Tibet + Three Gorges Tour

China Cultural Tour

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"This trip may only last for 15 days, but the experience of Tibetan culture and memories of the beautiful Three Gorges scenery will last for a lifetime."

Our Three Gorges Cruise is on China's first rated five-star river cruise ship. She is furnished in such a luxurious way that they will be able to accommodate all the kinds of VIPs in this world. Just name a few from their distinguished guest lists--Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Henry Kissinger. Managed by a western-trained management team, our cruise ship is perfectly suited for your Yangtze River journey. The fully air-conditioned our ship is 300 feet long, 54 feet wide, with a shallow draft designed for river cruising. Each of the 78 identical cabins features color television for video viewing, a minibar/refrigerator, radio, in-room safe, and private bathroom facilities with shower and hair dryer. The cabins are the most spacious available on the Yangtze River. The panoramic restaurant, featuring Chinese and Western cuisine, serves meals in single seatings. Other facilities include an observation lounge, snack bar, boutique, night club, fitness center with sauna and whirlpool, and ample deck space. Physician on board.

See the 'Largest Hydro Power Dam in the World' and Ship Lock in Operation.

SARS/Bird Flu situation in China click here

Three Gorges Cruise

A trip of the lifetime will be the cruise down the YangTze River to view the largest hydro project in the World, the Three Gorges Project of China. The Yangtze River is the longest river in China as well as one of the longest rivers in the world. The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River are famous for their breathtaking scenery, and are praised as nature's art gallery and wonderland. Of the three Gorges, the Qutang Gorge is magnificent and precipitous, the Wuxia Gorge is deep and beautiful and the Xiling Gorge has rapids and many rocks. The water in the Mini Three Gorges is clean and both banks are blanketed with trees and have many historical sites, scenic spots and lovely legends. Today, a huge dam is being built along the Three Gorges. After completion, it will offer visitors a new look amidst the precipitous gorges.

Passing through 5 shiplocks

Flowers blossoms in Three Gorges Dam area

To See Beautiful Photos of Three Gorges click here

On-site investigations of 3 Gorges Dam by reporters home and abroad

08:08, December 07, 2007

A group of 33 media reporters from at home and abroad spent 6 days covering the 600 kilometer- Three Gorges Dam region.

They investigated the Dam and water quality in the area; interviewed relocated residents; and explored newly-emerged towns. As the interviews drew to a close, their fact-finding tour yielded the following results:

Environment-high quality water serves as reliable source of drinking water

Every time the water storage level increases, Cai Zhenfeng, a reporter from the Strait Journal in Singapore, will come to the Three Gorges region to conduct interviews and investigations. This time, he found the body of water amazingly clean; yet the water level had not visibly changed.

According to Tan Qiwei, the vice-mayor of Chongqing Municipality, the river water was assessed to be Grade 3 in quality: an adequate source of drinking water. As for sand and silt deposits in the Dam area, Zhang Zhikui, the vice-director of the Chongqing Municipal Administration of Environmental Protection, told the reporters that silt deposits amounted to less than half of those anticipated. He added that garbage and sewage disposal plants are operational in almost every county and township.

Thanks to the large-scale Forestation Project, 80% of the area surrounding the Dam is currently covered in green.

Relocation-it's going smoothly and ahead of schedule

Vice-mayor Tan Qiwei was quoted in an interview as saying that 93.5% of the resident relocation project has been completed so far. By the end of October, over 1 million residents were resettled and appropriate arrangements were made for their subsistence. A little over 99% of planned housing reconstruction is complete, and large quantities of historical and cultural relics have been salvaged and protected from damaging torrents.

The last phase of the relocation project was launched just recently and expected to be complete by the end of 2008: one year ahead of schedule.

