China's lesser-known autumn viewing destination—the Three Gorges—is about to open its doors in style! Enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage for three months!
Preface
Travelers know that November marks the most beautiful autumn foliage season of the year! When you think of autumn leaves, what comes to mind? Guangwu Mountain, known as the "most beautiful mountain for autumn leaves," or Beijing's Xiangshan Mountain, a time-honored autumn viewing spot?
In fact, hidden in the places we are familiar with, there is a little-known autumn viewing spot that is often underestimated. The red leaves here are as famous as those in Xiangshan, Beijing, and Miyaluo, Sichuan. The beauty is breathtaking.
The red leaves here have an extremely long viewing period, lasting up to three months! From November to January each year, the mountains are covered in red. Compared to other places, the red leaves here are more diverse and the scenery is more beautiful.
This is also the secret land of mountains and rivers described in Li Bai's poems. You can take a boat trip among the clear water and green mountains, accompanied by sea of clouds and red leaves on both sides, and feel the joy of "leaving Baidi in the morning among the colorful clouds".
This is the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, one of the most charming landmarks in China. The autumn scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, with "clear water rippling in the reservoir and red leaves covering the mountains on both sides", is well-deserved to be "one of the ten most beautiful autumn scenery in China".
The Yangtze River, carrying the power from the Tanggula Mountains, runs through Chongqing from west to east, like a sharp blade, splitting the oncoming Wushan Mountain, Qiyao Mountain and other mountain ranges one by one. The wonders of nature have created the unparalleled Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.
In November, when all things began to enter a long dormancy, the red leaves of the Three Gorges revived on the land of Jingchu, dyeing the mountains and waters of western Hubei red in late autumn, and coating both sides of the Yangtze River with a layer of dazzling red, warming up the autumn and beautifying the Central Plains!
"Red leaves reflect on the river, and the boat sails across the mountains in red"
The red of the Three Gorges is not just the fiery red of the leaves themselves, but also the sweat of the boat trackers, which makes it look like a layer of blood red. The girls in red clothes from the Three Gorges are graceful and charming, walking on the blue waves, which is even more charming.
The mighty release of the Three Gorges Dam, its water-swallowing, rolling waves, fully demonstrates the dominance of this land. Sailing through it, the cool water vapor mingles with the vibrant autumn colors, without feeling bleak or desolate.
The mountain passes, the twists and turns of the perilous bird path, and the swaying red leaves on the poetic plank road. The distant mountains and the nearby leaves complement each other and intersect, forming beautiful shapes on the mountaintops. The adorable little monkeys add a touch of liveliness!
The Twelve Peaks of Wushan Mountain are majestic and silent in the morning light. The emerald green river and the fiery red autumn leaves are like a gorgeous oil painting.
Before we knew it, our boat had passed through thousands of mountains. Let us follow the footsteps of the poet Li Bai and go deep into the Bashan and Chushui mountains to see the magnificent autumn in the Three Gorges!
Not only the vibrant red leaves, but also the magnificent Three Gorges scenery!
Cross Taozi Mountain, cruise through Qutang Gorge, climb to the summit of the Three Gorges, and admire the beauty of Kuimen. Besides enjoying the vibrant red leaves, the scenery of the Three Gorges is also worth the wait!
01 Qutang Gorge
"The back of the ten-yuan RMB"
The Qutang Gorge has steep cliffs on both sides and towering rock walls. The river rushes violently among the cliffs. Since ancient times, it has been known as "nothing is more dangerous than Jiange, nothing is more majestic than Kui", and it has the momentum of "one man guarding the pass"!
Although only eight kilometers long, Qutang Gorge is a breathtaking stretch of the river, with mountains seemingly rising from the ground and peaks piercing the sky. Some of the gorge's main peaks soar to 1,500 meters. The river is narrow, barely a hundred meters wide, and at its narrowest, only a few dozen meters. This brings the cliffs on both sides very close together, adding to the majestic atmosphere.
Kuimen, the summit of the Three Gorges, is the entrance to Qutang Gorge and boasts a majestic beauty. The peaks on either side of Kuimen rise steeply, like cliffs, forcing the mighty Yangtze River into a thin ribbon that winds through the deep valley. Du Fu, describing the might of Kuimen's waters, used the famous line, "Many waters converge at Fuwan, while Qutang contends for a single gate," to capture the majestic grandeur of Kuimen.
When you come here, don’t forget to bring 10 yuan with you and take a photo with the scenery behind you. It is a classic that has been carved and witnessed the ups and downs of history for thousands of years!
02 Three Gorges Dam
"A water conservancy miracle across the Yangtze River"
Before the dam was built, trackers battled the turbulent waves here, creating a culture of trackers with their blood and sweat. When the dam was built, trackers became a symbol of the Yangtze River, representing strength and beauty.
The dam has transformed the Yangtze River into a gentler woman, softening its flamboyance and easing its impatience. Whenever autumn arrives, crimson leaves blanket the mountains, and sailing on the Yangtze River is a scene of unparalleled romance and grandeur.
At Tanzilin, the highest point of the Three Gorges Dam, you can get a bird's eye view of the dam, then stand on the 185 viewing platform to get up close and personal with the majestic Three Gorges Dam. Then, you can visit the Interception Memorial Park. I bet you will be amazed by this massive piece of engineering machinery!
