From Changle (ZSFZ) to Wuyishan (ZSWY)
Departing from Changle a misty day following the River Min, the largest river in Fujian province. All of Fujian province is mountainous and is crossed by several ranges of moderate elevation that run roughly parallel to the coast. At Nanping turn right to reach Wuyi Mountains.
The Wuyi Mountains are the largest and most representative example of Chinese subtropical, and Chinese rainforest. The area has a long history of tea cultivation. The mountains have been listed since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the main points of interest are not well represented in the sim the area is worth a visit at sunset.
From Wuyishan (ZSWY) to Wuhan (ZGUA)
Left Wuyi Mountains and flew meeting The Xiang River, the largest river in Hunan Province, the river flows crossing a huge plain with a complex combination of rivers, cannels, lakes and marshes without clear boundaries due to seasonal level variations.
Flew over the Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, it drains into the Yangtze River at Hukou.
Turn left following Yangtse River, the longest river in Asia and third longest river in the world. This area forms the lower course. Flew on Huanshi over Edong Yangtse Bridge, one of longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.
After some fun testing Harrier performance, landed at the large metropolis of Wuhan, today famous for being the origin of Covid outbreak.
From Wuhan (ZGUA) to Wulingyuan (DYG)
A trip to Pandora source of inspiration
From Wuhan will follow Yangtse lower course, arriving Jingzhou turn left heading 230 until find Lishui River one of Yangtse tributary.
Follow the wide valley. At valley end is located Zhangjiajie city, the startIng point for visiting Wulingyuan scenic.
Wulingyuan Unesco World Heritage Site was included in 1992 “the site is dominated by more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 m high. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, some 40 caves, and two large natural bridges”.
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area - UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
The area is said to be the main source of inspiration for building Pandora, the planet created by David Cameron for Avatar. After circling the site, we attempted to land at Zhangjiajie and discovered the airfield is not finish. We made an emergency landing fortunately without casualties but with significant airplane damage.
From Wulingshan-Qiangiang (JIQ) to Wanxian (ZUWX)
After our failure landing at Wulingyuan a friend moved us to Wulingshan-Qiangiang airport and shared a Mig 21 for crossing the mountains range of Hebei and Hunan provinces, meet Yangtse river and ride through the gorges of its middle course.
Heading north over the great scenery of Hebei mountains covered in dense forest. Reached Yangtse River at Yichang for starting our race following the Yangtse course. Soon after Yichang found Three gorges Dam, not well represented in the sim, it is one of major hydraulic infrastructure of the world.
After dam followed a succession of step turns, right and left, two require close attention and anticipation. The ride is not so intense as Mach loop but enjoyable for sure. I would like to see in the sim more attention to details at least in the mayor rivers of our planet.
We finally arrived at Wanxian airport located in a wide meander with several bridge connecting the banks.
From Wanxian (ZUWX) to Xianyang (ZLXY)
In this leg we will cross two mountain range and two important rivers in the North of China
Left Wanxiang heading northwest, crossing over Daba mountains, an area with low population that remains virgin until today. The area provides beautiful sightseen at sunrise and sunset.
At the middle of our trip, we found Ankang, a city located in the southeast of Shaanxi province, situated in the narrow valley of the Han River, between the Qin and Daba mountain ranges. The city is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the nearby Yinghu Lake. Despite its development, much of the surrounding area remains covered by virgin forests, adding a natural charm to the region.
Continuing north west now crossing the Qin Mountains, their highest point is Mount Taibai, which stands at an impressive height of 12,359 feet. This peak is renowned for its sharp descents and breathtaking views. Around the peak it has been created a Forest Reserve.
From Mount Taibai started a sharp descent over the Shitouhe dam to the plain of Wei River where Xian City is located. Xian, an ancient city with a history that stretches back over three millennia, served as the capital for several of China’s most significant dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. In addition to its rich history, Xian is known for the Terracotta Army, part of the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. And for being the eastern terminus of Silk Road.
