(The shaded area above shows the location of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze)
CRUISING THE YANGTZE RIVER THREE GORGES
The Yangtze in China is one of the world’s major rivers. It’s the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. As it winds it’s way from West to East across China it covers 3,988 miles before emptying into the East China Sea at Shanghai. A Yangtze River Cruise is a high point on a traveler’s journey to China and a cruise through the beautiful Three Gorges of the Yangtze is the ultimate Yangtze River Cruise experience.
In the Three Gorges stretch of the Yangtze, mountains and cliffs tower above the river. In 2006 China completed the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, creating the Three Gorges Reservoir which is over 350 miles in length with a surface area exceeding 400 square miles. While the dam creates much needed hydroelectric power for China’s growing industrial needs, the dam flooded the river’s route necessitating the relocation of untold numbers of Chinese as their cities and villages were swallowed up by the rising reservoir waters.
The completion of the dam expanded the navigable regions of the Yangtze which now carries large amounts of freight through China. Yangtze River Cruises have become exceptionally popular with travelers – especially cruises through the gorgeous Three Gorges Region.
When I decided to travel to China, a Three Gorges cruise was high on my list of “must do’s.” There are many cruise companies providing Yangtze Tours. My cruise was with Victoria Cruises, based in Chongqing.
I boarded my Yangzte Cruise Ship in Chongquing and we soon were cruising downriver heading toward the Three Gorges.
Sitting on deck or watching from my stateroom and tiny balcony , it was quite an experience watching the China shoreline pass by. Apparently this region of the river is frequently cloudy and misty. It certainly was during my journey but it seemed to enhance the calm and quiet serenity of some regions of the river.
Some of the “clouds” of course were not really clouds. China has industrialized rapidly, creating some environmental challenges . Sights such as the one at the left were in evidence near larger cities on the cruise route.
My cruise provided a delightful break from an otherwise somewhat hectic journey across the vastness of China. It was a pleasure to sit back and enjoy some fine food on board and watch the ever changing scenery. The ship’s crew did double duty, providing evening entertainment which was a highlight for many of the multi-national passengers.
Above is the view as my ship makes entrance into one of the steep walled Three Gorges. The river is generally rather wide but narrows considerably with each gorge.
Ships and boats of all shapes and sizes make use of the Yangtze for navigation and transportation.
Entrance into another of the major gorges.
The Yangtze provides much needed water for farming along the wider, non-gorge portions of the river. Terraced plantings are frequently seen along the shore.
After passing through the Three Gorges, cruise ships arrive at Sandouping and the Three Gorges Dam (below).
There are two sets of locks incorporated into the dam- each with a series of five locks. Ships up to 10,000 tons can transit the dam using the locks. (above and below). Passage through the locks takes about four hours. The locks are gigantic engineering feats but are softened and punctuated with colorful plantings (the green areas seen above).
Construction has continued at the Three Gorges Dam since it was initially opened. Additional turbines have been added to increase energy output.
Above – Construction continues of the “ship lift”
Currently China is completing construction of a”ship lift” or elevator. When completed it will raise or lower a ship of up to 11,500 tons from one level of the river to the other in thirty to forty minutes. Quite an engineering accomplishment.
My trip to China was an outstanding and eye opening journey. You can read more about my experiences in China by clicking on The Forbidden City,Tibet, Tibet Potala Palace, The Great Wall, Xian, and Pandas. You can also find more articles by using the search function of this site. The Yangtze River Cruise was a true highlight of my China Trek.
Cruisin’ the Yangtze …………. Enjoy The Adventure!
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