China Tours

Cities Along The Yangtze River

 Often deemed as the "heart of China," the majestic Yangtze River neatly divides China into north and south. As the world's longest river, the Yangtze passes through eight separate provinces and stretches over 6,000 km long. The river is joined by about 700 tributaries along its course and is divided into three sections. Sail through the famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze on a Yangtze River cruise and experience the rushing waters and witness its breathtaking beauty and wildlife. There are numerous cruises available to take visitors through the extensive Three Gorges. Select from a variety of options of 3 to 4 night cruises through the passages or choose a smaller boat to carry you through the Lesser Three Gorges of the Daning River. With clear water flowing through and peaks with green vegetation, the trip through the Lesser Three Gorges offers a spectacular and exciting water adventure to be had in a small vessel.

 The Three Gorges Dam is currently under construction at Sandouping just below the last of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge. The scheduled completion date is 2009 for this massive, 3.2 km walled dam designed to generate 84.7 kilowatt hours a year for Shanghai and the lower Yangze basin. Also, the dam will serve to control floods on the river system and to improve navigation on the river course. The Three Gorges will still remain, however, its view may not be the same once the dam is complete. Nonetheless, visitors should not be worried about the construction affecting present river cruises.

Chongqing

 Chongqing is perched high upon the cliffs overlooking the confluence of the Yangtze and the Jialing rivers that divide the city in three. The city is now an important industrial and mineral centre and has historically always been Sichuan's trade outlet with the rest of China. Chongqing is a likely point of departure or finish for any journey through the Yangtze Gorges; here the downstream Yangtze River cruise starts. There are specific attractions to be enjoyed by its visitors. Visit Nanwenquan Park (South Hot Springs) located about 25 km south of the city or take a picturesque boat ride along the Flowery Creek to the Caves of the Fairies.

Wanxian

 Wanxian is a small mountain town high on the banks of the river and can be reached by a long flight of steps. Local products like fruit, nuts and basketware are available in the crammed market stalls flooding the town. Most cruises for the Three Gorges call and anchor here for the night. Click here for information about the Three Gorges Project.

Wuhan

 Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, is an iron and steel city on the Yangtze and a major transportation hub on the Beijing - Guangzhou railway. Another embarkation or disembarkation point of the Yangtze River cruises, Wuhan also has some attractions worth seeing. East Lake offers splendid scenery and sites for the tourist and is a pleasant place for a boat trip or stroll. The Buddhist Guiyuan Temple dates from the late Ming Dynasty and enshrines a 105 tonne white stone Buddha. There is also a large hall with 500 statues of legendary distinguished Buddhist dsciples.