Cruising the Three Gorges? Don't Miss 'Wushan Goddess' – Autumn Scenery Like a Painting!

When you think of Wushan, what springs to mind?

Is it the poetic line, “No cloud compares to those over Wushan, no waters match the vast sea once beheld”?

Or perhaps hillsides ablaze with red leaves and the aroma of sizzling grilled fish?

This city brims with enchantment and countless legends.

The new production “Wushan Goddess” beautifully brings an ancient tale to life.

If you come here, don't just admire the scenery – make sure you catch this grand indoor fantasy show.

I believe that after watching it, like me, you’ll leave with a whole new feeling and deeper understanding of this place.

From downtown Chongqing to Wushan, it's over 400 km. Apart from driving yourself, there are two options:

One is to take a 7-plus-hour coach from Chongqing Station directly to Wushan County (takes 7 hours), fare 140 yuan.

The other is to ride the high-speed train from Chongqing North to Wanzhou, then transfer to a bus to Wushan County (takes 5 hours in total), fare 98 + 67 yuan.

If you want a direct non-stop journey, pick the first. If you’d rather save travel time, go with the second.

When you cruise the Three Gorges, “Wushan Goddess” is a must-see.

I arrived right on the day of the show’s premiere, full of anticipation.

The performance lasts an hour. The listed price is 198 yuan per person, with a current promotional price of 128 yuan per person.

From October 1, 2020, there are two shows daily: first at 14:30, second at 19:30.

Through modern creative forms, the production tells the story of the Wushan goddess, weaving in the region's stunning landscapes, culture, and local specialties – both spectacular and deeply moving.

Watching it, you’re treated to a fantastical visual feast that brings to life a three-dimensional, mystical Yaoji – a woman who loves and hates with fierce passion.

The lighting, the song-and-dance design, the exquisite and symbolic costumes, plus the interactive moments with the audience, all combine into an artistic effect that is grand, breathtaking, and wondrous. Once seen, it’s never forgotten.

Prologue: Atop the Wushan peaks, mist swirls around jagged crags.

An elderly man with white hair stands beneath Goddess Peak (Shennü Peak), recounting a beautiful story to passers-by.

Act I, “Falling in Love”: The sprightly maiden Yaoji and the spirited young man Aze meet in the forest through a beautiful misunderstanding. They begin to bond through song, sharing their hearts and secret feelings. Though a deity and a mortal were forbidden to be together, their love proved stronger than any obstacle, and in the end, they overcame all trials to be united.

Act II, “Entering the World”: Aze brings Yaoji back to his tribe. Under sun and moon, amid daily toil, fishing, and festive gatherings, everyone dances with joy – a scene of peace and harmony.

Act III, “Protection”: A water demon appears. To defend the village, Yaoji transforms into a goddess and battles the demon horde. To save all living things, she willingly turns herself into a stone peak to calm the waters.

Epilogue, “Red Leaves of Wushan”: Years later, the world flourishes. Villagers come to pray piously before Goddess Peak. An old man, stroking the red-leaf necklace on his chest, gazes up at the peak, unable to tear himself away.

Sincere emotion is the soul of performance art. The whole show is brimming with touching moments that stir deep resonance. Especially the love story – it left many in the audience wiping away tears. Yaoji’s selflessness is truly awe-inspiring: she would brave fire and water for love, and sacrifice herself by turning into a stone mountain to save the people. Her fearless spirit is one for future generations to learn from. Also, I highly recommend the ending theme song. Search for “不归不忘” (Unforgotten) on QQ Music to listen.

Stepping out of the theatre, you’re back in the real world. The interior décor has been completely refreshed, now bright and airy, with many new areas selling cultural and creative products. If something catches your eye, pick up a souvenir or two – prices are reasonable, and all sorts of local specialties are available.

At the Top of the Three Gorges: Goddess Heavenly Road Scenic Area

The day after the show, I was especially eager to see Goddess Peak (Shennü Peak) up close and pay my respects to this sacred mountain. But alas, the weather refused to cooperate – it drizzled non-stop, and the peak remained hidden behind veils of cloud. We had to head back with a sense of regret, looking forward to another visit.