Economy-the growth rate has exceeded the average in Chongqing

In the last decade, Tan said, the economic and social development in the Dam region has taken a turn for the better; and the living standard of the resettled people has been improving. In the 15 counties and districts within the Dam area, the annual average GDP has grown by 10.3% - 0.2% higher than the municipal average. Per capita housing space for resettled villagers and resettled city dwellers averages 41 and 25 square meters - 10 square meters more than that prior to relocation. The population living in abject poverty dropped to 327,000 last year, from more than 1 million previously. Policies giving aid to nearly 1,400 projects, and benefiting 500,000 resettled people, are being carried out in the later stage of relocation.

Extended information: Questions and concerns raised by the media from abroad

Advantages and disadvantages of Three Gorges Project

Question: Why did you begin the project, even when facts have shown that the power-generation capacity of Three Gorges Dam makes up only 4% of the nation's total; the project in itself is an ecological threat; and also it has resulted in resident relocation? (US Feature Story News)

Response: The Three Gorges project began after much consideration and evaluation. The project is not only designed to generate power, but to prevent flooding as well. Even though it could lead to the relocation of some 1.2 million residents; the project protects 15 million people and 1.5 million hectares of fertile land from disastrous flooding. On top of that, shipping conditions at the upper and middle-reaches of the Yangstze River have greatly improved. It is evident that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. (Liu Di, Director of the Reservoir Division, State Council Three Gorges Office)

Relocation Funds

Question: It is said that 'problematic funding' occurs in the application for resettlement funds; what's the problem? (Japan, Kyodo News Service)

Response: In 2005, China's Central Disciplinary Committee revealed that 0.14% of the Three Gorges Relocation Funds proved problematic - the lowest 'occurrence of problems' in statistical funds then in China. In the 270 cases in question, misused funds have been recovered, and guilty parties have been severely punished. The audit report in 2006 indicated that the 440 million of 40 billion yuan RMB labeled 'problem funds' were later are traced back to application orders rather than embezzlement. So far, 95% of 'problem funds' have been settled in a rational way. (Tan Qiwei, Vice-mayor, Chongqing Municipality)

Compensation for collecting land

Question: It is clear that some local inhabitants have saved every penny to build up a 200-square meter house. As a result, they cannot afford any drastic life change. What actions should be taken by the government to assist them in staying on the right track? (Hong Kong, Tak Kung Pao)

Response: Those who have been relocated have been financially compensated. According to our calculations, this compensation is sufficient for them to rebuild a house of the same size and quality. We have also offered free skills training, employment opportunities, and small loans to help them start a business. (Chen Liande, Former vice-director, Chongqing Municipal Administration of Relocation)

Question: It is rumored that another 2 million inhabitants will be relocated. Is this due to insufficient planning in the beginning? (Singapore, Associated Morning Post)

Response: Chongqing is presently under construction with unified plan that considers all related factors. The fact that another 2 million people will move out of the area is determined by market demands: not a compulsory act imposed by the government. We see it as a shift in labor. (Tan Qiwei)

By People's Daily Online

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90881/6316563.html

This photo of completed Three Gorges Dam was taken in July 2007.

The entire dam was completed and started to store water for power generation.

The control of the release of water is for flood prevention.

The Flow of Water for Hydro-power-generation.

The release of water to downstream for better shipping conditions.

Large-scale Ocean-liners able to reach upstream river cities.

The magnificient view of releasing water from Three Gorges Dam.

Locations of 4 more large scale 3-Gorges size dams will be built upstream.

2006 Tibet Hiking Group

What an Experience !

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On July 1, 2006 Qinghai-Tibet Railway put into operation

which changed the History of Tibet forever !!

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" A Breathe of Fresh Air "

to foster people-to-people relations between China and USA

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The Following History was provided by a USA citizen and Professor of Purdue University after in-depth study at Tibet.

