Sustainable tourism in China

My sister who was on a Viking cruise to China sent these photos of a primary school in Jingzhou sponsored by Viking. It is a poor town.  It is a trend for companies to contribute something to the local economy (sustainable tourism). That certainly benefits both parties.  The tourists enjoyed the visit to the school and participated in certain activities.

Misspelled

Three Gorges

I asked my sister who is on a Viking cruise to China to send me some photos of the scenery and she did not disappoint. They travelled 193 miles through the Three Gorges, the most scenic section of the Yangtze river.

A gorge is 'a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.' Three Gorges consists of Qutang gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. They took my sister on a little trip up a Yangtze tributary by Sampan boat as pictured below.

The sea level has raised 180m (590 ft) since the Three Gorges dam was built. I will talk about the dam tomorrow.

stunning scenery

travelling by  Sampan boat

Xiling Gorge

Travelling Vicariously Again

Terracotta Army

My sister and brother (and his wife) are on a cruise to China. They shared photos of the 2200 year old Terracotta Army in Xian, China. Some 8000 terracotta soldiers were discovered in 1974 when farmers were digging a well. China's first emperor Qin, a harsh dictator, had ordered them made by slaves to accompany him in death. It is an elaborate mausoleum considered one of the greatest archaelogical sites in the world. Emperor Qin unified China, standardized its weights and measures, monetary, economic, legal and political systems. He built The Great Wall. His son had all the 700,000 artisans and workers buried alive to keep the location of the tomb a secret. Here is an interesting link if you want more details.

And let us commemorate the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States.