23 Three Gorges Dam

So now that we have covered all things about the ship will move on to the trip itself....

Each day of the cruise basically ran to the same format.  Apart from the first morning, on waking  we would find ourselves docked somewhere new. Off to an early breakfast, then met in the theatre as we did for every tour moving forward.

After the morning tour we would return to the ship in time for lunch.  We would then set sail to the next destination,  then meet again in the afternoon for our second tour of the day..

Our package included every tour available, but generally you booked and pay for each of these trips separately.  One thing to remember, if you are not on tour, then you can't leave the ship .... remember this is China! and on saying that, the stops we made were usually close to the location of the shore excursion and there was not much more on offer...

Although we visited the Tribe of Three Gorges first, I am actually going to start with the Dam, only so you get an understanding why the Tribe was created...

Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest power producer and the largest hydroelectric dam.  Basically it was built to control the amount of water that flowed down the Yangtze River.  Severe flooding would constantly occur further downstream and with may villages built along its banks the damage and loss of life was continually high.

Over 1,000 villages were flooded and hundreds of thousands of people where relocated to new townships and cities built on higher ground to enable the construction.

Another reason why the dam was constructed was to generate electricity.  This is sold to many provinces around China. The ability to generate and sell power in this way meant that the dam will eventually pay for itself and start making a profit..

What makes this dam even more interesting is the series of 5 locks that take raise and lower ships to the two sides of the Yangtze.  But wait there is more....  in 2016 a Ship Lift was construction... a vertical lift that will raise or lower a ship in just 40 min as oppose to the 3.5 hours is takes to use the locks.

Just like Hoover, Warragamba and any other dam of significant size, it also became a tourist attraction.

We were driven to our first viewing opportunity to what is known as the Tanziling Ridge.  On entering you first pass through an exhibition hall that gives you information and displays a model about the project.

To make your way up to higher ground there are a series of outdoor escalators.  The scenic area at the top has been beautifully landscaped to include a park, fountains and the Tanziling Ridge it self.  The structure is suppose to look like an upside down jar ( hence the name tanzil, which means jar ).  Climb up the Jar for the best 360 deg view of the dam and the locks.

We were then taken to another platform that would be on the same level as the top of the dam for another perspective.

Tanziling Ridge - looks like and upside down jar ... well!

Another interesting translation

The Locks

Closer view of the locks

Ships waiting for their turn

Everyone wants their photo's taken with the Contiki Kids

Spectacular views... shame about the haze 

Looking down at the Scenic Area and the fountain.

looking back towards the "Jar"

 

Right time of year for the beautiful Autumn Leaves

Lower View of the locks in action

Ships entering..

One of the more popular Chinese snacks is sesame seed mixed with kind of soft toffee.  Beaten flat, then broken up and sold in packets. YUM

Ok so there is a story behind this - Your mission if you choose to accept!  Contiki 1 (to the left ) paid $5 US for his beer, Contiki 2 said "I want one" walked over and negotiated hers for $4, jokingly we said 'OK Contiki 3, lets see if you can get one for $3" Mission accomplished....  "Well Contiki 4, you know what this means",  I am sure the blonde hair, shorts ( remember that these would be the most photographed legs in currently in China ) and charm would get you one for $2....
You guessed it .... Success!  The lady didn't have a chance LOL