Mighty Yangzi River -- with the 6300 km the third longest in the world -- flows through 9 provinces of China and empties into the sea near Shanghai. On its way its name is changed several times ( the longest strech is Chang Jiang ), but never is called Yangzi Jiang. So from where the Westerns took this Chinese sounding name I do not know.
In 1990 when I was going to Lhasa, Tibet I remember passing a small settlement with a long Chinese name meaning "The First Bridge Over Yangzi River". It was a rather narrow stream there.
But in Yunnan this already a very substantial creek goes through "The First Bend of Yangzi River" and soon enters Hutiao Xia ( Tiger Leaping Gorge) about 16 km long -- one of the deepest gorges in the world -- about 3.900 m from the water lavel to the surrounding mountain tops. The gorge has taken its name after once a tiger leaped form one side to another.
Now I have to make a confession --and i hope you will keep it secret like a catholic priest-confessor does. Your acquaintance Leo - the Lion (Shizi in Chinese), who boasts and brags about his exploits, turned out to be a coward. He did not dare to jump over the turbulent waters. So the gorge still bears the old name.
However in the center of the ancient town of Lijiang there rises a mountain named after your friend -- Shizi Shan (Leo's Hill). It has been made into a beautiful park. On its very top a tall five storeys pagoda is erected using 4 huge columns made os single tree trunks -- the tallest in China. I do not understand only why they call this tower Wanggu Lou (Looking at the Past Pavilion). Your obedient servant Shizi is always looking into the future!
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