1984 Trip on Yangzi - Chongqing to Shanghai

38. Qutang Gorge

Since 1940, the rocks and reefs in these gorges have been cleared with dynamite, and navigation no longer presents tension and fright. Yet, although it may be just a little less angry now, the Yangzi still presents its beauty. Wreathed by mist, the sheer limestone cliffs, fantastic peaks and hairpin bends of the first gorge, Qutang Gorge shows it glory in a thick forest of orange trees. Dragons, tradition says, lurk on the bottom of the river, while above them the scenery remains both menacing and magnificent.