Wu Gorge Introduction

As you sail on past Qutang Gorge, you will gradually enter Wu Gorge, an area that's pristine beauty has captivated artists, poets, and sightseers for centuries. Wu Gorge begins at the bayou of the Daning River  in Chongqing and stretches about 45 kilometers (28 miles) to Badong County where it ends in Guandukou (Hubei Province).

The river of Wu Gorge cuts its way through two majestic mountains, which provide a stunning green backdrop for the flowing water. Twelve lofty peaks gleam above the floating mist which almost continuously hovers over the river (due to the depth of the gorge and lack of sunlight on the river). The mountains often appear to change shape as they peer out from the mist, giving the gorge a touch of romantic mysticism. Goddess Peak is the highest of the twelve peaks and can be identified by the waterfalls that spill gracefully down her mountainside. When the sun shines on the Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge, the view is breathtaking.

While the pristine mountains and picturesque surroundings alone make a trip to Wu Gorge worthwhile, a number of riverside attractions add even more to the area's appeal. Historical landmarks, ranging from ancient temples to notable inscriptions, are conveniently located on the river banks and should not be missed on your visit.

Dachang Ancient Village

Dachang Ancient Village has the biggest collection of architectural heritage preserved from the Ming and the Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) in the Three Gorges area. The village was constructed in the Jin Dynasty and has a recorded history of 1,700 years. Originally, the village was sited about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of the Dicui Gorges along Daning River. However, in 2002, as the Three Gorges Reservoir extended causing the Daning River water levels to rise, the village had to be re-sited. Thus the project of remove the precious heritage to a higher location 8 kilometers (5 miles) away was carried out. Following the original layout using the original building materials, the relocated site of the Dachang Village was completed in the middle of 2007 and visitors may go there to get a good appreciation of an ancient village.

Covering an area of about 10 hectares (24.7 acres) and divided by two main streets, the village is rather small, thus gaining the name 'pocket village'. Most of the buildings in the village bear the same characters, that is, following the courtyard layout, equipped double eaves and fire-blocking walls. These houses together with three-city gate and the flagging road have been relocated as they were originally.

 

What to See :

 Shennong Stream
 Three Little Gorges
 Twelve Peak