Rapid urbanization in the Three Gorges region has raised questions about whether age-old traditions, such as the annual dragon-boat race, would survive into the future. Senior residents are pessimistic, saying that the destruction of the old cities has cut off a vital link to the past. Others complain that the placid lake created by the dam has made the race much less exciting and interesting. The dragonboat race is a highlight of the annual calendar for cities like Wushan, photographed here in June 2003. This was the last race to be held in the old city before it was completely demolished and submerged. [Wushan June 14 2003]
