Wushan Travel Guide
Wushan at the eastern edge of Chongqing lies in the heart of the Three Gorges, with the Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge, the Lesser Three Gorges and Dachang old town.
Wushan Travel guide
Wushan County lies at the easternmost edge of Chongqing, at the heart of the Three Gorges country of the Yangtze. It borders Badong of Hubei to the east, Jianshi of Hubei to the south, Fengjie to the west, and Wuxi to the north, standing on the boundary between Chongqing and Hubei, with mountains and valleys interlacing.
The county name is said to come from Wu Xian, a physician who served the legendary Emperor Yao in ancient tales. In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the Wu Commandery of Chu was set here, and around the Qin and Han dynasties the commandery was changed to a county called Wu. In the third year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui, it was renamed Wushan County, and that name has been carried down to today.
Where the Yangtze cuts through the mountains, sheer cliffs run on. Along both banks of Wu Gorge stand the Twelve Peaks, loved since old times for their painting-like scenery. Heading upstream, one finds sights scattered about, such as the Lesser Three Gorges and the Miniature Three Gorges, chains of winding waterways, and Dachang old town, which keeps its old streets.
Wushan can be reached from central Chongqing by boat and road. It is also known as a production area for medicinal herbs, fruit, and tea that make the most of the cool mountain climate, and food drawing on the mountain harvest is well loved. It is a land suited to journeys that savor mountain-and-water scenery from both boat and land.
Wushan Essential information
Best time to visit
For enjoying the valley scenery from a boat, spring through summer, deep in green, suits best. In autumn the air clears, and distant mountains come easily into view. In the rainy season, watch for rising water, and check the weather before setting out.
Weather and climate
In a land wrapped in valleys, the climate is rainy and humid. Summers are muggy, and winters are comparatively mild, though the valleys can turn cold. There are many days when mists settle, so preparing dress to match the season is wise.
Local food
Cooking that draws on the gifts of mountain and river is well loved. Mushrooms and wild vegetables from the hills and fish from the rivers come to the table, with simple flavors at the center. Produce such as medicinal herbs and tea that make use of the mountain climate is also loved as a taste of this land.
Getting there and around
Wushan can be reached from central Chongqing by boat and road. The gorges and old streets lie apart, so one tours them by combining boat and car. Sailings can change with rising water or thick fog, so allow room in the schedule.
Travel tips
On boat journeys, follow the guidance and check where the life equipment is kept. In the valleys, rain gear and shoes that do not slip are a comfort. Thick fog can cut visibility, so move with time to spare.