0:00:02 > 0:00:05- The Yangtze is crucial - for China's future.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- From its source in Tibet - to its estuary in Shanghai...
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- ..it's one of the busiest and - most dangerous rivers in the world.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22- During the past century, floods - have killed over 300,000 people.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- Today, - the people are fighting back...
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- ..with a plan to control - the river's destructive power.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- The Three Gorges Dam is so vast, - you can see it from space.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- The dam's hydropower - drives the Chinese economy...
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- ..and feeds cities - such as Chongqing...
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- ..which is growing faster - than any other city in the world.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- But there is a price to pay - for this accelerated growth.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- For 400 miles - further up the river...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- ..the landscape - has changed completely.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- Thousands of homes have been - submerged under this great lake.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- At its estuary, the river - is eroding the coastline...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..and undermining - the Chinese economy.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- Today, the ancient history - of the Yangtze is being rewritten.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- For better and for worse.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- This is my first visit to China.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- The country is changing rapidly.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- In recent years, - China's economy has grown faster...
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- ..than any other economy - in the world.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Many Chinese people - have benefited from this growth.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- Others haven't been as fortunate.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- The economic growth continues.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- The ideal of Communism, personal - sacrifice for the good of others...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- ..meets the idea - of free trade in China.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- Changes have happened - beyond people's lives.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- The landscape has also changed, - and the Yangtze in particular.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- The story of the Yangtze - is the story of modern China.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- It shows how the Government - tries to control nature...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..as it shapes the nation's future.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- But the Yangtze - is a dangerous force.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- It has an incredible hold - over the country.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- It's a power - which it has always had.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- For centuries, - the Yangtze has fed the plant...
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- ..which feeds the world's - largest population.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- China's paddy fields flourish - on the river's nourishment.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- As it flows from the mountains - to the sea...
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- ..the Yangtze erodes the land...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..and carries mineral-laden silt - in its waters.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- When it reaches the plains, it - overflows and fertilizes the soil.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- The Yangtze aids the production of - almost 50% of China's grain crops.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- The river breathes life - into the land...
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- ..but it's also a destructive force.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- The Yangtze regularly overflows.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- When that happens, - it endangers the lives...
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- ..of people - who live on the riverbanks.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- In 1998, a wave measuring 50 metres - in height surged down the river...
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- ..destroying 5 million houses.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- As millions of people - fled from their homes...
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- ..the Government declared - a state of emergency.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- The 1998 floods were a huge setback - for the Chinese economy.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- It strengthened the argument that - something drastic had to be done...
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- ..to stop the river - overflowing again.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- This is how the Government - intends to do that.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- The Three Gorges Dam.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- Almost 200m tall - and a mile in length...
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- ..this is China's - largest construction project...
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- ..since the Great Wall.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- The Government claims - that this concrete dam...
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- ..will control the river - and prevent flooding.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- It's hugely ambitious...
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- ..and the technology behind it - is just as ambitious.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- The construction work continues but - the main wall has been completed...
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- ..creating a reservoir - 400 miles long.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- This will calm the waters that have - created so much pain in the past.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- The idea of creating the dam - has been discussed for years.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- In the '50s, - Communist leader Mao Tse-Tung...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- ..supported the construction...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- ..of the world's largest - hydro-electrical dam.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- In 1994, after Mao's death...
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- ..official permission - was granted for the project.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- The work of constructing a dam - across the Yangtze began.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27- It was one of the most controversial - construction projects in history.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- 20,000 people worked - around the clock on the project.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- It has so far cost 12 billion.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- Many have paid the ultimate cost.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- Over a thousand workers have died - during the construction.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- Zhang Chaoran has been part - of the project since the start.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- He is the dam's Chief Engineer.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- According to him, those who died - sacrificed their lives for others.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- We've reduced instances - of the Yangtze overflowing...
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- ..from one in 10 years - to one in 100 years.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- If we have floods similar - to the floods of 1998 again...
