1984 Trip on Yangzi - Chongqing to Shanghai

31. Muddy Yangzi River

The color of river was always reddish brown due to silt caused by erosion of the mountains located along the river. This problem was exacerbated if not created by the wholesale cutting of trees during China's ill-fated attempt at a "Great Leap Forward." The chance at seeing crystalline waters and green mountains was supposed to be in a Yangzi tributary known as the "Little Three Gorges." Unfortunately, due to the storm, the waters were muddy there as well and the small boats had to turn back.