- The Yangtze River is rich in splendid Chinese civilization,
feeding the Chinese people generation after generation, creating
many scenic wonders. Going up the river from Shanghai and the
Yangtze delta, the sights are Huangpu docks, the Yangtze stretch,
Chongming Island, Xiaogu mountain (right in the middle of the
river), under the "Nanjing Giant Bridge", Anqing Pagoda, Xingyang
Tower, Jiujiang's shrines, and many Pagodas. From Wuhan there
is Chibi Cliff, Yueyang Tower, the canola rich Jianghan plain
and the other sights from Yichang to Chongqing, including the
unforgettable Three Gorges.
- One of nature's most extraordinary sculptures has
been carved along the Yangtze River from Fengjie, Szechuan Province
in the west to Yichang, Hubei Province in the east: the San
Xia (Three Gorges)--Qutang Xia, Wu Xia, and Xiling Xia. The
first of these three masterpieces, Qutang Xia (Qutang Gorge),
is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic.
Two mountains, Chijia Shan (Red Passage Mountain) and Baiyan
Shan (White Salt Mountain), guard the entrance to this gorge
like giant castle doors.
- Below Wushan is the 25-mile long Wu Xia (Witches
Gorge), with cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates
the precipices. This middle gorge is best known for twelve unique
peaks. Often hidden in swirls of mist, six line the north side
of the river and six staggered peaks stand to the south. The
most famous, Shennv Feng (Goddess Peak), resembles a kneeling
maiden. The final gorge, Xiling Xia (Xiling Gorge), is the longest
(41 miles), and the deepest--its cliff walls rise to 4,000 feet.
- It is actually comprised of seven smaller gorges,
whose varied names--Military Books and Precious Sword, Rice
Granary, Ox Liver and Horse Lungs, Yellow Ox, Bright Moon, Lantern
Shadow, and Yellow Cat--are all based upon ancient legends.
At its eastern end are the three locks of the current "big dam",Gezhouba
(Gezhou Dam).
- Qutang Gorge
It is the first one of the Three Gorges. Qutang Gorge, 8 kilometers
long, starts from White King City of Fengjie at its western
point to the Daxi town of Wushan County at its east point. The
span of its narrowest surface is tens of meters, and the span
of its widest reaches is less than 150 meters. Qutang Gorge
is famous for its grand, short, narrow features. The main attractions
are as follows: Daxi cultural site, Qutang Old Path, Stele Wall,
Phoenix Spring, Bellows Gorge, etc. because of the dam the ancient
calligraphy is now eye level.
- Wu Gorge
Wu Gorge is the second one of the Three Gorges. Wu Gorge, 45
kilometers long, starts from Wu county of Chongqing as its west
point to Guandu of Badong County, Hubei as its eastern point.
It's named after Wushan Mountain. To one's surprise, Wu Gorge,
well known for its prettiness, delicacy and diversity, drizzle
or mist all the year round, makes a fantastic sight. Wu Gorge
is very long with strange and unique peaks, and the water flows
in a zigzag. When passing Wu Gorge, you seem to go into a singular
and beautiful gallery, the Goddess Peak and caves are now visible
without strain.
- Xiling Gorge
Xiling Gorge is the third gorge. It starts from the western
point, the outfall of Xiangxi River in Zigui County to Nanjin
Pass in Yichang, and the eastern point. Xiliing Gorge has got
its name for being located in the west of Yichang. It contains
Xin Beach, Kongling Beach, the Three Gorges Dam, Dengying Gorge,
and Huangmao Gorge. It's known for strange rock formation, speed
and alarming danger. Passing Xiling Gorge is an adventure. The
hanging coffins and Zhangfei Shrine are closer now.
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