"The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is the largest construction project in the history of China, and opens in June 2004. These famous areas of natural beauty will have their height cut to one third by the Reservoir, which will submerge the whole area, the cradle of Chinese civilization for three millenia. Liu's husband, Li Lusheng, is Director of the Dam project, and is being unfaithful. Liu goes to visit him and on finding out about his infidelity flees in disgust to her old home, Liang, where protestors against the Dam persuade her to join them. There she is told the story of the crucifixion of Red Lotus, a prostitute, and a Buddhist priest, whose vilification is described in graphic detail.

The book takes on the subjects of reincarnation and a spiritual quest in the face of economic development and provides an insight into the intricate details of Chinese life."--Jacket.