Wanzhou

The largest city in the Three Gorges Reservoir area and a key Yangtze cruise port, famous for Wanzhou Grand Waterfall, Tianshengcheng and its riverside night views, with Wanzhou grilled fish and gege as signature dishes.

Wanzhou lies in northeastern Chongqing in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir area. It is the largest city in the reservoir area and a key port for Yangtze River cruises, about 300 km from central Chongqing. Since the Three Gorges Dam raised the water level, the city has been embraced by a broad expanse of river, earning it the name "Lake City Wanzhou". The old town centers on Xishan Park, the Xishan Clock Tower, the Three Gorges Migrants Museum and the riverside promenade; to the north, the Tianshengcheng ruins and cultural district are the place for an evening stroll and grilled fish; to the west, Taibaiyan looks out over the whole city. Out of town to the southwest are Wanzhou Grand Waterfall (Qinglong Falls) and Xiyou Cave, and to the southeast are Tanzhang Gorge and the highland summer retreat of Henghe Tujia Township. Mar–May and Sep–Nov are the most comfortable months; Jul–Aug is scorching in the city, so head up to Henghe or other highlands to cool off. In winter and spring, when the reservoir is at high water, the river gorge scenery is at its best. Getting there: Wanzhou Wuqiao Airport, plus the Zhengzhou–Chongqing and Chongqing–Wanzhou high-speed railways linking to central Chongqing (about 1.5 hours) and Hubei; Yangtze cruises often embark and disembark here. Plan on 2–3 days: one for the city's culture and night views, one for the Grand Waterfall and Xiyou Cave, and one for Tanzhang Gorge or Henghe. Don't miss Wanzhou grilled fish, Wanzhou gege and zajiang noodles.

Top sights

Itineraries