The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are a system of breathtaking gorges
on China's longest river, which is also the third longest river in the
world (after the Amazon and the Nile), stretching for 6300km (3915 miles).
The Qutang Gorge, the shortest of the three gorges, is best known for
its steep precipices that form an enormous gateway over the river. At
45km (28 miles), the Wu Gorge is the longest gorge, and is home to the
famous 12 peaks of the Wushan Mountains, the most beautiful of which
is Goddess Peak. The Xiling Gorge is known for its hidden reefs, perilous
cliffs and tumbling rapids, as well as the orange groves and tea plantations
on its shores. The Three Gorges Project that is currently being undertaken
involves the construction of a dam to preserve the enviromental and
cultural features of the this stretch of the river. Upon completion
of the dam, in a few years time, travellers will be able to discover
new routes through the gorges. The Yangtze River's watershed covers
about 20 per cent of China's total land and is home to over 350 million
people.
