The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are a system of breathtaking gorges on China’s longest river, which is also the third longest river in the world (after the Amazon and the Nile), stretching for 6300km (3915 miles). The Qutang Gorge is best known for its steep precipices that form an enormous gateway over the river. The Wu Gorge is home to the famous 12 peaks of the Wushan Mountains. And the Xiling Gorge is known for its hidden reefs, perilous cliffs and tumbling rapids. The controversial Three Gorges Project involves the construction of a dam which will be the largest hydroelectric project in the world. The dam, estimated to have cost $25 billion, is sheduled for completion in 2009 but the first tourist tickets to the dam were sold in the summer of 2005.

For more information on the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, contact China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) (see Tourist Information above).

Air: Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Hong Qiao Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport. Water: Ferry: Services from Yichang. Rail: Train: Yichang Station.

China