The Three Gorges
(Source: english.cqnews.net)
The second evening saw all passengers come together for a grand captain's dinner. The 200 passengers had the opportunity to exchange stories, meet the captain, get to know one another and chat into the late evening hours.
Waking in my small cabin that was equipped with its own micro-sized bathroom, desk and storage area, the magnificent views streamed through my round porthole window, paving the way for a picturesque day. Traveling through the impressive Qutang and Wuxia gorges, I could not help but be awestruck by the stunning scenery that kept unfolding in front of me.
Heading towards the Three Gorges Dam, the water level became higher and the river, much wider. The mountains appeared lower and closer, the spectacular surrounding cliffs bear ominously down on our relatively small ship. Feeling my place in nature, the cliffs towered beyond the sky and all around me fell silent.
Fairy Peak is one of the most well-known and mysterious parts of Wuxia and it lived up to its reputation of being enshrouded in fantasy. Several legendary stories and poems have been written about a mythical fairy who looks over all who pass; as I was slowly cruising by in the early afternoon, an enchanting mist engulfed the peak. I was captivated by my surroundings which took me deep into my imagination and I swear I saw the mystical lady of the peak smiling and looking down over our boat.
The last part of my journey was passing through gate to the Three Gorges Dam. After three days of nature's true magnificence, the massive man-made structure was grand, but not as impressive as what had preceded it.
Tourism to the area is being boosted as new ships, facilities and hotels are under construction. A highway is also being built to help tourists access the area. In my view, the true beauty lies in the river. To get a real taste of the Three Gorges, take a cruise down the Yangtze River.
There are currently about 50 cruises designed for foreign travelers and about 80 designed for Chinese travelers that make the journey along the river. Local guides recommend opting for those designed for foreigners as the amenities and facilities are generally better and there are more opportunities to enjoy scenic stops along the way. These cruises range from 1,500 yuan to 2,000 yuan ($220-$300) per person depending on what class you sail.
Source: english.cqnews.net
Editor: Xu Xinlei
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