Holiday in Wanzhou

About Wanzhou

Wanzhou is the eastern gateway to the Three Gorges (Sanxia) of the Yangtze and a significant starting point for the legendary Yangtze cruise through the most spectacular river landscapes in China. The city is situated high above the Yangtze on steep slopes — a dramatic cityscape that has earned it the nickname City of Ten Thousand (Wan). The Wanzhou section of the Yangtze offers some of the most impressive river landscapes in the region: steep cliffs, mist-covered mountains, and historic pagodas line the banks. From here, cruise ships set off towards the famous Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges of the Three Gorges Reservoir — one of the greatest river journeys in the world. The Tianshenqiao (Heavenly Spring Bridge) is a natural rock bridge in the suburb of Wanzhou, spanning a gorge at a height of 200 meters. The area also includes caves, waterfalls, and karst formations that are among the most impressive in the region. The Xifeng Pagoda (West Wind Pagoda) from the Qing Dynasty stands on a rocky outcrop high above the Yangtze and is the historical landmark of the city. From here, there is a wide view over the river, the modern bridges, and the mountainous surroundings. The San Xia Museum documents the history of the Three Gorges region and the impact of the dam project on the local population and culture. Wanzhou has been partially flooded by the Three Gorges Dam: hundreds of thousands of people were relocated, entire neighborhoods sank into the reservoir. The new city was rebuilt higher up the slope — a dramatic chapter in modern Chinese history that is still alive in the memories of the residents and in museums.