hubei Province
south of Greater Shennongjia; it is 9,858 feet above sea level. A
drive by car from the county will take visitors to the head of the
scenic spot, the Badong Scenic Extension area, known as a green treasury
Shennongjia, which is mysterious and breath taking virgin area. The
Lesser Shennongjia scenic route embraces river and highway and takes
two to three days. It gives visitors good views of the high mountains
and steep cliffs. Visitors may also raft along the river to Shennong
Stream.
Badong
Badong is in Hubei Province on the southern shores of Xiangxiliang
Valley between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. It links Sichuan and Hubei,
is an important distribution center for goods in Hubei and Sichuan
provinces. Badong has a long history. Kou Zhun, the famous prime minister
of Northern Song Dynasty, served here as a county magistrate for three
years. Qiufeng Pavilion is a place well worth visiting. It is a wooden
structure, over 65 feet high and commands a good view of surroundings.
Literary men of all dynasties came here to drink wine and compose
essays and poems.
Zigui
Situated in the broad Xiangxi River valley, east of Wu Gorge, Zigui
is a famous historic city. It was called Guizhou in the old days when
Liu Bei used it as a transit point to ship food and fodder to the
army. It was the birthplace of Qu Yuan, the poet and patriot. Many
sites associated with the poet can be seen during the tour. The former
town of Zigui is now referred to as Guizhou.
Xiangxi
Stream, Former Home of Wang Zhaojun
Xiangxi Stream is between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, and is a tributary
of the Yangtze. By proceeding from the upper reaches of Xiangxi Stream
visitors can arrive at Zhaojun Village. Zhaojun was an imperial concubine
in the Han Dynasty. She volunteered in 33 B.C. to enter into a marriage
with an ethnic tribal leader beyond the Great Wall. She played a considerable
role in preventing a military invasion, by becoming the wife of Chan
Yu, chief Huhanye. Places and objects in the village associated with
her can be found such as her dressing table, Niangniang Platform,
the residence of Zhaojun, Purple Bamboo Garden and the Pavilion.
Shennong Stream
The Holy Farmer (a legendary figure who invented the plough) Stream
is in west Hubei Province. It is over 37.2 miles long and runs from
north to south, to empty into the Wu Gorge in the east. Floating on
the stream has become a visitor activity. Visitors float in a broad
beamed boat, which takes them to Mianzhu Gorge, Yingwu or Parrot Gorge
and Longchang Gorge. The waterway is narrow and luxurious vegetation
covers both shores. Monkeys and wild goats can be seen and the atmosphere
is rustic. Plank roads on the cliffs and hanging coffins are also
visible.
