The Three Gorges are the gateway to inner China and the river is thought of by the Chinese as being the centre of the world.

Now the gorges are being flooded to give China electricity equivalent to 15 nuclear power stations - some 18.200 megawatts - and the soon-to-be-completed dam will help control the devastating floods effecting this region of China.

Simon Burne, the Director of Fundraising at Acorns Children’s Hospice, has just been out there to see if it’s a good place to trek. He came back bursting with enthusiasm.

"The Three Gorges are the most beautiful natural wonder I have ever seen. The Yangtze roars through the Gorges, which climb as high as three thousand feet.

"The trek follows the ancient pathway built by the Ming Emperors so that slaves could haul ships up the river against the strong currents. You can still see where the ropes cut into the rock, and there are little temples dotted all the way along the walk.

"The views are amazing. Each gorge is different. Sometimes you’re walking along paths cut into the cliff face, at other times you’re walking through clouds of jasmine flowers, orange groves and terraced fields of rural China."

Acorns has organised the trek through the Three Gorges from 25th May to 3rd June 2003 – just a week before the dam closes and floods ‘the gorges’ forever.

"I can understand why China is doing this," says Simon. "But we hope that as many people as possible will want to join us in seeing these outstanding natural and historic monuments before the Three Gorges disappear for good.

"This really will be the last chance to experience first hand one of the most spectacular wonders of the world."

To trek the Three Gorges for Acorns you will need to pay a £250 deposit and raise £2,500.

To find out more contact Emily Henton on 0121 248 4802 or visit the Acorns website.