Travel the River Yangtze by Cruise Ship
Travel the Yangtze River by Cruise Ship
The common Chinese saying, ‘If you haven’t traveled up the mighty Yangtze River, you haven’t been anywhere’. It well describes the river’s range of picturesque landscapes, since Yangtze winds through some of China’s most scenic country. Snaking its way 6,300 kilometers from western China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River stretches nine provinces and serves as a drain for 695,000 square miles of land. The most impressive section of the river is the three Yangtze River gorges: Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge and Xiling Gorge, collectively known as Sanxia, or the Three Gorges.
Qutang Gorge
Being shortest among the Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge is the most spectacular. Immediately downstream of the ancient village Baidicheng, the Yangtze River passes between the Chijia Mountain on the north and the Baiyan Mountain on the south. The point where the river passes between these mountains is called the Kuimen Gate and it is the entrance to the Qutang Gorge – the first of the three Yangtze gorges.
The Qutang Gorge is only 8 kilometers (5 miles) long, but it is also the narrowest of the Three Gorges. The widest point measures only 150 meters (500 ft) wide. The mountains on either side reach as high as 1,200 meters (4,000 ft). This combination of narrow canyons among high mountains with several switchbacks in only 8 kilometers creates spectacular vistas, and the Qutang Gorge is often considered the most beautiful of all the Three Gorges.
Wuxia Gorge
When the river flows out of Qutang Gorge and passes the broad valley of the Daning River, it enters the scenic Wuxia Gorge, the middle Yangtze gorge which straddles Sichuan and Hubei Provinces. Wuxia Gorge is 45 kilometers long, noted for its deep and serene scenes. So sheer are the cliffs that it is said the sun rarely penetrates. The boat passes, on the south side, it is said, like an ancient warrior’s silver coat of arms crowned by a round golden helmet. Ahead are the l2 peaks of Wu Gorge, famed frothier dark and somber grace. Poets have attempted to evoke both their bleakness and beauty. Wuxia Gorge is full of zigzag, weird peaks, rising mists and beautiful sights. The famous Twelve Peaks on both banks of the river, in particular, are the most spectacular. These strange-looking peaks are like a fairy maid dancing.
Wushan, Badong and Zigui are famous towns in the gorge. There are many famous historic sites too. The town of Zigui is attracting a large number of tourists because it is the native place of the great ancient poet Qu Yuan and the famous beautiful woman Wang Zhaojun.
The Daning River at the western entrance to Wuxia Gorge is flanked by continuous strange peaks, including Longmen, Bawu and Dicui, some of them rising into the clouds and presenting an unusual spectacle. The section of the river becomes known as the Minor Three Gorges.
Xiling Gorge
The longest among the Yangtze Gorges, Xiling Gorge stretches west to east for 76 kilometers. Pass near the city of Yichang in Hubei. It is divided into two sections — the west section consists of the Military Book and Sword Gorge, the Bull’s Liver and Horse’s Lung Gorge and Kongling Play Gorge, while the east section features the Shadow Play Gorge and the Yellow Cat Gorge, otherwise known as Yichang Gorge. Along this gorge sit many archeological sites, including the Huangling Temple, first built during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). In addition, the Three Visitors’ Cave and the Luyou Fountain all have their unique features.
Xiling Gorge is known for dangerous rapids and numerous shoals, the latter including the Qingtan, Kongling and Xietan shoals. These shoals were formed out of fallen and rock from banks, boulders and sands washed down from the upper reaches, veins protruding from the riverbanks, or reefs jutting out of the riverbed. At some points there are treacherous whirlpools and the waters are extraordinarily turbulent.
There is an old saying – “On a slow boat to China” – Well, why not relax on a slow boat on the beautiful Yangtze River. A Yangtze River Cruise will take you through the cradle of China, while giving you the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.
Explore the mighty Yangtze River in sportful cruise and experience the birthplace of the profound Chinese culture. Discover the grand Three Gorges, the amazing artworks of the nature along the streams and a wonder of human being – Three Gorges Project. Mysterious Chinese Culture embraces perspectives from all over the world. The Yangtze River Cruise will be a life time experience!
Yangtze Cruise is more popular than ever. Every year, millions of travelers worldwide come to China to enjoy this fantastic experience. There are some reasons why people so favor the Yangtze Cruise!
Fun and relaxing
A slow could be a luxury for city dwellers in highly urbanized and industrialized society. A Yangtze Cruise could slow your pace and slow your mind on a leisurely trip to let you embrace this picturesque with wide-open eyes.
Stunningly beautiful natural scenery and numerous historical relics
The Yangtze River is bestowed with rich natural scenery and cultural relics such as the Three Gorges Dam, gem stronghold and Shennong Stream which make Yangtze Cruise an ideal tourist destination for travelers.
Great Onboard Experience
The cruise ship company is always thinking of ways for the customers to enjoy their time aboard. They have arranged a great variety of activities including shows, culture presentation etc for the guests. Besides the regular on shore excursions we organize various colorful programs and shows. Each cruiser will be different. Some ships feature dong and dance shows, introduction to Chinese culture, and lectures on the three gorges, Chinese Majiang, calligraphy, Chinese cuisine, Taiji, and traditional Chinese kits. There are several ships which feature lectures on Chinese history and traditions, Chinese medicine, and Chinese dancing classes.
Really want to enjoy this experience? Please kindly join in China Connection Tours for an amazing Yangtze River Tours.
China Connection Tours, an excellent China tour operator, has over twenty-years of experience in tour operating and specializes in China tours for individuals and groups; offers more than 300 China tour packages: Yangtze River Tours, Classical China tours, Yangtze tours, Yunnan tours, Tibet tours…