THE THREE GORGES WILL REMAIN ON VICTORIA CRUISES' ITINERARIES AFTER THE DAM PROJECT IS COMPLETE

Yangtze River In China Will Continue To Draw Visitors Worldwide

NEW YORK (Feb. 5, 2003) - The magnificent Three Gorges will remain on Victoria Cruises' Yangtze River itineraries in 2003 and beyond, as the Three Gorges Dam project, the largest engineering endeavor of its kind, moves into its next phases of development.

"Many people are under the assumption that once the Dam and flooding are complete, the Three Gorges will disappear, but this is not true," said Larry Greenman, manager, public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.

Water levels within the Three Gorges will rise as the project proceeds (markers along the river show how far the water level will rise) but Victoria Cruises' vessels will continue sailing through the canyons and valleys that make-up this awe-inspiring wonder.

"The Yangtze River will continue to be one of China's most popular attractions, even when the Three Gorges Dam Project goes into its next phase and the water levels begin to rise," said Greenman. "The Three Gorges rise 1,000 meters above sea level, and the flooding in 2003 will only raise the water levels to 135 meters above sea level, therefore leaving much of the Three Gorges for travelers to enjoy as they sail the Yangtze," he added.

In 2006, the water levels will rise to 165 meters above sea level, and in 2009, when the Dam project is complete, the water levels will rise to 175 meters.

While it is true that 39 of the 108 historical objects and sites in the Three Gorges will be submerged once the Dam project is complete, the majority of sites and magnificent scenery will not be affected. Breathtaking vistas will remain. Spectacular mountain ridges and mystical, cloud-shrouded peaks will remain. The peaceful atmosphere of the area will continue to prevail. And, in an effort to save a number of the historical sites that will be impacted by the flooding, several of these attractions will be moved and relocated elsewhere. For example, Zhang Fei Temple in Yunyang will be rebuilt strictly (in a new resettlement area) according to its current architectural design.

How The Three Gorges Will Remain The Same

The Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges - better known as the infamous Three Gorges - will continue to be enjoyed by travelers after the Dam project is complete because of the sheer size of the Gorges.

The current water level in the area of the Qutang and Wu Gorges is quite high, so the Dam project will increase the water approximately 80 meters. Since the mountain peaks and cliffs in these areas are between several hundred and more than 1,000 meters high, most picturesque spots will not be impacted beyond the disappearance of a few plank roads and water eroded caves.

The landmark peak of Kui Gate in the Qutang Gorge stands at 350 meters, so this will not be affected. However, the scenic spots at the entrance such as Historical Cliff Road, MengLiang Ladder and Pink Wall have been moved to a place above 175 meters high.

The 12 peaks of Wu Gorge are around 1,000 meters in height with the legendary Goddess Peak rising 900 meters. With the water level increasing about 50 meters, these peaks will continue to impress and inspire visitors. Actually, the distance from Goddess Peak to the riverside will be lessened from 860 meters to 750 meters, affording even better views of the peak.

The western part of Xiling Gorge will be submerged while the eastern part -- namely Huiangniu Gorge and the Shadow-Play Gorge -- will remain.

Huangling Temple (commemorating Yu the Greta), Lamp Shadow Gorge, Sanyou Cave and QuYuan Memorial Temple in Zigui will also be unaffected.

The Changing Face Of The Three Gorges

Once the Dam project is complete in 2009, the following sites along the upper Yangtze River will disappear: Zhang Fei Temple in Yunyang (being relocated), the Eight-Diagram Formations in Fengjie, the cliff tablets, plank roads and the Bellows Gorges at Qutang Gorge, the Kongming Tablet at the Wu Gorge, and the Military Brook, Precious Swords and the Ox Liver and Horse Lung formations at Xiling Gorge.

Part of the ghost town of Fengdu will be submerged; scenery above the "Door of Hell" will remain. Baidi City in FengJie will be partially submerged and then be known as Baidi Island. Mt. Bidishan will have water on four sides (now it's surrounded by water on three sides).

