Yangtze River Cruises (continued)

Photo by Chen Hualin

The first gorge that the boat will pass through is the Qutang Gorge. It is quite the sight to see. The surrounding riverbanks begin to climb and narrow as the mountainous region envelops the Yangtze. Towering above the gorge are bluffs on either side. They are said to resemble royal guards keeping a close eye on a protected door. The water rushes through the Qutang Gorge with great forces. The racing water below and the cliffs above make tourist feel as if they have fallen into a deep chasm. You are going to want to be on deck for this spectacle!

Just after passing through Qutang Gorge, the cruise ship will slowly enter Wu Gorge. The beauty here is unmatched and has been inspiring artists for years. Lush green flora covers the banks and surrounding hills. Towering distant peaks, called the Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge, are often shrouded in fog.

The cruise will make a small excursion to the Daning River Small Gorge. The Daning is a main tributary to the Yangtze and covers over 250 kilometers (150 miles). In contrast to much of the Yangtze, the Daning is quite clean, clear and bright green. The trip to the three Small River Gorges will take you and your group though the Longmen Gorge, the Bawu Gorge and the Dicui Gorge. Impossible to imagine, but the scenery here is just as beautiful, if not more so, than that of the Wu Gorge. Waterfalls, plant and flower life, as well as river wildlife, are easily spotted on this adventure. Look up and try to locate the Ancient Plank Road up on the high cliffs above. This serene side trip will be a perfect way to relax, unwind and really enjoy all of the Yangtze’s beautiful scenery.

After sailing back onto the Yangtze, the cruise is set to take you through the Three Gorges Ship Locks. The ship locks are used to make shipping, traveling and transportation on the Yangtze more efficient, faster and cost-worthy. They have upped the millions of tons of freight capacity on the river by ten fold. Each ship locks is made up of 5 stages and can take up to 4 hours to pass. The locks stretch just under 300 meters (around 900 feet), just 35 meters (115 feet) wide and raise or lower the level of the water to allow large ships to bypass river obstructions such as dams or rapids. Traveling through the ship locks is a one of a kind experience. The contrasting technology and industrialism with the beautiful surrounding scenery make for an interesting comparison.

The cruise also allows ample time for visiting the Three Gorges Dam site. The Three Gorges Project, consisting of the dam, ship locks and a hydroelectric station, are one of the modern wonders of the world. Being able to control some of the most traveled waters in the world allows China and its economy to grow rapidly and efficiently. The dam itself is massive. It stretches a distance of close to 2,300 meters (7,500 feet, over one mile!) and is around 115 meters (375 feet) wide. Building this project has required almost 30 million cubic meters of concrete. The completion of the dam in 2006 had great impact on the Yangtze. The newly dammed area now rests 175 meters (575 feet) above sea level. Harnessing the power and force of the river, the hydroelectric station powers millions of people in the surrounding area and is the largest of its kind. The dam also prevents potential devastating flooding downstream by allowing for give in its flood storage space.

There is no hiding the fact that the Three Gorges Project has been both welcomed and controversial. While some see it as a true engineering marvel, others are concerned about its effect on local Yangtze wildlife and other environmental issues. Although both sides have valid arguments, it is refreshing to see that local people are already benefiting from the safety and power generated by the dam. Being one of the largest and best-known structures in the world, it is sure to be the highlight of your Yangtze River cruise.

Located downstream from the Three Gorges Project, Yichang is an important port on the river. Often referred to the “Gateway to the Three Gorges” the city has lots to see and experience. If staying in Yichang for a while after the cruises completion, check out the Chinese Sturgeon Museum, Sanyou Cave or Baima Cave, the Xiaoting Ancient Battlefield or take to the waterways again for a Shennong Stream excursion. Or feel free to just enjoy the city for all that it has to offer.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100