Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Three Gorges National Park is centered around the iconic Three Gorges—Qutang, Wu, and Xiling—along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in China, spanning the provinces of Hubei and the municipality of Chongqing. The park covers a vast region characterized by steep limestone cliffs, rugged mountains, and deep river valleys carved over millennia. It is famed for its dramatic scenery, where sheer cliffs rise sharply from the river, creating some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Asia. Ecologically, the area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Chinese river dolphin (now critically endangered) and various endemic plants adapted to the unique mountain-river environment. Historically, the region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with numerous ancient temples, rock carvings, and archaeological sites that speak to its cultural significance over dynasties. Recreation in the park is primarily focused on river cruises that navigate the gorges, providing unparalleled views of the cliffs and waterfalls. Visitors can also engage in hiking on trails along the ridges with panoramic vistas, explore historic towns and pagodas, and enjoy photography, bird watching, and boating activities. The completion of the massive Three Gorges Dam within this region transformed the park’s landscape and ecological dynamics, drawing attention to the balance between development and conservation. Today, Three Gorges National Park attracts millions of visitors annually who come to immerse themselves in its stunning natural beauty, explore cultural relics, and experience one of the world's most famous river landscapes.
