Secret Red Leaves & Culinary Paradise in the Three Gorges

Located in eastern Chongqing at the heart of the Yangtze Three Gorges, Wushan is famed for its majestic canyon landscapes, dazzling red foliage, and authentic Chongqing cuisine. Home to the UNESCO-listed Lesser Three Gorges, the poetic Goddess Peak, and mouthwatering Wushan grilled fish, it’s a perfect blend of nature and culture. **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Lesser Three Gorges & Mini Lesser Three Gorges** *Why go*: A 5A-rated scenic area comprising Dragon Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge, and Emerald Gorge, with towering peaks, winding emerald waters, hanging coffins, and wild monkeys. *Highlights*: - 4-hour boat tour (switch to smaller boats for Mini Lesser Three Gorges’ serene views). - Best seasons: Spring/Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov); Red Leaf Season (Nov–Dec) is spectacular. *Ticket*: ¥120 (includes cruise). 2. **Goddess Scenic Area (Goddess Sky Road & Goddess Peak)** *Why go*: Best vantage point for Wuxia Gorge views; featured in *Curse of the Golden Flower*. *Highlights*: - Goddess Sky Road: 5 viewing decks (Sky Lantern, Fairy Shoe Platform, Jade Terrace) with misty Goddess Peak vistas. - Optional Huangyan Cableway: Breathtaking canyon and autumn foliage (Nov–Dec). *Ticket*: ~¥75 (shuttle + cableway). 3. **Wenfeng Viewpoint** *Why go*: Top spot for red leaves—smoke trees blaze across hillsides, overlooking the Yangtze. *Highlights*: - Hike for panoramic "crimson clouds of foliage" photo ops. - Accessible by car/taxi; ¥20 ticket. 4. **Wushan Museum** *Why go*: Free exhibits on local history, including Wushan Man fossils and Three Gorges relics. *Hours*: 9:00–17:00 (closed Mondays). 5. **Three Gorges Light Night Cruise** *Why go*: Magical 2-hour evening cruise with illuminated landscapes. *Ticket*: ¥68/person. **Must-Try Foods** 1. **Wushan Grilled Fish** Charcoal-grilled, crispy outside/tender inside; try spicy or pickled pepper flavors. *Top picks*: Zhao Xiaomei Grilled Fish, Guojiu Grill. 2. **Jade Liangfen** Vibrant green jelly from *Vitex negundo* leaves, served tangy and spicy. 3. **Wushan Smoked Rib Hotpot** Rich, savory ribs with potatoes—perfect with rice. 4. **Tan’s Wontons** Thin-skinned, stuffed with beef; unique sour-spicy broth. 5. **Wushan Snow Jujube** Century-old pastry, melt-in-mouth white exterior; ideal souvenir. **Budget Stays (¥100–200/night)** 1. *Wushan Letu Holiday Hotel*: From ¥73; downtown, free Wi-Fi. 2. *Wushan Huangting Business Hotel*: From ¥104; Pinghu West Road. 3. *Wushan Yunhua Hotel*: From ¥73; Gaotang Street. 4. *Wushan Xinzhi Hotel*: From ¥93; clean and comfy. **Tips** - *Best time*: Spring/Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov); Red Leaf Season (Nov–Dec). - *Transport*: - Chongqing→Wushan: 2hr high-speed rail (Chongqing North→Wushan Station), then bus/taxi. - Attractions: Shuttles/boats required for Lesser Three Gorges and Goddess Area. - *Budget*: ~¥300–500/day (meals, lodging, tickets). Wushan—where canyons, red leaves, and flavors collide—is Chongqing’s hidden gem!