After the flooding, tourists will no longer have to climb or hike to Shibao Block, Jade Seal Hill and White Emperor City, which are located in the mountains and will be cloaked in mists.

Enhanced Travel Options Through The Gorges

The resulting higher water levels will actually allow Victoria Cruises to reach parts of the Yangtze River that were previously not accessible. Flooding will make it possible for visitors to travel further into the Small Three Gorges and go upstream on the Wu, Daning and Shennong Rivers - all Yangtze tributaries. Tourists will be able to see many new destinations - among them a cluster of 24 coffins placed in crevices on steep cliffs (bronze objects in these coffins have dated the owners to the Western Han Dynasty 206 BC-AD 24).

Although the Small Three Gorges will experience a slight diminishment of features of Longmen Gorge and BaWu Gorge, the potential expansion of these Gorges' offerings is amazing.

In an effort to provide travelers with the most complete Yangtze River experience, Victoria Cruises is researching new sightseeing opportunities, previously not accessible, for after the water levels rise and the Dam project is finished.

The Three Gorges Dam Site

Yes, the Three Gorges Dam Project will have an impact on tourism, but in actuality, the Dam site itself will become a major Chinese attraction.

The Three Gorges Dam is being built to control the Yangtze River and the floods that ravage the river basin each year. Beyond flood control, the massive water conservancy project will yield benefits for power generation, navigation, the breeding of aquatic products, and water supply. The Three Gorges Dam Project is taking approximately 12 years to complete (with it finishing in 2009).

Victoria Cruises: The Pre-eminent Cruise Line Plying The Yangtze's Waters

Based in New York, Victoria Cruises established new standards of excellence for Yangtze River cruising in 1994 with the inaugural sailing of the Victoria I. Since that time, the number of ships has grown year-by-year, and the company has achieved great success by introducing the majesty of the Yangtze River to travelers worldwide. A U.S.-managed company, Victoria Cruises operates the largest fleet of vessels sustaining international standards of quality and comfort on the Yangtze River.

Highlighted by spectacular scenery, these river adventures leave an indelible mark in the memories of Victoria's guests. All cruises feature professional, multi-lingual, Western cruise directors and well-trained local staff; a full range of facilities; Chinese specialties and Western cuisine; standard cabins offering comfortable accommodations as well as luxuriously-appointed suites; interesting lectures on history and culture; live entertainment featuring traditional performing arts; and more.

In 2003, Victoria Cruises will offer four- to nine-day itineraries (Grand Yangtze Discovery, Eastern Yangtze and Classic Yangtze, plus summer and winter specials) for journeys downstream or upstream between Chongqing and Nanjing or ones that begin and end in Wuhan.

Traveling the length of the Yangtze River on the Grand Yangtze Discovery introduces cruisers to the ancient and modern wonders of China between Chongqing and Nanjing, historically significant as the seat of the imperial court by the first Ming emperor.

Highlights include the famed Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu and Xiling - showcasing dramatic scenery, deep valleys, verdant landscapes and stunning vistas; shore excursions of the Small Gorges of either Shennong Stream or the Daning River; and the Three Gorges Dam Site, the world's largest construction project.

The Eastern Yangtze itinerary takes cruisers between Nanjing and Wuhan, upstream and downstream. NEW to this itinerary in 2003 are stops at Jiujiang, a peaceful town, once the premier port for the porcelain and tea trade, as well as the starting point for a visit to Mt. Lushan; Guichi and mystical Mt. JiuHuaShan.

The Classic Yangtze sailing brings the magnificence of the Three Gorges and the Small Three Gorges into view. The ship journeys through vast canyons as it carries travelers between Chongqing and Wuhan.

A new seasonal itinerary (winter 2002/2003) takes travelers between Chongqing and Yichang. Highlights include the Three Gorges Dam Site, magnificent Xiling Gorge and the Small Gorges.

For more information and a new free 2005 color brochure, contact Victoria Cruises at 57-08 39th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377; phone (800) 348-8084, (212) 818-1680; fax (212) 818-9889. Send e-mail to contact@victoriacruises.com