Shidu
(The Juma River Valley)
I: Getting there; first view of the gorge
After visiting the site of Peking Man in the morning and having lunch along the highway, we continue southwest to Shidu, the name for the beautiful gorge of the Juma River between Zhangfang and the town of Shidu, which is at the end of the gorge. Shidu means Ten Ferries, or Ten Crossings. The name derives from the fact that before the new road and bridges were built, travelers had to cross the river ten times as they journeyed through the gorge between Zhangfang and Shidu. We had no idea that there was such a beautiful place so near Beijing. We were consoled by the fact that neither did Guoshun and Jinghua! Enjoy!
The highway that we drove along after lunch.
This area is heavily agricultural. This scene, of wheat fields, is typical of the whole region. Note the line of hills in the background. They eventually become the gorge.
It is common practice throughout eastern China to dry grain right on the road. The fact that it has been outlawed seems to make no difference. Drivers generally respect the thin piles by driving on the opposite side of the road (but not slowing down!). There is usually somebody tending the piles, as this man is doing.
We stopped in a little tourist-like town and were greeted by this map of the local sights. It's like the Guilin of the North.
Here is one of the ten bridges over the Juma River. It seemed like the Wild West, for at every bridge were horses and young fellows inviting you to ride. They would typically gallop full speed toward you, as if to demonstrate the strength of their animals, and then stop right in front of you. We saw may Chinese people taking rides, but we chose not to. Note the small cultivated areas along the bank.
A typical view along the gorge.
A horse waiting to be ridden. The next picture shows a closer view of the two cars in the background.
Why pay for a car wash when there is a river available? Just drive out on the rocks and go to it. My favorite person here is the woman washing the car with one hand while holding a parasol with the other.
Isn't this beautiful? This was the clearest water we saw anywhere in China. The coloration in the air is regional haze, not fog.
Looking in the opposite direction from the same spot.
Another view along the river, with the omnipresent horses.