A SHORT HISTORY OF TIBET

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For Those who do not want to visit Tibet, you can

cruise on ancient Grand Canal, SuZhou and HangZhou

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To Learn About Tibetan Culture and Buddhism

We go on the "Tibet + Three Gorges Tour" to achieve the following :

1. Learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism

2. Enjoy first hand the stunning beauty of the Three Gorges landscape

3. Study the "way of life" of Tibetans

click here to display Tibet Wild Flowers

Tibet, the mysterious land beyond the Himalayas, has for centuries been a seductive destination for travellers. Its rich Buddhist heritage, intrepid people and stunning natural beauty are a source of fascination and intrigue to people the world over. We offer you a way to magically step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place in the Tibetan Cultural Area, where you can be at one with nature as nowhere else. You should at least once in your lifetime be able to reach out and visit Tibet, the " Roof of the World ".

Year 2007 Tour schedule

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China Hiking Adventure Inc. licensed under the Ontario Government Travel Agency Act TICO for your financial protection. Our TICO registration number is 50015540. To check us out you can phone TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) at 905-624-6241. This is the travel industry regulating body which maintains a bonding insurance to protect consumers' funds.

Great Wall Hiking Tour click here

For sure, we will provide you on this Fascinating Tour :

·'Safety and Comfort'

·No health concern about the food or drinks we will provide

· An insight Tibetan culture and religion

· The stunning beauty of the unique Three Gorges landscape

· A four day cruise down the Yangtse River to see the Three Gorges Project

· A fantastic experience and memory to treasure forever

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It is important that you click and read the above message before Registration !

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About Tour Operator Tony

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click above figure to learn about Three Gorges Project

How China solves nationwide Water Shortage Problem

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To Learn About China

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2003 Hiking Group Diary

This website is divided into five sections.

Overview gives a general description of the aims and scope of this tour.

Itinerary provides a detailed look at the daily activities.

References allows others who have taken this tour to talk about their experiences.

Details talks about what's included in the tour, as well as the costs.

Registration will bring you to the China Hiking Adventures Inc. Online Registration System Page for secure registration.

For Cancellation Policy and Insurance

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Is China Economy a Bubble ?

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To Learn more about Tibet click here

To Learn more about Tibet Buddhism click here

To Learn more about Tibetan Culture click here

To Learn more about Three Gorges Project click here

Tibetan Women Today click here

Art from Tibetan Women click here

Map of Three Gorges Cruise

Three Gorges Project capable of generating 47 bln kwh of power

UPDATED: 08:38, January 13, 2005

The Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River in China will be able to generate 47 billion kwh of electricity this year.

An executive with China Yangtze River Three Gorges Project Development Corporation explained that the installed capacity of the project would increase to 9.8 million kw as the last three of the 14 planned generating units on the northern bank of the Yangtze River will begin power generation and be brought onto the grid later this year.

Launched in 1993, the Three Gorges Project is being built in three stages on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, China's longest. Preparations and construction of the first phase were carried out between 1993 and 1997. The Yangtze was dammed at the Three Gorges area for the first time on November 8, 1997.

In accordance with an original plan, the Three Gorges Project, with an estimated cost of 180 billion yuan (approximately US$21.7 billion), will have 26 generators with a combined generating capacity of 18.2 million kW. The project will be able to generate 84.7 billion ks/hours of electric power annually when it is completed in 2009.

But, a revision of the plan also calls for inclusion of a new underground power plant with six new 700,000-kW generators. The remaining 18 generating units of the Three Gorges Project, which is also one of the major water control works to harness the Yangtze, will all be installed on the southern bank of the river.

Eleven generators had been put into service by July 10, 2003 when the first of the project's generators began working. The project produced 39.1 billion kwh of electricity last year, 5.72 billion kwh more than the state-set quota.

Half of the power generated was sent to economically developed east China, 25 percent to central China and the remainder to south China's Guangdong Province, said Li Yong'an, general manager of China Yangtze River Three Gorges Project Development Corporation.

Source: Xinhua

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200501/13/eng20050113_170462.html

An input of 16 billion yuan for Golden Waterway Project along Yangtze River

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, March 30, 2004

Starting from this year China will, in 17 years, put in 16 billion yuan into repairing the main watercourse of the Yangtze River in a bid to renovate the river's navigation channels.

