Day 60 (13th July) Wushan
There was an optional tour to see the White King Castle on an island but it was raining and very misty. We would have got wet and not able to see much so we didn’t go.
The ship passed through the first of the Three Gorges (the Qutang) and stopped opposite the Little Yangtse which we travelled up having transferred onto a smaller boat. The Little Yangtse was excellent with tall cliffs on either side including small caves with coffins in them, the so-called Hanging Coffins”. They were built in the cliff to protect them from grave robbers. Sadly the mist covered the mountain tops which rather spoiled things but it was still pretty impressive. The water is 100 metres deep at the highest level in summer and 70 metres in winter and spring. It was originally 6-7 metres until the Three Gorges Dam was built and the people living in the small town of Wushan were relocated into the modern new town of Wushan. The old town was flooded as the waters rose. Annie, one of the guides came to explain to us that the local people (including her) are of the Tuja minority group who are famous for living to over 100 years old and tourism has raised their living standards. We were brought small cups of tea which is of very high quality because Wushan County is almost totally pollution-free.
Returning to the ship we continued through the Wu Gorge which is the most narrow gorge on the Yangtse, and discussed whether we should go to the captain’s reception party which sounded a bit naff. However we went, and a good job we did. We were met by Jennifer (the crew member who chased the Chinese away from our exclusive dinner table three times a day) and lead to the front where two seats had a “reserved “ notice on them. David (the steward) then made a short speech in Chinese and English in which he referred to “our two honoured guests Jennifer and David” (squirm squirm) and then introduced some of the crew in ascending order of importance: Jennifer (our friend), Annie (who also looked after us), Mr Chung (the Head Chef), Anita the head manager and finally Mr Nao the Captain. He gave a speech and then went round the room speaking to a few of the 198 Chinese passengers before David brought him to us and introduced us. Some of the female crew members did a number of dances in beautiful costumes of some of the minority groups before David lead the girls in a Chinese conga dance round the room. Jennifer was invited to join in and, having picked up the steps easily, was followed by 40-50 other passengers. Quite contrary to our expectations, it was a really nice evening.
The Little Yangtse
Caves with coffins in them
More coffin caves
The Wu Gorge
