Up one level Amber Waves Photography Galleries » China 2005 » Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges

Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges
Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges

At first page Next page 1-32 (of 33 found)
Gorge1 As we exited the Dam area, we headed upstream into the Three Gorges region. Again, the Gorge1
Gorge2 Another near-sunset shot. Gorge2
Gorge3 One of the striking features along the river were the bridges. No mere utilitarian structures, they were beautifully designed and lit at night. We were docked near this one. Gorge3
Gorge4 Even small, rural bridges had a lot of design. I could see a Chinese version of Gorge4
Gorge4j Map on the ship of the route from Shanghai to Chongquing, which is only a small portion of the overall river. Picture courtesy Judy Ivison. Gorge4j
Gorge5 The next morning we entered the Three Gorges region. Weather was fairly clear, though still Gorge5
Gorge6 The build straight up along here. Gorge6
Gorge7 This is the Goddess of the Gorge. No, not the very top peak, but the small finger-like projection almost in the center. Gorge7
Gorge8 Another view of the Goddess. Gorge8
Gorge9 See what I mean about the bridges? Extremely functional design, but so beautiful especially in this setting. Gorge9
Gorge11 Once we passed through the Three Gorges, we disembarked onto a smaller excursion boat for a journey up the Three Lesser Gorges. This bridge is at the entry to that river. As an aside, when the river reaches its full height at the completion of the Dam, this bridge will have to be demolished, as the height of the river will make the river unnavigable beneath it. Gorge11
Gorge11j This is an example of the type of excursion boat we were on. As we go along, notice the color of the river changing... no longer the brown of the main channel. Photo taken by Judy Ivison. Gorge11j
Gorge11j1 An example of an island which will be completely under water at the completion of the Dam. However, it's still arable land now, so it's not been abandoned yet. Photo by Judy Ivison. Gorge11j1
Gorge11j2 Small village along the Three Lesser Gorges. Courtesy of Judy Ivison. Gorge11j2
Gorge12 This island will also be under water. The houses you see will be demolished. Gorge12
Gorge12j Another view of the island. The farmers will be hard pressed to find other land as easily tilled. Taken by Judy Ivison. Gorge12j
Gorge13 Every inch of land is used. The work is all done by hand, including carrying water up to the highest levels from the river. Gorge13
Gorge13j Old vs. new along the Lesser Gorges. By Judy Ivison. Gorge13j
Gorge13j1 Even Gorge13j1
Gorge14 One of the features and mysteries of the region along the Lesser Gorges is the Hanging Coffins. An ancient tribe somehow placed these coffins hundreds of feet up on the cliffs. How they got them up there and why they placed them there is still a mystery. It is only in the past century it was discovered what they were. Gorge14
Gorge15 Another hanging coffin. This gives you more of a perspective of how remote and high they are. Gorge15
Gorge16 All along the Lesser Gorges were these beautiful stands of black bamboo. Oh yes, notice the water color here? Gorge16
Gorge16j Sampan along the river. Judy Ivison picture. Gorge16j
Gorge17 A third hanging coffin. Thankfully I had a 10X lens on my camera. It's a looong way up there. Gorge17
Gorge18 Another feature of Viking River cruises is they take care of everything. Just as Caribbean cruise lines have private islands, Viking has a private picnic pavillion along the river. At the base were the ubiquitous vendors. However, one had brought this adorable little boy. How do I know it was a boy? Well, to facilitate potty training, the parents put them in open front pants, so his gender was hanging out for all to see. He was mugging for the tourists, but was so adorable I couldn't resist a picture. Gorge18
Gorge18j View of our excursion ship taken from the private picnic area. Yes, it was up the side of a cliff. For those unable to make the hike, they set up another barbecue area on the boat. The ship's crew came ahead of us and carried up all the provisions for our lunch. Courtesy of Judy Ivison. Gorge18j
Gorge18j1 The blue sign on the right is a monkey feeding station set up by the government. And yes, we did see monkeys. Taken by Judy Ivison. Gorge18j1
Gorge19 Another settlement which will be lost to the Dam flooding. Gorge19
Gorge19j The terracing along the river is absolutely amazing. Yes, much of this will also be under water. Judy Ivison image. Gorge19j
Gorge20 As we were sailing through this section, I kept thinking to myself these are the images I need to show my clients as to why they should travel now to China. These will be gone in 3 years. Gorge20
Gorge21j More terracing. By Judy Ivison. Gorge21j
Gorge22j1 Retaining wall near the end of the Lesser Gorges. You can see the Gorge22j1
Page 1 of 2 Next page

This album has 415 items in total    |    Album was updated 7/5/05 1:42 PM    |    Generated by JAlbum 5.2, custom skin ExhibitPlus 1.4