Trip - 3 Gorges Dam

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Henry_Chinaski
Board Lord

Joined: Aug 16, 2003
Posts: 5025

Posted: Aug 23, 2004 - 04:03 AM
Post subject: Trip - 3 Gorges Dam

HC's dad is in town, and as a square bald old introspective serious conservative thick glassed engineer he wants to go to 3 Gorges Dam (damn?) by boat and check out the miracles of engineering in the country of Chairman Mao.

One could definitely question the merit of the trip BUT I'm trying to be the good son here (at least for once). He has already been to China 20 years ago and visited all the Tibets, XiAns, Beijings and the likes, so, I couldn't demote him of the idea.

Wondering if anyone ever did this boat trip to 3 Gorges? Any tip? Price indication? Do's and Dont's? Shall I take my speedo and swim in the yellow waters of China's creed? Anyone?

Your help much appreciated.

PS: Gira, are you there?

lucar

Board Royalty

Joined: July 05, 2004
Posts: 6265

Status: Offline

Posted: Aug 23, 2004 - 08:21 AM

I wanna go! Why do you sound so disgruntled about it? The trip sounds very interesting. It's kind of like going to an "A" bomb being detonated in the Nevada desert without the fallout. History is being made.

Magnolia
Board Biatch

Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098

Posted: Aug 23, 2004 - 09:51 AM

I did a trip two years ago with some family members. Flew into Wuhan then took the boat to Chongqing. The boat was fine (German built) and the staff was pleasant and fun. The food was ok; big selection and assigned eating times. There was a bar, which is where we spent most of our time. On the whole, most of the other people were in their mid 40's and older.

The views were nice. No need for your speedo though . . .

Can't recall the cost. My guess is that is was in the USD$800 - $1200 range, including airfare and the five day boat trip. We went in May and the weather was kind of hit and miss.

Overall, I was happy that I took the trip (think relaxing . . . not a party boat) and would recommend to others; however I probably would not go a second time because there is really no point.

Have fun!

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aloha99

Reacher

Joined: Nov 20, 2003
Posts: 253

Status: Offline

Posted: Aug 24, 2004 - 12:45 AM

You can try "yangtze cruise" on Google to get names of tour operators. Right now you can get big discounts as ships are not full.
Visiting the 3 Gorges Dam project is so far the most interesting thing to do on the Yangtze. Just keep in mind that if you join a river cruise you will only spend 2 hours on site. Which could be enough for a normal guy but not enough for your father if he is really interested in the topic.
You also have the option to skip the river cruise and fly directly to Yichang. From there you hire a taxi or take a bus to the Dam site. But you may still need a local guide to come with you as the Dam site is a military area and therefore you need a permit to get it. The hotel can probably arrange the details for you.

smurfette
PopStar
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Joined: Nov 07, 2003
Posts: 1287
Location: smurf village

Posted: Aug 24, 2004 - 01:24 AM

I was on the ship trip in 1992, could not quite recall the price, but at that time seemed to be paid in US dollars only. That was kind like the group cruise tourism, we lived on the ship for around a fortnight and the ship was steered in shore when arriving at different attractions, and views along the river when sailing was also gorgeous, while almost everything arranged in advance, food, attractions, buses on land, local guides, I guess less shopping spots back then.

Late in 90's they launched some more newly-decorated luxury ships for 3 Gorges cruise line because after 1998, one tenth of the previous sites would be under water forever. After that, maybe tourists population has dropped a bit. Cannot say for sure without solid digits at hand.

If you don't object group travelling, I would suggest giving it a try. And as aloha99 suggested, such trip suits best for brief glance.

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