The Three Gorges Waterfall (三峡大瀑布), originally named the Baiguoshu Waterfall, is located within the Xiaofeng Tourist Area in Yichang, Hubei Province. Revered as the third-largest waterfall among China’s “Top Ten Famous Waterfalls,” it serves as a natural geological museum showcasing multiple geological ages, including the Ediacaran, Ordovician, and Cambrian periods. This waterfall stands out as a rare geological wonder, combining canyons, caves, mountain landscapes, and fossil culture in a National Geopark.
Spanning a length of 5 kilometers, the Three Gorges Waterfall Scenic Area features over 30 cascading waterfalls along its course. Against the current, visitors encounter a series of distinct waterfalls such as the Tiger Mouth Falls, One-Line Falls, Pearl Falls, Y Falls, Cascade Falls, and Five-Fan Falls. The most spectacular among them is the Baiguoshu Waterfall, measuring approximately 102 meters in height and 80 meters in width. Visitors can also traverse a mountain trail behind the waterfall, providing an up-close and personal experience with this magnificent natural spectacle.
Beyond the waterfalls, the Three Gorges Waterfall Scenic Area also serves as a bridge museum with a total of 21 bridges. These ingeniously designed bridges span the canyons, seamlessly integrating into the picturesque landscape of Ling Mountain and Shui Mountain within the scenic area. Among the recent expansions is the Tai Shan Giant Buddha, positioned facing north and lying southward. This colossal Buddha statue boasts a height of 70 meters and a width of 40 meters, featuring a lifelike appearance and a grandiose presence.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 115 RMB |
| Shuttle Bus | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 15.30; Last admission: 15.00 (1st January – 30th April) 8.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 (1st May – 31st December) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0717-6452417 |
Location and Transportation
The Three Gorges Waterfall, a renowned tourist attraction at the entrance of the Xiling Gorge along the Yangtze River, is situated in the Xiaofeng Scenic Area, approximately 29 kilometers from the central urban area of Yichang.
To reach the Three Gorges Waterfall, there is a direct tourist shuttle bus available at Yichang East Railway Station. The buses depart daily at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 12:30 PM. The route includes stops at the Three Gorges Tourist Resort Visitor Center, Binjiang Park, Yiling Square, and Qingjiang Runcheng. The cost for this convenient service is 15 yuan.
Vlog about Three Gorges Waterfall
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Bring a Raincoat: If you plan to walk near the waterfall or get close to it, it’s essential to buy or bring a raincoat. It’s better to bring your own as the quality is usually better and cheaper compared to the raincoats sold inside the scenic area.
Visit After Rain: Consider visiting the waterfall after rainfall for a more impressive experience. The mist from the waterfall will be more prominent, making your photos more stunning, and the overall experience more memorable.
Bring Water: Make sure to bring your own water or purchase some at the entrance, as it may not be available along the hiking trails.
Luggage Storage: Near the tourist center, there are luggage storage lockers available. They are usually free but require a deposit of ten yuan (refundable). It’s advisable not to carry too many items while exploring to ensure ease of movement.
Ticket for the Boardwalk: You’ll need to purchase a ticket for the boardwalk, which costs around 30 yuan per person. It offers an excellent opportunity to experience the waterfall up close. The mist from the waterfall creates a mystical atmosphere, and you can enjoy a frontal view of the waterfall.
