Wu Gorge



Wu Gorge is the most beautiful section of the Yangtze River, flanked by high peaks that are often capped
by fog or clouds. It is 45 kilometers (28 miles) long, extending from the mouth of the Daning River in the
west to the north-bank town of Guangukou, in Badong County, in the east.

The gorge was long known to be as dangerous as it is beautiful. It was a dangerous place for boat
navigators, who faced dangers including whirlpools, quicksand, and currents that varied from hour to
hour. It's deep and serene with changeable weather. The rolling River twists and turns and boats zigzag
their way along, as if cruising in a fantastic gallery.

Looking down the Yangtze River, Wushan sees 12 high peaks, which are described by legend as being

12 fairy spirits. The best known is Shennv Feng (Goddess Peak), which is topped by a large rock that resembles a sculpture of a girl looking down
upon the boats in the river. The rock is about ten meters high and six meters in girth, and stands atop a 1,020 meter on the north side of the
Yangtze.

It is said that this rock resembling the figure of a beautiful maiden is actually the embodiment of Yao Ji, the youngest daughter of the Heavenly
Mother. Yao Ji became a protector of the people, guiding sailing boats through the gorge and easing the Yangtze's infamous floods. Later, Wushan
became Yao Ji's favorite place. She built a small palace there, which she shared with her 11 fairy handmaidens. Eventually, these 12 maidens
became the 12 peaks of the Wu Gorge. At dawn and dusk, Goddess Peak is often immersed in glowing clouds, giving it a heavenly appearance.
The mountains often appear to change shape as they peer out from the mist, giving the gorge a touch of romantic mysticism. Goddess Peak is the
highest of the twelve peaks and can be identified by the waterfalls that spill gracefully down her mountainside.

In addition to the mountains, one finds smaller features, each of which has legends told about it. These
include the Hengshi Brook, the Rat's Cave, the Mountain-Penetrating Arrow, the Arrow-Penetrated Hole,
and the Dragon Back Rock.