10/11/07-Yangtze River Cruise (Fengdu, the Ghost City)

After breakfast, we toured Shibaozhai, a famous pagoda, Fengdu, the Ghost City, balanced precariously on top of the steep cliff near the shore of the Yaangtse. To get there we traversed about 80 steps, passed through a large number of vendors, both free-lance and in small stalls, were transported by chair-lift half way up the mountain, and then walked gradually up to the pagoda, passing by numerous small temples and statues. The idea of this place is that it is the home of evil spirits and therefore remotely located and difficult to access. While we toured it was misty and rainy, giving the place an eerie feel. The group were not unhappy to leave and get back to the cruise ship for lunch. Well, we hadn't eaten for hours after all. Pictures can be found here Fengdu, the Ghost City.

The afternoon was spent lounging around the ship. The weather remained overcast, so we chatted about our impressions of China so far and rested up for dinner. After dinner, there was a show again given by the crew, again demonstrating ethnic minorities dances from various regions of the country. There was also a talent show put on by some of the passengers that was entertaining, including German and English groups singing bawdy songs. We did not participate, however. The evening ended with dancing.

Note: It was refreshing to see how the Chinese celebrate their ethnic diversity. At least on the surface as far as we could tell.