The Wuxia Gorge is 42km long and is known for its deep valley and tranquil beauty. The mountains here are formed of limestone, on which many deep gullies and steep cliffs are made through age-long corrosion. The most attractive sights are the twelve peaks of Wushan Mountains which are always shrouded in mists and drizzle. Legend has it that Da Yu, an ancient emperor bent on harnessing floods, was checked by the monsters at Wuxia Gorge. The daughters

of the Heavenly Empress, Yao ji and her eleven sisters helped Da Yu to subdue the enemy and stayed on the 12 peaks to guide the boatmen sail the perilous narrow water passage. The "Twelve Peaks" lining along the banks are the very images of the 12 fairies . The Goddess Peak is the most prominent one. Its 12m-high stone statue helps to guide ships along the river and is also believed to bring good luck to any one who takes a look at her. The Daning River rises in Shaanxi Province and flows over 300 kms across Wusi and Wuxia Counties before joining Changjiang at the entrance of the Wuxia Gorge. It is the largest tributary of Changjiang in this section of the river. Standing on the boat and sailing along the river one can see clearly the water plants, fish and even cabbles at the riverbed through the jade-green and crystal-like water. More fascinating and mysterious are the many suspended coffins on the cliffs which have been hanging there for hundreds of years.

NEXT