27 White Emporer City

Travelling further along the Yangtze while we had our lunch, we were treated to more scenic cruising on our way  to this afternoons tour at the White Emperor City.

More beautiful scenes along the Yangtze

Looks like the remnants of another ancient walk that has not been restored

Weather was not as kind to us this afternoon, so it was another tour in drizzle.

Legend has it that an official saw vapour in the shape of a dragon rise out of one of the wells.. Taking this as a sign from the gods, he declared himself the White Emperor and this to be his city...  Well you can interpret anything to be anything you want, I guess!!

White Emperor City's claim to fame is it's spectacular view of the Kui Gate of Qutang Gorge.  So beautiful it is the scene that you can find on the 10 RMB note.

City sits on a small island and you walk across a covered bridge to get there.

Photo opportunities where ever you look

Memories of Elephanta Island in Mumbai, those who didn't want the long walk up the stairs could be carried up in one of these chairs, but for a price.

 Temples and halls are always filled with beautifully coloured scenes depicting important moments in time.

Love the detail, along with the expressions on their faces

Up close to one of these hanging coffins.  They are usually made out of a single log and some even shaped like a boat.  Obviously like three coins in a fountain, it must be good luck to offer the dead money!

Now here is the picture you had to queue up for ... the 10 RMB note and the scene that it represents

The evening was upon us and you just had to take a picture, so pretty all lit up.

Just near where we docked were a floating stage and seating.  On this stage performances are held.  Whilst here they were rehearsing and setting up the stage.  Once ready it will be floated downstream to where ever the concert will be performed.