Why are the Yangtze River Three Gorges a must-visit on every Chinese person's lifetime list?

At dawn, the steep cliffs of Kuimen slowly unveil in the morning glow. A tourist holding a ten-yuan bill compares it to the real scene and can't help but exclaim, "Li Bai's poetry has come to life!" "Wow, this is so interesting!" As the cruise ship slowly enters the Gezhouba Ship Lock, Spanish travel agent Campos raises his phone to capture the closing lock gates. Beside him, Russian travel agent Nazanova quickly walks up to the deck, afraid to miss any detail of the "rising water lifting the boat." This year, the Three Gorges have welcomed a feast of tourists. This landscape, written into textbooks, is attracting global attention with a brand-new charm. --- 01 Landscape Gallery, the Modern Echo of a Millennium Poem The Yangtze River Three Gorges start from Baidi City in Fengjie, Chongqing in the west, to Nanjin Pass in Yichang, Hubei in the east. Composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, it stretches 193 kilometers and is the most magnificent and picturesque landscape gallery along the Yangtze River. Qutang Gorge is known for its "majesty." Although it is the shortest at eight kilometers, it is the most precipitous. Kuimen, the western gate of the Three Gorges, has mountain peaks on both sides like a natural gate and is also the background image on the ten-yuan bill. Wu Gorge is famous for its "elegance," being beautiful and deep. The Goddess Peak stands on the north bank, resembling a graceful young lady. Xiling Gorge is renowned for its "danger," with many rapids and swift waters. Today’s Xiling Gorge not only preserves the original gorge scenery but also integrates the modern marvels of the Three Gorges Dam, Gezhouba Dam, and Xiling Gorge. Wang Yiwen, a fashion designer from Malaysia, exclaimed after touring, "The beauty of the Three Gorges is unique," and "It really feels so beautiful it brings tears to your eyes." 02 New Experiences, the Diverse Charm of Three Gorges Tourism Cruise Tour: A Floating Mobile Resort "Eating: Every meal is a buffet. Although there aren't many dishes, each meal is different, and you can always find something you like," shared a tourist who just finished a Three Gorges cruise. Today’s Three Gorges cruises have upgraded to a full experience. Tourists can go ashore for sightseeing during the day and enjoy various activities on board at night, such as welcome parties, staff performances, and free movies. Two Dams and One Gorge: A Modern Engineering Marvel The "Chufeng" cruise creates an immersive Yangtze Chu Culture Time-Space Theater, revitalizing Chu culture through technology. It narrates the stories of three historical figures—Qu Yuan, Wang Zhaojun, and Li Bai—within the four decks of the ship, forming a mobile immersive theater. When passing through the Gezhouba Ship Lock, tourists can experience the spectacular "rising water lifting the boat." As the cruise slowly enters the lock chamber, the rear gate closes gradually, water fills from the bottom, and the ship gently rises. About 10 minutes later, the water level inside the lock matches the upper dam level, and the ship smoothly sails out. Three Gorges Folk Village: Revitalized Ba-Chu Culture Located within Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges Folk Village features traditional Tujia stilted buildings nestled among the mountains and waters. Long-missed ancient sailboats and black-awning boats rest quietly. Fishermen leisurely cast nets on the river, and local Tujia villagers blow traditional horns, singing and dancing to welcome visitors from all directions. Here, tourists can also watch the Tujia ethnic group's unique "crying bride" performance. Baidi City: The Fusion of Poetry and History As the starting point of the Three Gorges, Baidi City was not only the place where Liu Bei entrusted his son during the Three Kingdoms period but also where the poet Li Bai wrote "Departing Baidi amidst colorful clouds at dawn." A tourist shared, "At 7 a.m., I rushed up 365 steps and witnessed a stunning scene at the original site of the Three Kingdoms' entrusted son event: the morning sun was shooting golden rays from behind Chijia Mountain, and cargo ships on the river looked like the warships of Eastern Wu back then." 03 In-Depth Exploration, the Unique Charm of Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes Besides traditional cruise sightseeing, the Three Gorges offer more in-depth experiences. Although the Three Gorges hiking trails have become less frequented due to the 175-meter water level rise caused by the Three Gorges Dam, autumn in the Three Gorges is filled with red leaves covering the mountains, each with its own charm. Measuring the Three Gorges on foot allows you to appreciate its grandeur from a god’s-eye view. Wushan Small Three Gorges consist of Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and the tiny Dripping Green Three Gorges. Compared to the grand, majestic, and rugged Yangtze Three Gorges, Wushan Small Three Gorges are elegant, delicate, and refined. The Peak of the Three Gorges, the highest point of the entire Yangtze Three Gorges at 1,388 meters above sea level, offers a panoramic view of Qutang Gorge from the summit, evoking the bold feeling of "looking down on all other mountains." 04 Practical Tips for an Easy Trip to the Yangtze Three Gorges Itinerary Options The route from Yichang to Chongqing allows visits to attractions such as Three Gorges Folk Village (optional), ship lift (optional), Three Gorges Dam (free), Goddess Stream (free), Baidi City (optional), and Fengdu Ghost City (free). Best Time to Visit Autumn (October to November) is the most beautiful season in the Three Gorges, with mountains covered in red leaves and pleasant weather. Transportation You can take a high-speed train to Fengjie Station, then a taxi for about 30 minutes to the scenic area; or choose to board the cruise in Yichang or Chongqing to start the journey. Photography Guide Golden Hours: Capture Kuimen morning mist at dawn and Goddess Peak sunset glow at dusk. Best Spots: Chijia Tower for a full view of Kuimen, and the Star Pavilion in Baidi City for photographing the Three Gorges sunrise. --- At dusk, a tourist sits on the threshold of Baidi Temple, eating a navel orange while watching the sunset dye Qutang Gorge like a blazing campfire. "It's not that Europe is unaffordable, but the Three Gorges offer better value." This landscape carrying millennia of poetry and legends is not only China’s natural heritage but also a world-class tourist destination. From cultural empowerment to service enhancement, from ecological protection to technological efficiency, the Yangtze River Three Gorges are achieving a magnificent transformation from traditional sightseeing to immersive experiences.