Why did we choose a cruise on the Yangtze River? Why not? We thought it a nice way to see the home to over 10% of the world’s population. Yes, over 10% of the human population lives on the Yangtze River. In between the large patches of dense population we hoped to see some of rural China and some picturesque scenery.
Within the ship we had a room with its own private balcony, room cleaning twice daily, three buffet meals a day, an entertainment coordinator and a river cruise guide. The boat was probably only about a third full so there was many more staff than guests. This was to be Daryl’s first experience on a cruise ship and his first being on organised tours. I had initiated the cruise ship idea and I must admit I was more than a little apprehensive about his response. I was looking for signs like that of a caged lion, but these did not eventuate. He relaxed and went with the flow......
We thought the cruise had a great balance of activities/sights. There was the new and the old, city sights and country views, wildlife, mountains, dams, gorges and bridges. On board we learnt to play mah-jong, attended culture shows, games nights and other antics. Meal times rolled around with such regularity that there was never time to feel hungry.
Nanjing City Wall built in 1366............ Every brick has the makers name on it
Old sea dogs meet on the ship's bridge.............Looking back down the ship
Fun and games aboard
Daryl with our delightful waitresses..................Dinnertime
Crew entertaining us with minority groups national costumes
Dance aboard
On the Yangtze they have built a dam which opened in 2003 and was completed in 2009. It is the largest water conservancy ever built and was designed to serve three purposes: flood control, hydro electric power production and navigation improvement. The project continues to be enormously controversial as many questions over the relocation of people, preservation of archaeological and historical sites, water pollution, accumulation of silt and the structures’ stability remain. So folks, rest assured, we even learnt something on this holiday of luxury.
In the locks. A tight fit.........................................View at the back of the ship when in the locks
In the lock................................................................Bridge at Wu Shan
The ship passed through two sets of locks which, for us, brought back memories of the Panama Canal. This time, however, Daryl could sit back and leave all the decisions and stresses to the ship’s captain and crew.
The history of the river itself was fascinating (which I won’t elaborate on here) except to say that there are 2 million registered boats on the river, it is the third longest river in the world after the Amazon and the Congo (at 6,380 kms long) and has 700 tributary rivers.
Chinese design outboard....................Russian built hydrofoil
Fishing on the river bank.....................................Fishing by the river bank
Rod fishing from the wall..... Net fishing in the rapids
Boat at the wet season high water mark.............Farm house with crops up behind
Coal boats being loaded..........................................Ship builder along the river
Barge transported loaded trucks..........................................Submarine
'Hanging coffin' over 2000 yrs old.........................Singing sampan driver
Monkey spotted on shore......................................Reproduction of traditional walkway.
Rural home.............................................................Enjoying the scenery with John and Jin Hua
Walkway carved into the rocks............................Village by the riverside
One highlight along the way was seeing Mt Huang Shan, a mountain that has greatly influenced traditional Chinese landscape artists. We were warned of the 350 steps we would need to walk to get there. These, however, were beautifully paved and a luxury compared with many mountain paths we have encountered. The guide said we were extraordinarily luck with the weather on the mountain. I initially was a little disappointed that there was cloud about until I realised how it enhanced the eeriness of the view. Spectacular is the only word I could use to describe it.
Views of Mt Huang Shan
Profess your undying love by buying a lock and throwing the key over........
Taking a well earned rest..................................... Striking spot for wedding photos
View of the scene on the 10 yuan note...................sunset on the river
Confucius temple
Temple at Feng Du.................................Modern structure with ? use
Entering 'Ghost City' at Feng Du.......Interesting translation??
All too soon the ship was surrounded by the night lights of Chongqing and our time aboard was drawing to an end.
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