China torch relay: Yichang

Landscape of the Three Gorges, file image

In pictures: Three Gorges Dam

As the mighty Yangtze river snakes through the provinces of central China, it cuts sharply into the limestone hills surrounding the port town of Yichang, forming landscapes famous the world over.

Tourists flock to the region to experience the serenity of the Three Gorges area.

But the landscape is altering beyond recognition thanks to the Three Gorges Dam project, just a few miles upriver from Yichang.

CHINA RELAY CITIES IN FOCUS

Use the map to see the full Olympic torch relay route or read about some of the key cities:

Full route map, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Jinggangshan, Shanghai, Nanjing, Huangshan, Three Gorges, Kaili, Lhasa, Urumqi, Xian, Yanji, Weihai, Qufu, Anyang, Beijing.

For years the idea of damming the Yangtze was discussed by politicians eager to harness the awesome power for electricity generation.

Over the past 15 years the idea has slowly become reality, with an engineering project dubbed the biggest since the Great Wall.

It has created a lake 660 km (410 miles) long and about 1km wide, displaced millions of people and submerged dozens of cultural heritage sites.

But officials believe the benefits outweigh the costs. When the dam's turbines begin work - which they are scheduled to do next year - it will produce enough electricity to power a sizeable city.

Are you in Yichang? What do you feel about the torch coming to Yichang? Do you live in any of the locations the torch is due to visit? Send us your comments and experiences.

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