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- ..the dam will make a difference.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- The people lower down the river - won't be affected.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37- The dam successfully controls - the river's flow.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Being on the dam - is a frightening feeling.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- You can feel the water - surging under your feet.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- It makes everything shake.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- If I stop walking, - can you see the water moving?
0:07:55 > 0:08:01- But the dam could create - the worst wave China has ever seen.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- The region around the Three Gorges - is a hotspot for earthquakes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- This concrete wall has been built - on top of a seismic fault.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- Storing so much water in an area - affected by earthquakes is a danger.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- The engineers insist that they have - taken this into consideration.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- In this area, earthquakes are rare.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- An earthquake measuring higher - than six on the Richter scale...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- ..happens once every 10,000 years.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46- This dam has been built to withstand - an earthquake measuring seven.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- If the unexpected did happen and - an earthquake destroyed the dam...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- ..it would create the most - devastating wave in China's history.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- Some say the dam - could cause an earthquake.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- The weight of the water - in the reservoir...
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- ..could cause the earth's core - to move.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- The Government has admitted - that seismic activity in the area...
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- ..has increased - since the reservoir was created.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- But it insists that the danger - is minimal...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- ..when compared - to the advantages the dam creates.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- So far, it has been right.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- Since building the reservoir, - the river has overflown...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- ..less than 25% of its usual rate.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- The concrete wall - has succeeded in calming the waters.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Stopping floods was only one reason - for building the dam.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Another reason - was building the Chinese economy.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- The role of the Yangtze is crucial.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- The Three Gorges Dam - has transformed the Yangtze...
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- ..from a wild river to one - of the calmest rivers to sail on.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Before the dam was built...
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- ..ships struggled - to contend with the current.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Today, - the dam has eased the current...
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- ..making it easier for ships - to travel further than ever...
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- ..into the Chinese mainland.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- It would be impossible for ships - to travel through the dam.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- There's a long concrete wall - in the way.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- But the water level below the dam - is hundreds of feet lower...
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- ..than the water level - above the dam.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- Engineers have devised the world's - most sophisticated floodgate system.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- It allows ships to travel - 600 feet up and down the river.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- It's a journey of five hours, - along the cement corridors...
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- ..from one river level to another.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Today, large cargo ships...
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- ..can travel over a thousand miles - up and down the river.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- The traffic on the Yangtze - will increase as a result.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- This new trade route is - regenerating certain parts of China.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- Huge cities are being formed.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- In addition to connecting these - cities with the outside world...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- ..the dam is the force - behind their growth.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- The dam creates the electricity - that drives the Chinese economy.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- This is the world's - largest hydroelectric station.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- The river can generate - as much power...
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- ..as twelve nuclear power stations.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- The Government claims - that this clean electricity...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- ..will decrease the amount - of fossil fuel China uses.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- It will also decrease - carbon emissions.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- But not everyone supports the plan.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- The Three Gorges Project - has created protests...
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- ..never before seen - in Communist China.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- To understand the root - of these protests...
0:12:48 > 0:12:53- ..I'm travelling upriver to a - landscape that's completely changed.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- I'm going to meet people - who've lost their homes...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- ..under the water.
0:13:07 > 0:13:07- .
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..I travel up the Yangtze, - against the current...
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- ..to the area which gave its name - to the dam - Three Gorges.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- This area was renowned - for its gorges...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..which stretched far - from the main river's valley.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- I was worried the dramatic landscape - would have disappeared...
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- ..under the reservoir - created by the dam.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- I'm not sure what to expect here.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- I knew that it was - a beautiful area...
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- ..before the water levels rose.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- I was worried - that little would be left...
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- ..but, as you can see, - it's still beautiful...
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- ..and still well worth a visit.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- But we're talking about far more - than losing a landscape here.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- The homes of many people have - also disappeared under the water.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- After a 75-mile journey, - I reach the town of Wushan.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- The population here - has first-hand experience...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- ..of the changes caused by the dam.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- When the dam - became operational in 2004...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..the river level rose by 50m here.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- It submerged a large part - of the old Wushan.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- An entire city - was laid to rest under this river.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Chen Qi Ying used to live - in the old part of the city.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- He was a Government official...
