San Dou Ping, site of three gorges dam

Trip Start Jul 28, 2006
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17
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Trip End Ongoing


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Monday, August 14, 2006

Today was our first day cruising along the Yangtze River. Our first sop was at San Dou Ping, the site of the world's largest hydroelectric dam begun in the early 90's and scheduled for total completion in 2008-9. The Chinese government began the project in earnest after the 1998 floods that caused $20 billion in damages. In addition to flood control, the dam will also improve navigation along the river and create electricity for the millions of Chinese people. Some 1.13 million of the population has faced relocation due to the project. Only a small portion were allowed to relocate in government constructed apartment buildings in higher group. The vas majority was forced to relocate in other provinces; a change welcomed by younger Chinese and resisted by the older generation.
The complex is massive and the visitor's center informative and beautiful. My feeling is that China is the future-these people will soon be self-sufficient while we continue our dependence on global oil. The Chinese government is encouraging private enterprise and small business development with tax rebates. Most of the younger people are industrious, smart and ambitious. Our crew on the ship is a multi-talented group with great ambitions.
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Comments

jabog33ws
jabog33ws on Aug 21, 2006 at 02:11AM

China on the horizon
So what do you like the best about China so far? Are you doing OK on the trip as far as preparations are concerned?

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