The 3 Gorges are supposed to be one of the natural wonders of China, and they were inpressive indeed. In some places they rise 900 meters above the level of the river. But in a few years they will be no more. The 3 gorges dam being built downstream will raise the water level about 150 meters, cover most of the gorges, and flood much of the surrounding area. The idea is to create a water superhighway into the rugged interior of China.

Everywhere we passed by, there were abandoned buildings that are below the future high water mark. Trees are being clear cut, so they don't become future flotsam and jetsam. China's rush to industrialization and modernization kept reminding me of what happended to Isengard in the Lord of the Rings movie.

We also explored the little 3 gorges, a smaller set of gorges off the main river. These were great, especially in the small boats we travelled in. I will try to post sme photos later this week when I get them off my camera.