Yangtze River & Chongqing
Yangtze River, together with the Yellow River, is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Over 2,700 miles (6,000 km) long, the mighty Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. Along the upper reaches of the river lies the spectacular Three Gorges. online russian dating service pretty natasha
Shennong Stream, a small tributary of the Yangtze with shallow rapids and breathtaking gorges. While sailing upstream, you will see many hanging coffins at the high cliffs.
Three Gorges, consisting of
Xilingxia Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Qutangxia Gorge, are well known for their enthralling
beauty, precipitous cliffs and whirling rapids.
Xilingxia Gorge, about 46 miles long (76 km), is full of rapids which used to keep boatmen in awe when sailing in that area. However, the waterway has been dredged, thus ending the history of no night navigation in the Three Gorges.
Xilingxia is also known for its calcareous sand. There are over 170 karst caves which were inhabited by cave dwellers who created the ancient Chinese civilization.
Wuxia Gorge, about 24 miles long (40 km), is very deep, running zigzag between the 1000-meter-high hills. Its most spectacular attractions are the twelve peaks hidden in swirls of clouds and mist. Each peak has its own charm with a beautiful legend behind it. The most prominent is Goddess Peak, which is said to be the personification of Goddess Yaoji in Chinese mythology. muscle fuel buy steroids online trust
Qutangxia Gorge, about 5 miles long (8 km), is the
shortest, but the most perilous with torrential water roaring down from high cliffs. The
narrowest part is less than 100 meters. Qutangxia is flanked by steep cliffs that face
each other like a gigantic gate. The points of interest include:
Gray Cliff - covered with carved calligraphies of different styles.
Mengliang Ladders - square holes zigzagging up on the Gray Cliff - are left by the stakes of ancient times.
Ancient Path - a path dug out on steep cliffs alongside the river to keep the mountain paths open when the waterway is held up. Stone Coffins - from the Warring States or the dynasties of Qin and Han are found high up in the cracks of the cliffs.
Fengdu, also called
"Ghost City", attracts tourists with strange legends and religious festivals.
Over 70 temples have been built here since the Tang Dynasty. It is believed to be the
"netherworld" where one goes after death with the future determined according to
his deeds in his life time.
Shibaozhai, a 12-story tower pavilion, was built in the Ming Dynasty in 1545. It is like a shiny red diamond set in the green-covered hill.
Chongqing is a beautiful mountain city. It will become the largest harbor city in the world when the Three Gorge Dam is completed in 2009.
Chongqing played an important role in Chinese history, especially during World War II. The two major features of this city are the WWII memorabilia and the Confluence of Rivers.
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