Misty Gorge

We just returned from an excursion on sampans down a tributary of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze. Known as the lesser Three Gorges, they are the Sancheng Gorge, Qinwang George, and the Chantan Gorge. Their English translations give a better idea of their character: The Dragon Gate, Misty Gorge, and Emerald Gorge. The scenery here is like a fantasy. I have often seen oriental paintings of mountains with trees growing out the side of cliffs, and I have always assumed that the artist stylized these features for the sake of art. Today, however, I actually saw scenes that were every bit as beautiful as any painting I’ve ever seen. It is almost shocking to realize that the ancient Chinese painters depicted exactly what they saw. In addition, there were some caves perched high in cliff side caves. Though they appeared to be inaccessible, they contain coffins of the Ba people and go back centuries. One can only guess the means mourners used to haul the coffins up the side of such steep cliffs. According to the local traditions, the higher up the cliff side one buries relatives, the happier your family will be. We were astounded of the breathtaking beauty of this place.Read more