It is a reparation work, the largest in scale ever since the founding of the PRC, said an official at Changjiang (Yangtze River) Waterway Bureau. It means that the Golden Waterway of the Yangtze River is stepping into the golden period for its development. He also said: "by 2020, the Yangtze is going to become a modern navigation watercourse which is safe, expedite, convenient and efficient.

It is learned that the Ministry of Communications has just approved the Changjiang Main Waterway Development Plan and decided to conduct large-scale comprehensive reparation work along the Yangtze navigation channel. Starting from Shuifu port in Yunnan province and extending to the Yangtze estuary in Shanghai it stretches a total of 2,838 kilometers. The total investment is well over 16 billion-yuan of which 12 billion is to be invested directly in repairing the navigation passage.

According to the plan the related Yangtze waterway departments will, step by step, have more than 30 shallows and shoals systematically repaired along the Yangtze River where they impede navigation. It includes the building of structures such as T-dams (to narrow the waters for deepening the watercourses), the clearing, retrieving and dredging of the watercourse, renewal of the establishment such as waterway measures, navigation marks and signals as well as the building of some wharfs, stations, bank revetments and shoal protections etc.

With the comprehensive reparation the navigation scale of the Yangtze waterway will be raised. The part between Yunnan Shuifu and Chongqing will be built into a third class waterway, which can pass fleets formed by 1,000-ton barges all the year round. The part between Chongqing and Wuhai will be put into a first class waterway for passing through barges of 2,000 and 3.500 tons. The part below Wuhan can pass 20,000-ton - 40,000-ton fleet formed by 2,000-ton - 5,000-ton barges. The part between Tongling and Nanjing can pass 5,000-ton sea vessels all the year round. And the part below Nanjing can be upgraded to pass sea-crafts above 50,000 tons all the year round.

By People's Daily Online

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200403/30/eng20040330_138948.shtml

World's largest ship lock starts operation officially on Yangtze River

UPDATED: 08:19, July 09, 2004

The giant ship lock of the Three Gorges Water Control Project on the Yangtze River opened officially for navigation on Thursday following a one-year successful trial operation.

Construction of the two-way five-step lock, the largest in the world, took nine years as from April 17, at a cost of 6.2 billion yuan (746.99 million US dollars),

The ship lock, which features a two-way lifting facility for the 113-meter drop between the upstream and downstream separated by the gigantic dam, went into trial operation after the Three Gorges reservoir began to store water in June 2003.

The lock, which was built entirely by Chinese engineers after solving a number of unprecedented technical difficulties, enables ships to pass through the dam in about two and a half hours via the 6.44-km-long dock on the northern bank of the Yangtze River.

The construction of the Three Gorges Project, the world's biggest hydro-electric project, began in 1993 and is expected to be completed in 2009.

Source: Xinhua

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200407/09/eng20040709_148999.html

Ship lock of the Three Gorges Project works well

Several ships sail in the diversion channel after passing the permanent ship lock of the Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River in central China's Hubei Province, July 6, 2004. Official announcement said on Thursday that the permanent ship locks function well with a water level between 135 m and 139 m, thus the trial navigation will be turned into full functional navigation since July 8, 2004. The construction of the ship lock began in 1994. It started its trial navigation on June 16, 2003 and was open to public on June 18 the same year.

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200407/09/eng20040709_149008.html

Pour encourager le développement des relations entre le Québec et la Chine

This trip starts from Beijing.

NOTE: Full refund for your payment if withdraw 60 days before departure date.

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15 days of Tibet Nomad hiking experience
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This trip is sponsored by the China Provincial Ministry of Tourism

Continuing to the Registration page will bring you to the China Hiking Adventures Inc. Online Registration System Page for secure registration. For additional details please use the e-mail link on the navigation bar or call the Tour Operator Tony at 416-605-7479.

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