Yangtze River

Coursing a distance of almost 4,000 miles, the mighty Yangtze River is the third-longest river in the world and home to more than 300 million people. To see this mighty river is a thrill in it-self, but to feel the power and majesty of China's greatest river aboard a cruise ship is an unforgettable experience. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. As the ship passes through deep valleys of lush green hills and narrow canyons with sheer rock cliffs on either side, passengers become lost in a timelessness that has escaped the rest of the world.

A cruise down the Yangtze is an excellent way to see a large area of China in a short time. From spring through fall, dozens of comfortable cruise ships and ferries sail the waters of the Yangtze. Trips range from a few hours on a ferry to an overnight cruise on a colorful local steamer, or multiple- day cruises on large cruise ships with luxurious staterooms and fine-dining facilities. Cost and level of services vary from inexpensive ferry services that are available in every town and village along the river, to local steamer ships that sail from most towns and provide only basic accommodations. Most travelers will prefer the comfort of an over-night cruise, beginning or ending either at Chongqing or Wuhan. Tours usually dock overnight at towns and villages along the way so that passengers will not miss any of the magnificent scenery. They also allow passengers an opportunity to disembark and explore a small river town for a few hours.

Although there are many cruising options between towns, many travelers opt for the voyage between Chongqing and Wuhan. This cruise is a memorable 850-mile trip that takes 4 days and 3 nights sailing down- stream, or 5 days and 4 nights cruising upstream from Wuhan, passing through the rugged and majestic section of the famous Three Gorges. Visitors often comment that they will never forget its breathtaking beauty. Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges are also popular sections that traverse several narrow and meandering passages, passing mist-laden canyons with an occasional pagoda perched on the side of a cliff with calligraphy carved out of a sheer rock face.

Another scenic side trip takes visitors on a smaller boat through the Three Little Gorges of the Daning River (or Shennongxi Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze. Shore excursions to the ancient towns of Wanxian, Shibaozhai, Fengdu, Yichang, and Jingzhou reveal both the richness of local history and the colorful life along the mighty Yangtze.