The first group of visitors has toured the Minor Three Gorges since the water storage at the Three Gorges Reservoir was completed on June 10.
A ceremony was held to mark the maiden voyage after the water level at the Three Gorges hit the 135-meter level.
The first group comprised 300 tourists from Chongqing Municipality and Hubei Province. They toured the scenic area place in 12 boats.
The Minor Three Gorges refers to the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge and Dicui Gorge with a total length of 50 km. Known as one of the 40 most beautiful scenic spots in China, the Minor Three Gorges has wonderful views, suspended coffins and an ancient wooden road which was built along mountain cliffs.
Though water has inundated a dozen scenic spots in the region, the Minor Three Gorges are open to double-deck luxurious boats on the Daning River, a tributary of the Yangtze River.
Tourist departments of Wushan County are making efforts to open new scenic spots.
(People's Daily June 13, 2003)
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