Little Three Gorges

The Daning river joins the Yangtze at Wushan, and the stretch above the confluence runs through three gorges of its own, far narrower than the main river, with clear green water, cliffs rising steeply on both sides and macaques on the ledges. Boats run up through them, and smaller craft continue into the Mini Three Gorges beyond, narrower still. Hanging coffins in cliff niches and the sockets of an ancient plank road cut into the rock are visible from the water. The Three Gorges reservoir raised the level here too, so the water is deeper and calmer than it was, though the walls remain close.

What you actually see

• The three narrow gorges - cliffs close on both sides of green water.
• The macaques - troops living on the ledges above the river.
• The hanging coffins - burials placed in cliff niches.
• The plank road sockets - holes cut for an ancient cliff path.

When to go

April to October for green water and warm weather; spring and autumn are clearest. Winter is cold and misty. Boats are cancelled in flood and after heavy rain upstream.

Honest expectations

The reservoir has raised the water and reduced the height of the walls above it. Boats are ticketed and commentary is Chinese. Trips are timed and rushed on cruise itineraries.

Nearby

Wushan town is at the mouth; Baidicheng lies upstream on the Yangtze.