China is a vast country, and if you’re thinking about visiting it for the first time (or even the second or third!), it can be difficult to know where to start, where to go, and what to pack into your busy schedule.
Thankfully, there is one way to see a vast part of China, without arduous journeys and lengthy delays – by embarking on a Yangtze River cruise!
What Can You Expect to See?
Giant Pandas, Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall.
Yes, you’ll stop off to see all of these fabulous, iconic sights on your journey down the river. But as you’re traveling to these must-see destinations, you’ll also get to take in the breathtaking views of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam, and the serene spaces that surround the limestone mountains of Yangshuo.
Other lesser-known attractions include the Porcelain Village (Ci Qi Kou), Zhang Fei Temple, Lushan National Park, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Why Do People Choose to Cruise Down the Yangtze River?
As the longest river in China, the Yangtze River boasts a stunning variety of culture and gorgeous natural views. And with great travel connections, it’s easy to view the nearby sights and attractions, too.
Journeying along the route, visitors get to take in the scenic sights of Yueyang Tower, Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower, Red Cliff, Jingzhou Ancient City, Yunyang Zhangfei Temple, Fengdu Ghost City, and Chongqing Jinyun Mountain. There are also the big cities which are a major draw for tourists, including Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Chongqing.
However, it has to be the Three Gorges that leaves the biggest impression on Yangtze River cruisers. As one of China’s top 10 must-see sights, it starts in the west in Chongqing City in Fengjie County and ends in the east in Hubei Province in Yichang City. It comprises of Xiling, Wu, and Qutang Gorges (hence the name), with each of these offering something different.
Xiling Gorge is bold and stark, Wu Gorge is renowned for its stunning scenery, and Qutang Gorge is magnificently grand. Furthermore, the Shennong Stream, Fragrant Stream, and Daning River (the rivers that branch off from the gorge) are just as mesmerizing to behold. It’s no surprise, then, that many famous poets have chosen to put pen to paper after visiting this wonderful landmark.
Something for Everyone
One thing’s for sure, the Yangtze River offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture or want to travel back in time to the days of Imperial China. Covering seven different tourist zones, you can tailor your journey down this river to suit your unique requirements, taking in plenty along the way, too.
Leave a Reply