Yangtze 3 Gorges
 

I planned on going to China & seeing the Three Gorges in September of 2002. Today I saw a note saying that the 3 Gorges will be all but distroyed by the Dam Project by the end of 2002. <BR> Is this true? Should I revise my plans & go earlier? Does anyone know what the schedule really is? <BR> <BR> Thanks............Bernie

The dam project is not going to destroy the gorges. Towns/villages along the river from the to Chonqing will be submerged. I believe the dam project has already altered the route of the river. When I visited the dam site last year, I was told that the project will be implemented in three phases - the first of which will be in 2003 and the last in 2009.

The current plans call for the closing of the final cofferdam across the Yangtze in December of 2002. Until then the Three Gorges water level will remain as it has always been: high in the wet season, low in the dry season. September is the end of the wet season. <BR> <BR>Even after the dam closes, the area will be interesting touristcally. The walls plunge straight down into the river and will continue to do so even after the river rises a bit and the river becomes a lake. <BR> <BR>The water will probably be clearer then, maybe even blue instead of brown! Things will change, but "destroyed" is way too harsh and inflamatory. <BR> <BR>It will be very hot in September. Have some light clothes, a broad-brimmed hat, and drink plenty of bottled water. <BR> <BR>Fritz <BR> <BR>Fritz

Bernard, <BR>The dam will not be done that fast but I would say May of 2002 is nice the weather is great and the river is at the right height.When the dam is done the lake will be 175 Meters deep at high season. The cruise is great and I would advise you not to miss it.

Came back from 3 weeks in China the last of May. I took the Three Gorges river trip and it is awesome. You will OK in Sept. 2002 as to seeing the gorges; but after the dam is filled it will become a flood control lake/river and the scenery will not be as stunning, especially in the lesser gorges area. It was interesting/sad to see the high water markers and the buildings/bridges that will be gone forever. Have a great trip!