Yangtze River, together with the Yellow River, is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Over 6,000 km long, the mighty Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. Along the upper reaches of the river lies the spectacular Three Gorges. To sail through the famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze is to feel the power, majesty and timelessness of China’s greatest -and the world’s third longest river. Imagine the sight as sheer cliffs of rock close in around you, drawing you deeply into a scene of almost unspeakable beauty. Fisherman brave the rushing waters to net their livelihood. Birds dart between clouds, eyeing their prey far below. As the ship turns at a seemingly dead end, a new world of wonders suddenly unfolds before you …

For a three gorges cruise, there are different plans to sail between different docks. you may go between Chongqing to Wuhan, or between Chongqing to Yichang, or between Chongqing to Shashi. Depart Chongqing for an exciting downstream journey exploring the unique Three Gorges on the world’s third longest river. The rapids and steep mountains isolate this stunning world from the outside. Your first port of call will be Fengdu, the legendary “ Ghost City ” – the Ming Hill, submerged as the Three Gorges dam completed. It is a land of “hell” – scaring statues describing the afterlife were sculpted to terrify the illiterate. With its great distances, countless museums and long coach rides, China can be tiring for even the most enthusiastic tourist. That’s just one of the reasons why a Yangtze River cruise works so well within a standard tour of China, as it provides time for perspective and relaxation in the middle of a challenging excursion. Combine that with the continuing interest in the river generated by the construction of the Yangtze River Dam, and it’s easy to see why many tour operators continue to make such cruises a centerpiece of their brochures–despite a bad patch last year, when summer flooding disrupted many sailings.

The standard cruise, covering approximately 850 miles from Wuhan to Chongqing, typically lasts between three and six days, depending on whether the vessel is heading up or downstream. Passengers take in numerous temples, some thousands of years old; the essential Chinese beauty of mountain, mist and river; and village life along the river. From the treeless Mountain Tanggula of Upper Qinghai, the Yangtze River winds 3,900 miles through the country from west to east. The journey from Chongqing to Wuhan includes the “Three Gorges” and is characterized by its picturesque natural scenery. The various ports of call along the way offer great opportunities to experience our ancient cultural heritage. Come with us and discover this special part of China, with its great humanity, beauty and time-honored history.
The best way to discover China – a land that is splendidly foreign and decidedly unforgettable – is by our elaborately designed cruise plans. Your cruise, hotel, sightseeing tours and meals are all included in one price. China Travel Service offers special arrangements for Classic Yangtze Packages, Splendid Yangtze Cruises and Small Group China Tours to travel anywhere in China, including Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River, Shanghai, and Tibet.