03 Top of the Three Gorges
“Climb to the top and experience a visual feast”
The summit of the Three Gorges, the highest point in the Yangtze River Three Gorges, boasts one of the most stunning views of the Three Gorges' red leaves. Hiking up the mountain, you can touch the vibrant crimson leaves along the way, surrounded by mist and clouds, and fully enjoy this visual feast!
This place got its name from a line from Du Fu's poem: "Red armor and white salt pierce the sky, neighborhoods and villages wind around the mountaintops, maple groves and orange trees blend in vibrant colors, and the corridors and towers are adorned with brocade." It is the highest point in the Three Gorges, both physically and visually.
Take in the panoramic view of Baidi City and experience the joy of the rivers and lakes described in poetry
The Three Gorges offer more than just breathtaking scenery; they also boast the heroic spirit of the Eastward Flowing River and the exhilarating feeling of traveling a thousand miles in a day, as captured in ancient poetry. Baidi City, a place I've only known from elementary school textbooks, truly is truly "seeing is believing" when you actually see it.
1,200 years ago, because of Li Bai's line "I left Baidi in the morning among the colorful clouds, and returned to Jiangling a thousand miles away in one day", Baidi City became well-known and was given the poetic title of "Poetry City".
Famous poets throughout history, such as Li Bai, Bai Juyi, and Su Shi, have ascended Baidicheng and visited Kuimen, leaving behind numerous beloved poems. Along the way, we experienced the allure of the autumn scenery, reminiscent of "the apes cry incessantly on both banks, while the light boat has already passed through thousands of mountains."
Baidi City is not big, but it is a cultural city with great significance in history. The famous "Liu Bei entrusting his son to the care of others" took place here.
There are many historical buildings in the city, such as the Baidi Temple which has been preserved from the Eastern Han Dynasty and has witnessed the passage of time and the ups and downs of history.
Enjoy the autumn in a different way, let’s measure the Three Gorges with our feet!
If you join a traditional travel agency to visit the Three Gorges, you will just take a big boat to pass by. But China-TravelNote is different. It takes you to measure the Three Gorges on foot and feel the magnificence of the Three Gorges from a God's perspective.
Early November to early December is the best time to hike and enjoy the autumn. Come with us for an orange date in late autumn, reach the top of the mountain, overlook the other mountains, overlook the charm of Bachu, and hike lightly through the niche Three Gorges Basin.
This is a light hiking route for enjoying the autumn scenery. It does not require much physical strength, so anyone with a little hiking experience can join in.
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DAY1 Various places-Yichang
Today we will go to Yichang to gather and check into the hotel.
DAY 2 Yichang - Three Gorges Dam - Damian Mountain
Tanziling is the highest point of the Three Gorges Dam, offering a bird's-eye view of the dam. The 185 Observation Deck takes you up close and personal with the majestic Three Gorges Dam. Afterward, head to Damian Mountain to see the crimson leaves covering the mountain and the Yangtze River Bridge, offering a clear view of the Yangtze River.
DAY 3 Damian Mountain - Baidicheng Wharf - Taozijian Pingcao Village
(approximately 5 km of hiking and approximately 900 m of climbing)
We headed to Baidicheng Wharf. If the weather is good, we could wait and take photos of the beautiful Three Gorges sunset. In the evening, we enjoyed a genuine farmhouse meal. Backed by the Taozi Mountain (a symbol of the Chinese currency), this place might just be the beginning of your fortune.
DAY 4: Taozi Mountain Top - Top of the Three Gorges - Dangerous Stone Bird Path - Poetic Plank Road - Baidi City
(approximately 15 km hike, all downhill)
Today, you will appreciate the magnificence of the Yangtze River, travel among the magnificent mountains and rivers, and experience the reality of Li Bai's words "the monkeys on both sides of the river cry incessantly" here. You will see the panoramic view of Kuimen from the observation deck, and take a ferry to the Baidi City scenic area to appreciate it. This is the place where Liu Bei entrusted his son to the care of others.
DAY 5 Baidi City - Wushan Goddess Heavenly Road - Bluestone - Goddess Creek
(approximately 15 km hike, all downhill)
Hike through Wu Gorge and marvel at the breathtaking scenery, reminiscent of "Once you've seen the sea, all other waters are but puddles; except for Mount Wu, all other clouds are but mist." The breathtaking scenery, accompanied by crimson leaves, has earned the nickname "the most beautiful Three Gorges gallery on the Yangtze River" by hikers.
Take a boat across the river and stay at Qingshi People's House. Across the river is the Goddess Peak. Fall asleep at night under the gaze of the Goddess Yao Ji. Do you think you will "have the Goddess appear in your dream in the middle of the night"?
DAY 6: Shennv Creek - Wushan County - Yichang
After six days of traveling together through the Three Gorges, the tourists have forged deep friendships. After returning, they were left with endless aftertastes for the simple charm of Bachu.
Conclusion
The Three Gorges are fiery red and passionate, and are located in Bachu with their unique flavor. The passion of the mountains and rivers, the abundance of red leaves, and the view from a high place, surrounded by mountains and rivers, we can fully experience the immersive autumn appreciation!
