Influence & Significance
Three Gorges Project
Influence & Significance
Impact on the Sights
As demonstrated by the highly frequent appearances of the Three Gorges Project in the media, it is natural for the people of China to display their concern for the historical relics and scenic locations that are suffering from immersion. The Three Gorges is a world renowned tourist attraction and is the greatest treasure of the Yangtze Civilization. Precious cultural relics and sites are spread across this area, ranging from inscriptions to ancient residential areas. The time spans from the Paleolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Some of these are and will be right under the waterline until the year 2009 when the normal reservoir level reaches 175 meters (574 feet) above sea level.
When the normal pool level reaches 175 meters, the water will be held with the aid of a dam and will be pushed back to the upper reach as far as Chongqing. Thus the reservoir will stretch to a length of over 660 kilometers (410 miles). The areas affected will be cities, counties and small towns in Chongqing and Hubei Province with a submerged area of 630 square kilometers (155,676 acres). Consequently, ancient towns which are home to thousands of years worth of history will fall prey to the rising water. It is estimated that 25 sites will be submerged.
Some of the most famous affected cultural and historical sites are listed below along with the plans which have been drafted to conserve them as far as possible:
Zhangfei Temple in the County of Yunyang: This will be dismantled and reconstructed with the original materials in a higher locus.
Dachang Ancient Town in the County of Wushan: Only the Compound of Wen is to be dismantled and reconstructed.
Quyuan Temple in the County of Zigui: To be reconstructed nearby.
White Crane Ridge in the County of Fuling: The plan is to build an under water museum displaying the numerous seals and inscriptions.
Shibaozhai in the County of Zhong: Already partly submerged, the 12-tired architecture is not affected.
Ghost City in the County of Fengdu: As water rises only to the foot of the Ming Mountain; the 'Ghost City' is not affected.
Tumulus in past dynasties: Inundated.
Mengliang Stairway: The stairway will be chiseled in higher places.
Plank Roads (Qutang Section): Chiseled in a higher locus.
Chalk Wall and the inscriptions: Moved and copied to settle in a higher place.
With the water line rising to a range of 10 to100 meters (33-328 feet) the Three Gorges will no doubt be affected to some extent. However, it will still be possible to appreciate the beauty of the gorges just as much. Owing to the fact that most of the mountains on the shore have an average height of 1,000 meters (3281 feet), they are unlikely to be greatly affected by the rising water and the spectacular view is still visible even if the reservoir reached its maximum 175 meters. Only the western section of Xiling Gorge eels much shallow during the low water season but the spacious lake view does compensate for this.
Brilliant Future
The immergence of the Three Gorges Dam has created a stir all over the world involving many complex emotions. Some emotions are remorseful while others inspirational, but it is believed that the Yangtze River is going to witness a brilliant future. No one denies the enormous benefit from this great exploit in terms of flood control, electricity generation, increased navigation and tourism. Among the major concerns are the tourist attractions along the Yangtze River which have received so much attention. The government has been making painstaking efforts to protect the existing historical relics and scenic spots while navigating and exploring new ones at the same time.
The Three Gorges Cruise is a world renowned golden course which captivates tourists from both home and abroad every year. This favorable situation is expected to continue to bring good results after the Three Gorges Project is completed. Since most of the original sights have been preserved and reconstructed (see details), sites affected by water present themselves in a different but rather enchanting perspective. For instance, Baidi City and Shibaozhai were changed to islands completely encircled by water.
The most impressive view should be the experience of the spacious lakes laying in-between the statuesque mountains. The disappearance of the shallow water and dangerous shoals now ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Visitors are no longer required to make the troublesome decision of whether to choose upstream or downstream, for the time that spent and the experiences made no difference because of the ascended water level. Experts say that by the year 2009, a great many enchanting scenic spots will have been uncovered. It is estimated that about 35 gorges and extra river reaches will appear creating an enormous potential for further discovery. There are 15 Karst Caves, 11 lakes and 14 islands are under development due to the increase in water. Control of the river sluice gate has made previously difficult to reach places more accessible and more tourist friendly. The dam itself counts as a worthy site to visit. Visitors will marvel at the super structure and the huge man-made waterfall. In addition, yellow muddy water once carrying earth in the flood season now become clear and green all the time.
Continuous rising water bestows much charm on the Yangtze River and also brings back some of its old world charm. People should take this chance to admire the new-look of the Three Gorges as well as the river as a whole. Nevertheless, the Yangtze River is still charming and the Three Gorges are still enticing.
