Windy - 13⁰C
Well, today’s the beginning day of the Three Gorges Trip.
Though we’re stuck in a poor facilitated coach for 5 hours in the early morning, still I find the journey’s worthy.
It’s really a memorable day, colored by fascinating scenery, excellent partners and also wonderful moments. I guess, if I am given a chance to make a wish, I will just hope that the time would stop by now, without any progression, just here will do.
Well, perhaps the lunch and dinner weren’t as fulfilling as we had always wanted, still it’s considered as a nice meal, at least it’s not so oily and salty as compared to other stalls.
Anyway, I made a great sin today; I accidentally ate a piece of beef which I was not supposed to eat due to religion constraint.
Really sorry Guan Yin Niang, I didn’t do it on purpose.
Honestly speaking, I wasn’t really looking forward to my trip at first, as I thought it’s simply about river, dam and mountains. But when I was passing through the long dark tunnel connecting with Three Gorges Dam, I can feel there’s a change, in my mood. Somehow, I can feel the great sense of excitement jumping deep inside my heart. Maybe I was just too amazed by the tunnel which cut through the great mountains one by one. Can you imagine how much time and manpower are needed to build an 8.88km long tunnel, passing through all the mountains?
But what really made me speechless was the beautiful scenery of Three Gorges. I don’t know how to put my feeling into words, when the paint-like scenery first appeared right in front of my eyes.
It’s just too awesome.
The giant-size Mountains, the shining sunlight, the deep green water. Only these three elements, yet the scenery were so breathtaking.
As scheduled, we visited 3 different places which located very close to the Three Gorges Dam.
First Stop – Tan Zi Ling 坛子岭
Well, Tan Zi Ling was actually named according to its geographical shape, which looked like an inverted jar. It’s 262.2m in height and comprises a showroom for the miniature version of Three Gorges Dam. It’s indeed a nice place as I was able to view the entire awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam from its top. The feeling was extremely great standing up there, embracing the gentle wind, enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Second Stop – Platform 185
By hooping into the travel bus for 3 minutes, we came to our next destination, Platform 185. This platform is actually named according to its height, 185m, which is the same height as the Three Gorges Dam as well. Currently, the water level is still at 135m, however when the project is completed, the water level will reach 175m. From such a close distance, looking at the world largest hydroelectric power station, I can feel that it’s really a tough project. Can you imagine the hard work needed to execute a 12 years long project? I must say the engineers are really excellent. Well done, engineers!
Third Stop – Memorial Garden截流纪念园
This was another hot spot of Three Gorges Dam area. Inside, there’re a place where you can view the Dam from a further distance. Standing at this position, don’t know why, I felt a sense of security. Deep in my heart, it’s very peaceful. Perhaps the dam looked too good in protecting the people from flooding. That’s why I felt safe. Or perhaps the scenery there was too suitable for deep thought. That’s why everybody started to look “emo-ish”.
So after all the tourist spots, we boarded a SO-CALLED 4-star cruise, which was our home for this 3-days-2-nights-tour.
Well, before I carried on, I would like to clarify that the cruise was actually rated as 4-star at DOMESTIC level, so yah..
Basically, I can only use one word to describe it ---- “fantastic”.
This was my first time I encountered a 4-stars-rated sleeping place which does not provide toilet paper and if you want it, you have to buy it at counter. This was also my first time I saw a bathroom which the lock is set outside of the door. This was also my first time to see a toilet bowl which even toilet paper cannot be flushed down, and also a heater that cannot function at a temperature of 10⁰C. And, seriously I don’t know what to do inside the cruise as there’s no other entertainment at all, beside sight-seeing!
Anyway I was still thankful to this cruise; at least it gave me a chance to explore Three Gorges in a very close look. Thank you J
Continue.
After a long wait, at 10pm, our cruise finally got into the Ship Gate of Ge Zhou Dam葛洲坝(which is located at the entrance of Xi Ling Gorges西陵峡). I stood at the deck and witnessed the entire opening process of the ship gate; it slowly released water and opened, at a rather slow speed. And before we can get in, there’s boats coming out from the other side of the gate. And when we’re in, we felt trapped. Both the entry and exit were closed and the water level just kept slowly rising up. Affected by the strong force of water, our cruise was slowly lifted up. The lifting process lasted for 30minutes and then we’re out from the ship gate. The feeling was too hard to describe by words but I must really say that if you got the chance, you should try once for passing through the ship gate, it’s a nice experience.
Anyway, I must say that the ship gate really looked grand at night, just like a permanent lighthouse, stand steadily, radiating lights.
Goodnight, Ge Zhou Dam.
It’s filled with stars tonight.
Labels: Maple's Story