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- ..when the Government - moved people to the new city...
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- ..further up the mountain.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- The people were moved - in four stages.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- It was impossible - to move everyone at the same time.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- First, we chose a small area - as a test site.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- Then, we gradually moved the people.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- Today, we have 40,000 newcomers - living in the new city.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- The remains of the old city - are being destroyed...
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- ..as the new city grows.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- The Government claims that change - and modernisation are good.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Many locals disagree.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Some are trying to retain - their old way of life...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..as they continue to work - on their old farmland.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- In a country where - the Government uses force...
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- ..to stop protests - against the dam...
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- ..these people - will also be silenced.
0:16:20 > 0:16:27- This empty area behind me will be - developed as part of the new city.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- It will be developed very quickly.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- It will soon be a plaza - for the community.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- Eventually, - these farmers will be forced out.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- In China, - the Government owns the land.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- The population rents it - on a long-term contract...
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- ..but the Government can cancel - that contract at any time.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- If it wants to, it can submerge - entire cities to create a new China.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- In Wales, we are familiar - with the idea of villages...
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- ..being submerged under reservoirs - in Tryweryn and Elan.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- But let's be honest about this. - Capel Celyn was a small village.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- Here, we are talking about - 13 cities, over 100 towns...
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- ..and over 1,000 villages, - lost forever.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Up to 2 million people - have lost their homes.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- Many have been moved - to other areas...
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- ..where the dialect, the weather and - even the local cuisine is different.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- Many have lost their living - as well as their homes.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- Tan Tsia Lan owns a charter boat...
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- ..which works out of Wushan docks.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Today, she organizes trips - for tourists along the Yangtze...
0:18:15 > 0:18:16- ..and its tributaries.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Before the dam was built, - Lan's life was completely different.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Before starting - my tourism business...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- ..I ran a small tavern.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- I was also a farmer.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- When the Three Gorges Reservoir - started to fill...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- ..Lan's farmhouse was among - the first to be submerged.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- As the river level rose, - she moved higher up the mountain.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Then, the water level rose again.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- We moved three times.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Once in 1997, when the course - of the river changed...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- ..once in 2003, and again in 2005.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- We had to move everyone - and everything.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- It was a huge effort - and an expensive exercise.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Despite her troubles, - the Government claims...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..that Lan's story - is one of success.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- She's made the most - of her opportunities...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- ..and compensation money...
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- ..to make a new life for herself.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- Not everyone - has benefited like Lan.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- Many older people - can't, or won't, embrace...
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- ..the retraining schemes - they are offered.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- After farming the land - throughout their lives...
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- ..it's hard - to readjust to city life.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Even those who have benefited - from the change...
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- ..find it difficult - to forget the old times.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- I do miss my old home.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- I can't forget the days when I used - to farm and run the old tavern.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- It was a pleasant life.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- People's homes are not the only - things washed away under the river.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Their heritage has also disappeared.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- The area around the Yangtze was - once home to ancient Asian empires.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- The river has always been - an important boundary...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- ..and the location - of many historic battles.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- There's a wealth - of dynastic architecture here...
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- ..with beautiful temples - built along the river.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- When water levels - started to rise behind the dam...
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- ..the Government - decided to finance a vast project...
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- ..to preserve - the most important buildings.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- They were moved, piece by piece, - to new locations...
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- ..far enough from the river.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- I initially thought that moving - a beautiful building...
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- ..to make way for the reservoir - would be a travesty.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- But don't we do exactly the same - in Wales at St Fagan's?
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- We move and reconstruct buildings - in a fake village outside Cardiff.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Normally, buildings are - moved to make way for new roads.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- The Yangtze is nothing more - than a huge road.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- It was impossible - to save the most ancient relics.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- They were fastened to the land - that would be submerged.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Before building the dam...
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- ..the Government commissioned - and archaeological survey.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- Pe Jian coordinated the project - in Wushan.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- He's taking me - along the River Daning...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..one of the Yangtze's tributaries.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- It flows through the so-called - Lesser Three Gorges.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- This is where Jiang - has concentrated his research.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- His main area of interest - is the Ba people...
