[Photo from cdta.gov.cn]

The Three Gorges of Tuo River

Starting from Garden Water City along Tuojiang River, you will reach the Three Gorges of Tuo River, with fruit trees growing green and tender. With attractive scenery, it is fruitful in fall and winter.

The TV series Gains In Fall, which was adapted from Sichuan author Zhou Keqin’s work, was filmed at this scenic spot.

The first gorge of Tuojiang River – Bieling Gorge

Bieling Gorge was said to be dug by Bieling, the prime minister of Emperor Wang, a king of ancient Shu. A Sanhuang temple was built half-way to the top of the hill in the gorge in a bid to sacrifice Bieling.

With a length of 800 meters and a width of less than 100 meters, the gorge is rough and precipitous and has lofty cliffs on both banks. A church lies 800 meters away from the gorge, named Sujiawan Church. It was built by a French missionary, Lide, during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing dynasty.

The second gorge of Tuojiang River — Mingyue Gorge

Mingyue gorge, the second gorge of Tuojiang River, was named from its crescent-shaped river which meandered downstream. With a length of 6,000 meters, the gorge is the longest of the three gorges. Covered with verdure, the ranges of hills around are picturesque with Fortress Hill on the left.

On the right are two mountains – dragon-shaped Dayunding and white-crane-shaped Xiaoyunding . The two crests face each other across the river and vary in their greenery. The water makes a detour in the gorge, with roaring waves as turbulent as galloping horses.

The third gorge of Tuojiang River — Kowloon Gorge

With a length of 1,000 meters, the Kowloon Gap has nine ridges projecting from the hills, crossing the river and moving up to the peak along the hills on the left bank. It looks like nine dragons playing among the hills, so people call it Nine Dragons-crossing River. The gap is named after Kowloon Gap.

Located on the outlet of Tuojiang, Little Three Gaps Kowloon long lake was created by Nine-dragon Beach Power station when it cut off the Tuojiang River. With a length of 16 thousand meters, it is actually an artificial lake.

Along the bank are 10 wharfs, from which tourists can board a large cruise along the river to enjoy its natural sights, listen to appealing legends of the gaps told by tour guides and taste characteristic freshwater fishes. You can also gather your courage and ride a yacht to fight the waves.

You can also drive a dinghy on the calm water by yourself. All beautiful sights, including fascinating inverted images, groups of swimming fishes and chasing wild fowls, make up natural scenery and bring unlimited happiness.

Suggested tour time: one day, free admission