Yuxian Valley

Yuxian Valley, whose name evokes the poetic meaning of Rain Fairy, is a remarkable natural wonder located in Badong County of the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hubei Province. Hidden within the lush mountains of Bashan Forest Park, the valley was historically known as Wuyuan Cave. According to local legend, explorers once entered the cave carrying candles and continued for the length of seven and a half candles without reaching the end, giving rise to the name Wuyuan, meaning a place whose source could never be fully traced. Today, Yuxian Valley is celebrated for its dramatic karst landscape, featuring towering cliffs, hidden caverns, cascading streams, and mist-shrouded forests that create an atmosphere both mysterious and enchanting.

Situated near the geographical center of the Three Gorges region, Badong has long served as a cultural crossroads where Ba culture and Chu culture gradually blended together. Over generations, this cultural exchange gave rise to distinctive regional traditions, including the lyrical Bamboo Branch Songs known as Zhuzhi Ci and expressive local folk dances that remain an important part of the area’s heritage.

Guests sailing aboard the Yangzi Explorer will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating destination during the 4-night upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing via Badong in 2026. On Day 2 of the journey, travelers can venture into this dramatic karst landscape to experience both the natural beauty and the cultural richness of one of the Three Gorges region’s hidden gems.