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- ..the people who lived on - the steep slopes along the river...
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- ..some 2,000 years ago.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- Evidence of the Ba's culture - can be seen in the rocks...
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- ..high above the river.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- Here we are - on the River Daning.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- We can see a coffin, - high up there in the rock.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- No-one knows how the Ba managed to - place the coffins in the rockface...
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- ..and no-one knows why they did so.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- There are two explanations.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- The first is that the Ba descendants - wanted to honour their forefathers.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- They buried their bodies - in elevated places.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- The second explanation is that they - did this to prevent damage or theft.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- The Ba never imagined - that the river, and not thieves...
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- ..would become the greatest threat - to these coffins.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- When water levels - started to rise in 1998...
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- ..experts started to learn more - about the Ba's traditions.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- But this wasn't enough - to prevent water levels rising.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- Some of the coffins were rescued - and transported to museums...
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- ..but many more - have been washed away.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18- Over 1,000 archaeological sites - have disappeared underwater.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- For locals, - the unique culture of this area...
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- ..is more important - than ever before.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- As the fertile land along - the riverbanks is submerged...
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- ..local farmers - have lost their livelihood too.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- The Government believes - that tourism is the answer.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- They use the area's unique history - to attract visitors.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- One of the most popular trips - is on a traditional boat.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Before creating - the Three Gorges Dam...
0:25:17 > 0:25:23- ..the Daning was too shallow for - heavy boats during the dry season.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- Men known as trackers...
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- ..would pull boats - through the shallowest waters...
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- ..using only a rope - and human strength.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Today, tourists like me - are happily pay...
0:25:42 > 0:25:44- ..to experience - some of the old way of life.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52- Back on the Yangtze, a new China - is taking over from the old one.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- A China full of large cities - and relentless growth.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- Towns and cities - are growing at breakneck speed.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- The Yangtze - feeds this social change.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- Some people welcome the change.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Others battle to keep up.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- As does the river itself.
0:26:25 > 0:26:25- .
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- 400 miles further up the Yangtze...
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- ..at the far end - of the Three Gorges Dam...
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- ..is the flourishing city - of Chongqing.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55- During the past 10 years, - this city had doubled in size.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- Its population has also doubled.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Before arriving, - I knew nothing of Chongqing.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- It's the fastest growing city - in the world.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- It's growing so fast, no-one knows - how many people live here...
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- ..but estimates put the figure - at 30 million people.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- The city map has to be - republished every three months.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- Chongqing's growth is part - of China's Western Development...
0:27:32 > 0:27:37- ..a Government-backed scheme - to boost the country's heartland.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- As well as investing - in bridges, road and dams...
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- ..the Government has to create - 24 million new jobs every year...
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- ..to keep the population in work.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- A successful economy - helps the Government...
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- ..justify drowning all the homes - to make room for the dam.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- Yin Mingshan is at - the forefront of these developments.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- He runs the Lifan Sedan factory.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23- The factory employs 9,000 workers - and a 500 million turnover a year.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33- Mingshan is proud of the vehicles - that roll off the production line.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- These motorbikes and cars...
0:28:35 > 0:28:40- ..have safeguarded his place - on China's Top 30 rich list.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- We make cars and motorbikes here.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- Vehicles from Lifan are sold - to 128 countries across the world.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- You can even buy Lifan motorbikes - in America.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- The Three Gorges Dam - is one of the main reasons...
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- ..for the success of this factory - in Chongqing.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- Mingshan relies on the trade route - of the Yangtze...
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- ..to export his vehicles.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- Before the dam was built...
0:29:17 > 0:29:22- ..container ships could only reach - Chongqing during the wet season...
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- ..when the Yangtze flowed - deep and fast through the city.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- Today, the dam, - and its floodgate system...
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- ..makes it possible for ships - to enter and leave Chongqing...
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- ..throughout the year.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- The main benefit of the Yangtze - is its convenience for ships.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- Exporting along the river - is very, very cheap.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Before the dam was built...
