1984 Trip on Yangzi - Chongqing to Shanghai

14. Stairs at Wanxian on the Yangzi River

It was extremely scary for us to climb and then later descend these stairs. Note that is no rails on either side. Porters vie to carry passengers luggage up the stairs. The city of Wanxian spreads out to both sides of the river. It is situated high above the river and the foundations of the buildings are many meters high. In July of 1981 the Yangzi rose 42 meters, flooding much of the lower half of the city for three days. It was fun to walk around the city and see the shops. When the whistle on the boats sounds hurry back to the boat.

At Wanxian most morning boats tie up for the night. It is an important port for goods distribution in that area. Boats overnighting at Wanxian generally depart before dawn. Before entering the gorges the boat passes by the town of Fengjie. This ancient town was the capital of the state of Kui during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods from 722 to 221 BC. The town is a very lively town thronged with Chinese tourists who have come to visit the famous historical site of Baidi Cheng nearby.