The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest power station in terms of installed capacity -- it is expected to be completed by 2015 -- although it has been fully functional since July 2012. The power generated by the 34 generators is equivalent to burning 25 million tons of crude oil or 50 million tons of coal. This is believed to be the most expensive hydroelectric project in history costing about $28 billion. Recovery of the full cost is expected to occur after ten years of full operation.
Before the dam was built flooding on the Yangtze was a normal occurence -- particularly memorable is the flood in 1931 which cost 145,000 lives. By flooding cities, towns and villages along the Yangtze a reservoir has been created which measures 405 square miles. Two major benefits are: the substantial reduction of flooding along the river and the depth and width to allow large ocean going freighters to move further into the mainland China.
This project has not been free of controversy -- particularly the relocation of 1.4 million people who lived in the cities, towns and villages now at the bottom of the expanded river as well as the destruction of architectural and archaeological sites. Most of the relocated citizens were farmers who are now living in high rise apartments in newly developed cities.
Before entering the Three Gorges Dam area, our bus must stop at a checkpoint where we get off the bus, have our bags and our bodies checked, reboard the bus, and continue on our way. There are a number of steep, fast-moving outdoor escalators bringing us up to higher and higher viewing areas for a vista of the entire Three Gorges Dam. We get to see --- now from the outside --- the 5 level lock system we traveled through last night. There is also a boat elevator for smaller vessels which will be operational in November 2014. In addition to providing power to China -- the government wants this to be a tourist attraction. Just for visitors there are well landscaped and plentiful parks and viewing areas complete with a waterfall -- a photo booth -- and marketplaces.
After our 3 hour tour we are back to the ship but not before walking through another market -- this time I succumb -- purchasing a scarf for 10 RMB -- less than $2.
After lunch -- it is rest and relaxation as I get caught up on this blog anticipating that I will begin sending posts from Hong Kong.
Krishnna and I did have a tea tasting in one of the on-board shops -- just before dinner. I might buy some buckwheat tea before this cruise is over. It had a delicate nutty taste -- and is supposed to be good for digestion.
After dinner -- I read for a while -- but keep falling asleep -- we are getting plenty of rest on this cruise ---
Thanks for Reading!
Pat
No comments:
Post a Comment