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- ..Chongqing's electric supply - was very unstable.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- So much so that power - was rationed at the factory.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04- There was a campaign to stop - using electricity for three days...
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- ..to ensure - we had a supply for four days.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11- That problem was solved - by the Three Gorges Dam.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Today, the hydropower - generated by the dam...
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- ..has helped create a buzz - in Chongqing.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- At night, it's obvious that there's - a plentiful supply of electricity.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32- Looking around, you'd swear that - everyone was doing rather well.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Don't be deceived by the lights.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- Between the busy port - and the city's trade centre...
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- ..is Qiansimen, - where the bang bang live and work.
0:30:52 > 0:30:58- The 100,000 porters carry the - city's weight on their shoulders.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- The bang bang form part - of the 500,000 people...
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- ..who move from the countryside - to Chongqing every year.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- Bang bang is the Chinese word - for bamboo.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- That's where these porters - get their name.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- Hu Shan moved to Chongqing - two years ago.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- He's been working as a bang bang - ever since.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- Despite the physical nature - of his work...
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- ..Shan is only paid 4 a day.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- After sending some of the money - home to his parents...
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- ..he supports his wife - and two children on the remainder.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- In one of the city's - poorest areas...
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- ..Shan shares a flat - with his sister and her family...
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- ..to reduce living costs.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- This is my home.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09- This is the bathroom.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- This is the kitchen.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- It was hard to believe...
0:32:17 > 0:32:22- ..that four adults and four children - lived in these three tiny rooms.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- It's better than their - previous home in rural China.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31- For Shan and his family...
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- ..this is the first step - towards a brighter future.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- I travelled over 200kms - to reach Chongqing.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- Initially, - I did this to earn a living.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- Now, we're here to provide - a better future for our children.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- The bang bang are an example - of how ordinary people...
0:33:00 > 0:33:04- ..are adapting - and succeeding in today's China.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- Very few of them realize - that the increase in trade...
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- ..which attracted them - to Chongqing...
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- ..is poisoning the river - they depend on.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28- Chongqing is just one of dozens - of cities along the Yangtze.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- These built-up areas - are producing...
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- ..a lot of domestic - and industrial waste.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- A high percentage of it - is released straight into the river.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45- When the Three Gorges Dam was built, - the situation deteriorated.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- The economic boom that followed - the construction of the dam...
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- ..has increased the pollution levels - of cities such as Chongqing.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04- Millions of tonnes of waste - pours into the Yangtze every year.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12- In the past, people believed - the Yangtze was too big to pollute.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- Any waste was washed away - by the strong current.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- The reservoir created by the Three - Gorges Dam has altered the current.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- The pace of the water on the - river's surface has increased...
0:34:30 > 0:34:35- ..but the underlying current - has dropped to almost nothing.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- Today, the river doesn't - carry waste away from the city.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- The waste gathers behind the dam.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51- A polluted Yangtze could have an - adverse effect on people's health.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- This river and its tributaries...
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- ..provides drinking water for - 1 in 15 of the world's population.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Pollution isn't the only threat - triggered by the dam.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- As the river flows away - from Chongqing...
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- ..towards the East China Sea...
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- ..the effect of the new developments - become far more apparent.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- For the final part of my journey, - I leave Chongqing...
0:35:28 > 0:35:32- ..and travel east - towards the estuary in Shanghai.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37- While my journey between the cities - is trouble-free...
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- ..the course of the river - is far more troubled.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- A third of the way - between Chongqing and the sea...
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- ..the Yangtze meets - the Three Gorges Dam...
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- ..the starting point of my journey.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- The river collides - with the dam...
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- ..like a car - careering towards a concrete wall.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06- The current, and everything - it carries, comes to a sudden halt.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18- The Chinese Government - is very proud of the dam.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- They encourage tourists to visit...
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- ..to marvel at - the 'New Great Wall of China'.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- During the official tour, visitors - learn about the dam's success.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- But deep in the heart - of this beast...
0:36:42 > 0:36:44- ..there's a very different story.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- A story about one - of the dam's greatest deficiencies.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- While the river's water - flows through the dam...
