Location & Access

Bawu Gorge lies in the heart of Xiaosanxia (Little Three Gorges) in Wushan County, Chongqing. It’s nestled on the north side of the river, stretching 10 kilometers from Dongpuping to Taiping Beach. To reach it, fly into Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, then take a 4-hour bus or train to Wushan County. From there, hop on a riverboat—it’s the best way to see the gorge’s beauty while gliding past steep cliffs.

Natural Wonders

Bawu Gorge is a rock star of nature. Towering peaks shoot up like giants, covered in lush green. The Bawu River (which gave the gorge its name) flows quietly, reflecting jagged rocks and strange, mist-covered cliffs. Look closely: the riverbanks are filled with clockwork-like stalactites shaped like animals, monks, or even humans—it’s like a natural sculpture gallery!

At the entrance, a brownish rock clings to the west bank. This “turtle stone” gave Turtle Beach its name. As the boat passes, you’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer walls, which loom so close you could almost touch them. The mist here is legendary—it wraps the gorge in a mysterious blanket, making every bend feel like a new world.

Cultural Treasures

The real showstopper? Hanging coffins! These wooden crates, nailed into cliffs hundreds of years ago, date back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (around 1000 BC) and stayed in use until the Ming era. Locals believed placing ancestors’ coffins higher meant greater respect. Some coffins have survived 2,000 years without rotting—a rare sight even by global standards. You’ll spot them tucked into tiny caves or hanging perilously over the water.

Practical Tips

Most visitors take a day trip from Wushan County. Boats leave early, so plan ahead. Wear comfy shoes—there’s light hiking at spots like Double Dragon Pass, where the river narrows and the cliffs seem to kiss overhead. Bring a raincoat; the mist can get heavy. Guides often share stories about the coffins, but their English might be basic—read up beforehand if history fascinates you!

What to Expect

This isn’t just a boat ride—it’s a sensory feast. Imagine floating through a cathedral of stone, with sunlight filtering through fog, and the boatman’s oar splashing rhythmically. Photo ops pop up constantly: the turtle rock, a coffin half-hidden in a crevice, or a peak that looks like a Buddha. It’s peaceful yet thrilling, like stepping into a Chinese ink painting.

For a mix of nature’s drama and human mystery, Bawu Gorge delivers. Just be ready for moments where the cliffs seem to block your path—then the river twists, and suddenly, there’s a whole new view. As locals say: “Qi zai, Bawu Gorge!” (Translation: “How amazing, Bawu Gorge!”)