Dams & Water Flow in China

Your adventure has begun as you embark on global travel to Yichang. As your plane descends, take a look out of your window to see towering mountains and forests galore. A local guide will greet you and the airport and transfer you to a local hotel. 

 Take time to rest and unpack. In the afternoon, you may choose to go for a nature walk, splash in the hotel infinity pool, or take a quick cat nap. In the evening, you will meet with your local guide and group from a traditional Chinese dinner, which is an excellent chance to ask questions about your upcoming adventures.

It’s time to explore your new surroundings as you tour the city of Yichang. Start at the Chinese Sturgeon Museum, which was initially founded by the Chinese Research Institute to preserve 27 endangered fish species. See if you can spot all of them! Next, you’ll arrive at Peach Blossom Village. This scenic area dates back to 1st century B.C., and abounds with cherry blossoms and fruit. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a park before making your final stop at the Three Travelers’ Cave. Explore its depths with a flashlight and keep an eye out for bats. 

It’s time to learn about the engineering of water flow and dams! Drive along the Yangtze River to view breathtaking cliffs and a massive ravine. After 90 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Hemangioma Pier, which is downstream from the Three Gorges Dam. Enjoy lunch at this ideal observation spot before visiting the dam from three angles. First is Tanziling, the highest point of the dam. Next, is the Viewing Platform, which is the start place of the main dam. Finally, stop at Damming Memorial Park downstream of the dam itself. Check out its material section, acting section, and technology exhibit where a professional engineer will accompany this excursion to educate you on the magnificent Three Gorges Dam.

Wake up for an early breakfast and bullet train ride to the city of Beijing. Drop off your bags at your hotel before venturing into China’s famous Forbidden City. Explore the majesty of the Chinese palace and learn how the building is significant for both politics and ceremonies. Delve into the art exhibits to view paintings from the Ming Dynasty. Next, you’ll travel to a local restaurant for an authentic Chinese lunch before arriving at the Temple of Heaven. This attraction has the largest number of sacrificial buildings in the country. Stroll through the prayer halls and take a lesson on tai chi taught by locals.

Today you will experience one of the most famous international tourist attractions, the Great Wall of China! You’ll arrive at the ancient Mutianyu area of the wall to climb the Ming Dynasty watchtowers. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Be sure to ask your guide what role Qin Shi Huang played in building this spectacular wall. You have a choice to descend the hill by cable car or a toboggan ride. Take a break for lunch at a restaurant in a local village. Explore the area before heading back to the hotel.

You’re off to learn more about Asia’s water flow and dams. Make your way to Logging Gorge to experience breathtaking views of the Yangtze River and surrounding mountains. Notice how clear the water is. From here, you’ll likely spot the 70-meter high Logging Dam. It’s inset between picturesque hills, white clouds, and deep green water. Use the elevator within an artificial dragon to get into the dam. Once above, you’ll relieve full behind-the-scenes look this structure guided by engineers of the dam. After a full day of learning, enjoy a river cruise back to your bus transfer. Enjoy the sun setting over the mountainside during your last night in China.

This week has been an adventurous and educational one, but it’s time to head home. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guide. Discuss your favorite memories and what you learned. Next, you’ll head to the local airport to catch your departure flight.