In January 2023, the 13th China Three Gorges International Tourism Festival on 
the Yangtze River was held in Wanzhou District in southwest China's Chongqing. 
The Concert of World Great Rivers was held along the banks of the Yangtze 
River, so were other colorful supporting activities such as the Three Gorges 
food culture festival and Wanzhou grilled fish festival, greatly enhancing the 
overall brand image of the Three Gorges tourism.

Wanzhou District is the "living room" of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. 
As an important coordinate of the great passage of the Yangtze River 
civilization, it has profound historical and cultural heritage. It is the 
poetic destination sung by the literati of all ages, and also a new starting 
point for the modern tourism of the Three Gorges, according to the Publicity 
Department of Wanzhou District.

The Yangtze River passes through the city, and the Three Gorges reservoir makes 
the waters in Wanzhou look like a traditional Chinese painting and a mysterious 
wonderland. Surrounded by a clear lake and green mountains, the 175-meter 
Yangtze River water line endows Wanzhou with an impressive view of a vast flat 
lake emerging from gorges, making the city one of China's most beautiful cities 
with a mountain-and-river landscape.

Profound culture and history could be found almost everywhere in Wanzhou. 
Through thousands of years, Bayu culture, Three Gorges culture and immigrant 
culture have blended and developed here, leaving countless scenic spots. Folk 
performances like local clapper talk, bamboo opera and drum opera carry on the 
cultural heritage and modern charm of the time-honored city.

Based on the 25-km riverside landscape, Wanzhou has turned the city into a 
national 5A scenic area, allowing citizens to live in the scenic area. The 
city's urban landscape design is a masterpiece of the changing times, as well 
as the determination and sincerity of Wanzhou people.

It's a good choice to start a tour of the Yangtze River section in Wanzhou from 
the Xishan bell tower. This landmark building, as famous as its counterparts of 
Shanghai customs house and Hankow customs house in Wuhan, has witnessed the 
history of the opening of port and trade in Wanzhou. Now the melodious bell is 
still in tune with the beat of the new era every minute.

Climbing up from the core business district of Gaosuntang, one can find dozens 
of tour inscriptions by famous scholars and sophisticated monks in the ancient 
dynasties on the walls of Literati Mountain Taibai. The mountain is a frequent 
place for tourists to visit. Climbing to the top of the mountain can not only 
offer a way to exert one's ambition, but also a panoramic view of Wanzhou.

During leisure time, one can ride along the banks of the river, watching the 
natural views as well as paddling activities. When night falls, one can boat on 
the water, listen to the twists and turns of Sichuan opera, and feel the unique 
charm of the famous city for Chinese folk art. One can also enjoy the new look 
of the Tiansheng City cultural travel block, whose sparking brightness is 
enough to let people linger.

There are many more surprises hidden in Wanzhou's streets. It's always 
satisfying to choose the famous three delicacies of grilled fish, steamed meat 
and sauce noodle, but the most popular food among young diners are the street 
snacks. Those humble stands, hiding in the depths of bustling areas, have been 
there for decades, with long queues of diners as proof of their delicious 
taste. Just find a restaurant to sit down, and enjoy the meals, wine, and 
midnight snack amid constant customer calls for more food, which make up the 
most unique local flavors in this city.


Today's Wanzhou, is embracing the whole world with openness. The operation of 
Zhengzhou-Chongqing high-speed railway, the Yangtze River golden cruise ship 
and the busy flights at Wanzhou Airport are giving new vitality to the golden 
route touring the Three Gorges via Wanzhou, which is the first renowned tourist 
route promoted overseas by China. More and more tourists from home and abroad 
are attracted to visit Wanzhou and enjoy the scenic views of the Three Gorges.

Source: The Publicity Department of Wanzhou District

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=437083

   Caption: The ancient Xishan bell tower, facing green waters and mountains, 
stands witness to Wanzhou's new development.