In between the Qutang and Wu gorges, most boat trips along the route stop for a few hours to transfer passengers to smaller boats to see the "Mini Three Gorges" (Xiao Sanxia) along the Daning river.
The Daning is one of the biggest tributaries leading into the Yangtze near Wushan county town, 25km west of Qutang Gorge. Three miniature gorges are situated along this route, namely Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge and Dicui Gorge. This river enjoys the same geographic situation as the Yangtze, and similarly beautiful sights. Many travelers actually find this spot more impressive than the Yangtze Three Gorges themselves, and the river is certainly less polluted and more colorful than the muddy Yangtze. The Daning river is narrower than its father river and the cliffs on both sides are even steeper and higher than those along the major Three Gorges route.
On the way to the Mini Three Gorges, the boats usually stop at a few designated "sights" along the way which are really not worth concerning yourself with.
Cost: A tour of the Mini Gorges should cost between RMB50-100 which, although a little expensive is certainly worthwhile. [an error occurred while processing this directive]