I think when the red leaves are in full flush, the hillsides will be stained in layers of crimson, setting off the emerald green waters of the river – it will be a sight of unique charm.

The scenic area sits at an average elevation of about 1,200 meters, so it gets quite chilly. I’d advise bringing a thick coat up the mountain. The road leading there is often wrapped in mist, and has been dubbed one of the most beautiful country roads. Strolling along it, soaking in the natural beauty, is utterly refreshing.

The road stretches 12 km in total, with seven viewing platforms along the way. From these, you can admire the soaring cliffs and gaze down upon the Yangtze’s three gorges and the Goddess Stream.

Location: 100 m east of the intersection of County Road 003 and Provincial Road 301, Wushan County, Chongqing. Driving up the mountain from the county town takes about an hour.

To Understand a City, Start at Its Museum

If you want to delve deeper into Wushan’s long history and culture, the quickest way is to visit the local museum.

Address: No. 369 Pinghu West Road, Wushan County. Opening hours: 09:00–17:00, closed on Mondays.

Transport: Bus – get off at Renmin Baoxian Station or Gaotang Xiaoqu Station, then walk.

The Chongqing Wushan Museum showcases the distinct regional cultures of Wushan, such as Longgupo, Daxi, and Wu cultures, reflecting the remarkable achievements in rescuing and preserving Three Gorges cultural relics. It is a non-profit institution dedicated to collecting, researching, and exhibiting Wushan’s historical heritage and humanity’s environmental evidence, and serves as an important cultural landmark at Chongqing’s eastern gateway.

The museum sits at the confluence of the Yangtze’s Wu Gorge and the Daning River’s Lesser Three Gorges. It covers 8,334 sq m and houses one permanent exhibition, two themed exhibitions, and one temporary exhibition, including “Wushan, Wushui, Wu Culture”, “Treasures of the Long River”, and “Gifted Land of Numinous Beauty”. With over 40,000 artifacts in its collection – including more than 1,000 precious items – it spans from Paleolithic tools over two million years old down to relics of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

There are many must-see treasures here. One pictured below is a Wushan Man jawbone molar, said to be among the earliest human remains.

This piece is called a “Four Deities and Queen Mother of the West Persimmon-calyx-shaped Gilt Bronze Ornament” from the Eastern Han dynasty. It was authenticated by the Chongqing Cultural Relics Appraisal Panel as a Grade‑1 artifact. Measuring 40 cm long, 1 cm hole diameter, and 0.05 cm thick, it’s a thin bronze sheet in the shape of a persimmon calyx, plated with gold and silver, with a round nail hole in the center. Its shape is truly unique, and it’s remarkable that after more than 2,000 years, it remains so well-preserved.

This green-glazed dual-handled pottery cauldron was unearthed at the eastern Bingkan site on the southern slope of Tuchengpo in Wushan County. It has a mouth diameter of 23.5 cm, body diameter of 34.8 cm, and height of 25.2 cm. Glazed pottery like this was invented and fired during the Han dynasty, and it represents the pinnacle of ceramic craftsmanship in the Three Gorges area of that era. It embodies the wisdom of working people and is a symbol of diligence. It’s also a rare cultural treasure from the Han period in the Three Gorges region.

And beyond these star attractions, there are countless other pieces worth your time. I’d suggest setting aside about two hours to explore at a leisurely pace.

One of the most relatable displays is the temporary exhibition on the fourth floor: “A Century of Wushan – The Age of Coupons and Ration Tickets”. Here you can see many items familiar to your father’s generation. Those old ration tickets, physical objects, and photographs vividly bring back the atmosphere of that bygone era.

A river of jade-green water, green hills on both banks, Three Gorges autumn leaves, clouds and rain through all seasons, a thousand-year-old town.

This is the poetry and beauty of Wushan. The scenery and the show are well worth experiencing. This autumn and winter, it’s all waiting for you!