0:36:55 > 0:37:00- ..the same isn't true about the - rich silt carried by the current.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- The Yangtze carries - tonnes of silt in its waters.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- That silt is responsible - for the river's brown colour.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16- Special silt valves - have been built in the dam's wall...
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- ..to ensure that the silt - can flow down the river.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- But the Yangtze - carries so much silt...
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- ..the system doesn't work - as it should.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34- Millions of tonnes of silt remain - behind the dam walls each year.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- As the sediment increases - at the bottom of the reservoir...
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- ..the water level also rises.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- There's a strong likelihood - of the levels rising...
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- ..further upstream at Chongqing.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- The danger is so severe, - the Government has announced...
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- ..that it intends to move a further - 2 million people to higher ground.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- Towards the end - of the river's journey...
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- ..the silt problem - becomes even more apparent.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- About 600 miles - downstream of the dam...
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- ..I reach Shanghai.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- A shiny city - at the estuary of the Yangtze...
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- ..Shanghai is a symbol - of China's economic growth.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26- But, today, the dam threatens - to destroy the city's foundations...
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- ..and the wealth it generates.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29- .
0:38:42 > 0:38:47- Shanghai has grown, quite literally, - on the wealth of the Yangtze.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- When the river reaches the sea...
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- ..all the silt - that's been carried by the water...
0:38:57 > 0:38:59- ..gathers here in Shanghai.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- In fact, the city's foundations - have been built on this silt.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- But if that silt - doesn't flow freely to the city...
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- ..a huge problem is created.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- Yang Shi Lung is a geologist.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- He's leading a research project...
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- ..on the changing silt levels - of the Yangtze.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- He takes me to his research centre - on Chongming Island.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36- To the north of Shanghai, in - the centre of the Yangtze estuary...
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- ..this island was formed - on a bed of silt.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- Fifty years ago, this area - was submerged in water.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- There were no plants here.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- This area has grown - because of the Yangtze's silt.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56- When the silt levels rose, - plants started to grow.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- Today, the Chongming wetlands - form a conservation area...
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- ..with a wide variety of wildlife.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- The island provides a respite - for birds migrating north.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18- It's a crucial nursery - for fish and wetland animals.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- Very few wetlands along the Yangtze - have been earmarked for nature.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31- In Shanghai, concrete structures - dominate the landscape.
0:40:38 > 0:40:44- As China's economic capital, - Shanghai is growing rapidly.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- It's one of the most populated areas - on the planet.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53- Building plots here are some - of the most expensive in the world.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- The city has twice - as many skyscrapers as New York.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04- The Government hopes the river - will continue to add silt...
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- ..to the coastline to allow - the city to grow further.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- But there is a vital flaw - in this plan - a shortage of silt.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18- Since the construction - of the Three Gorges Dam...
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- ..our research shows that around - 140 million tonnes of silt...
0:41:23 > 0:41:29- ..were trapped in the dam - each year between 2003 and 2006.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- That's around 60% of - the silt content of this river.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- The silt wetlands - are in danger of disappearing...
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- ..since so much is retained - by the dam.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- Instead of adding - to the coastline...
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- ..the river is now eroding - the existing land.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- Almost three square miles of land - has disappeared to date.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- The Government - will have to build sea defences...
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- ..to protect the coastline.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16- Land isn't the only thing - that is disappearing in Shanghai.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Its wildlife is also dwindling.
0:42:20 > 0:42:25- Here, in the market, you can see the - variety of fish caught in the river.
0:42:28 > 0:42:34- 80% of China's freshwater fish - is caught in the Shanghai estuary.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- It's a profitable industry providing - food for much of the population.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- Here, in the market...
0:42:46 > 0:42:51- ..you'd never think there was - a shortage of fish in Shanghai.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52- But there is.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- In recent years, the amount of fish - caught along the Yangtze...
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- ..has decreased by - 1 million tonnes a year.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- Over-fishing has certainly - added to the problem...
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- ..but the dam has also been - a contributing factor.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- Since most of the silt - is retained by the dam...
