The Yangzi is already 135 meters higher than before and many new towns have been built up the hillside to replace the old towns now under water. Once completed in 2008, ahead of schedule, the water will rise to 175m at the dam site.
Over a million displaced people were literally given a lottery ticket to determine where their families were being relocated to. Some farmers just got moved up the mountain, some got sent to cities like Shanghai and were very happy, some got towns near the desert and were suitably gutted. All get 20,000 Yuen with which to start a new life. (approx. $2500)
The deck area - perfect for your souvenir of dried-fish!
On Saturday morning all 400 passengers left the ship and boarded 4 smaller vessels to tour the Lesser Gorges.
The hole in the wall holds a 'hanging coffin' left here 2000 years ago by the Ba people.
At the Mini-gorge we were transferred to a smaller boat again and the boatman sang a traditional folk song (complete with hat for the occasion).
It was a very long day, and spoiled somewhat by a very high-pitched Chinese Tour Guide who gave a running commentary on the intercom for 5 hours solid. Including a quick karaoke number at the end!
Harry’s wife met us at the dock with spare bus tickets into town. Harry had arranged a great dinner at a local restaurant - which more than made up for the appalling one on the boat the previous night. We were particularly amused by the waitress who checked under the table for empty beer bottles before preparing our bill.
