|
The Lesser Three Gorges in Wushan refers to
the three separate valleys of the Daning River, namely "Dragon-Gate
Gorge", "Misty Gorge" and "Emerald Gorge". These
three gorges, with an area of 160 hectares of forest, lie on the lower
reaches of Daning, extending from the entrance of the Dragon-Gate Gorge in
the South to Tujiaba in the North for 50 km. Here sheer cliffs and steep
mountains rise on either side, creating one of natural fine arts gallery
as natural scenic wonders unfold on both banks of the river. Its
"subtle mountains, clear waters, pretty rocks, dangerous rapids,
sharp turns, fantastic caves, and stalactites in various shapes"
characterize the natural landscape in the Lesser Three Gorges. Monkeys,
mandarin ducks, water birds and fish can be seen in this area. In addition
to the continuous natural scenery there are a number of historical places
of interest along the way, such as suspending coffin, boat coffin, remains
of ancient plank walkway. The area has been made one of the key nature
reserves in China and is becoming known as a tourist attraction continuing
to offer its charms along the golden Yangtze Gorges Travel Line.
Dragon-Gate Gorge,
3 km long, is the shortest of the three, stretching from the Dragon-Gate
Bridge to the Rapids of Silver Nest. It is spectacular due to the
mountains on both sides that are so high that they seem to touch the sky.
In the gorge, there are the remains of the longest ancient plank walkway
in China and a number of scenic sights, such as the Dragon-Gate Spring,
Gate Guarded by Lion, Nine Dragons Pillar, etc. Shooting the Rapids of
Silver Nest, the boats fly like arrows. The Daning then meanders through
terraced hillside before entering the Misty Gorge. The boat has to pass
the Panda Cave, Nameless Gorge and Pipazhou.
Misty Gorge,
10 km long, starts at the Tortoise Shoal and ends at the Double-Dragon
Town. Stalactites in numerous shapes and various sculptured groups have
formed on both banks of the river. A good imagination is all your need to
enjoy the sights and perhaps discover a few of your own. The traditionally
seen shapes resemble the Monkey Fishing in the Air, Horse-Returning to
Mountain, Dragon In and Tiger Out, Dragon-returning Cave, Fairy Peach
Peak, Fairy Throwing a Silk Ball, the Goddess of Mercy Seated on Lotus
Platform, Piggy Worshipping the Goddess of Mercy, Suspending Coffin. All
are remarkably lifelike, and many scenes are related to wonderful fairy
tales or touching legends.
Emerald Gorge
extends for 20 km from the Double-Dragon Town to Tujiaba. It is the
longest and also gathers the beauty of the Lesser Three Gorges. On the
banks, each peak seems more beautiful than the other does and the bamboo
groves are luxuriantly verdant. No waterfall in not swift; no water is not
green. Mandarin ducks swim in pairs in the river and monkeys leap from
branch to branch. Other scenic spots include the Water Curtain Cave,
Stalactitic Buddha on Cliff, the Dancing Rain from Heavenly Spring, Sheep
Cliff, the Mini-Three Gorges on Madu River, Imitation Plank Paths, Steel
Rope Bridge, Sky-Scraping Red Wall, Boat Coffin, Two Eagles Playing on
Screen and Flying Clouds Cave.
As tourism is expanding and developing rapidly in China, the Lesser
Three Gorges, like a shinning pearl hidden in remote mountains, has
created a great attraction to the tourists both at home and abroad. Those
who have been to the place seem to return to the embrace of nature.
Tourists' hearty praise of the Lesser Three Gorges goes that this is the
most splendid river adventure throughout China. In order to make it known
to the outside world, they take photographs, write articles, compose poems
and draw paintings enthusiastically one after another.
You'll find a cordial reception both in the natural scenery and in warm
local people. Welcome you, tourists of the entire world over, to one of
the Forty Top Tourist Attractions of China -- the Lesser Three Gorges in
Wushan.
|