0:43:14 > 0:43:18- ..these wetlands, a breeding ground - for fish, are disappearing.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- With nowhere to breed, - the fish are in trouble.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31- Changes in silt levels also affect - the river's fragile ecosystem.
0:43:32 > 0:43:37- Silt feeds the plankton which is - an important part of the food chain.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42- Tests have shown - that a reduction in silt levels...
0:43:42 > 0:43:47- ..affects the number and variety - of plankton that grows in the water.
0:43:48 > 0:43:53- Some groups of plankton are - disappearing while others flourish.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56- This could have - a disastrous effect on fish...
0:43:56 > 0:43:59- ..that depend - on a particular kind of plankton.
0:44:02 > 0:44:08- The biggest threat to the Yangtze - may come from trade developments.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15- The new lock system - at the Three Gorges Dam...
0:44:16 > 0:44:18- ..has made it easier - to navigate the waters.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22- Traffic on the river - has increased dramatically.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28- Shanghai is now the busiest port - in the world.
0:44:31 > 0:44:36- The increase in ships is a danger to - everything which lives in the river.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43- It's obvious why wildlife - would suffer in the Yangtze.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- Imagine being a creature - trying to survive in this water.
0:44:47 > 0:44:52- Trying to cross the river with this - traffic is like playing chicken.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- The combination of losing silt - deposits and industrial growth...
0:44:59 > 0:45:05- ..has prompted the Government to ban - fishing on some parts of the river.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- Even where fishing is permitted...
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- ..only a few fish - are caught these days.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- Fish that were once common - in these waters...
0:45:21 > 0:45:25- ..are in danger of only being seen - in museums in the future.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32- One fish - which is about to become extinct...
0:45:32 > 0:45:34- ..is the river's sturgeon.
0:45:35 > 0:45:40- Measuring up to four metres in - length and weighing half a tonne...
0:45:40 > 0:45:45- ..this huge fish was once - a regular source of nourishment.
0:45:47 > 0:45:51- Since the dam was built, - sturgeon numbers have dwindled.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- To stave off the - possible extinction of this fish...
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- ..the Government has introduced - a conservation project.
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- Some wetland areas have - become nurseries for the sturgeon.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15- Fishermen have to release...
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- ..any sturgeon they catch - back to the water.
0:46:20 > 0:46:25- Experts fear that this - is too little too late.
0:46:27 > 0:46:32- The sturgeon may well face - the same fate as the baiji dolphins.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36- In December 2006, - this unique creature...
0:46:36 > 0:46:38- ..disappeared from the Yangtze.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- The disappearance of the baiji - and the drop in fish numbers...
0:46:46 > 0:46:50- ..proves that the health - of the Yangtze hangs in the balance.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- In Shanghai, - you can see how man's influence...
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- ..has adversely affected the river.
0:47:03 > 0:47:07- As it reaches the end - of its journey across China...
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- ..the Yangtze reaches - an important crossroads.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- The Three Gorges Dam has produced - clean energy and prosperity...
0:47:19 > 0:47:21- ..along every bend in its path.
0:47:23 > 0:47:29- It has also generated commercial - growth that the river can't sustain.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35- Now that the trend has been set...
0:47:35 > 0:47:40- ..it's difficult to see how China - can allay this poisonous growth.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57- The story of the Yangtze - is a perfect example...
0:47:58 > 0:48:00- ..of how man - has tried to control nature.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02- Would I have built the dam? No.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05- There again, I don't govern China.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09- I'm not responsible for the - millions of people who live here.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13- But it's there now, and the only - thing the Chinese can do...
0:48:13 > 0:48:16- ..is learn to live with it - and hope for the best.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22- Remember that demand for electricity - in China rises every day.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27- Plans are afoot to build more dams - along the River Yangtze.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33- The wealth and the future of China - depend on the Yangtze's waters.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38- But what kind of future - for the river and its people?
0:48:39 > 0:48:41- Who knows!
0:49:18 > 0:49:21- S4C subtitles by Simian 04
0:49:21 > 0:49:21- .