Apr
01
2012
May
30
2012
Sep
01
2012
Oct
31
2012
Apr
01
2013
May
30
2013
Sep
01
2013
Oct
31
2013
Apr
01
2014
May
30
2014
Sep
01
2014
Oct
31
2014
Apr
01
2015
May
30
2015
Sep
01
2015
Oct
31
2015
Apr
01
2016
May
30
2016
Sep
01
2016
Oct
31
2016
Take a Cruise Down China's Yangtze River
Not yet published by Lydia Schrandt
Country: China 
The Experience
Stretching nearly 4,000 miles, China's Yangtze river is the third longest river in the world and the longest in Asia. As the central dividing line between north and south China, the Yangtze has played an important cultural and economic role throughout the country's long history. While the big tourist spots in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian can be maddeningly crowded with tours moving at a hectic pace, taking a cruise down China's Yangtze river gives you a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Chinese countryside at a more leisurely pace.
Most Yangtze river cruises start begin in the small city of Yichang and end in Chongqing, taking you through the Three Gorges of Hubei province. The controversial Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, was completed in 2008 after displacing over 1 million local residents. Cruise passengers have the opportunity to tour the dam and learn about its many economic benefits.
As your ship makes its leisurely way along the vast river, you'll pass through each of the Three Gorges. On misty mornings and rainy afternoons, the mountains to either side of the river take on a mystical aura. No matter the weather, the Three Gorges area is considered one of the most scenic spots in China. Other popular stops along the river include the ghost town of Fengdu, where visitors can explore the old temples dedicated to demons and spirits of the dead, and the Shanndong river, a small scenic tributary of the Yangtze.
As you disembark in the city of Chongqing, the largest municipality in the world, you'll be in the perfect place to sample spicy hot pot, the local specialty, before continuing on your travels.
Most Yangtze river cruises start begin in the small city of Yichang and end in Chongqing, taking you through the Three Gorges of Hubei province. The controversial Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, was completed in 2008 after displacing over 1 million local residents. Cruise passengers have the opportunity to tour the dam and learn about its many economic benefits.
As your ship makes its leisurely way along the vast river, you'll pass through each of the Three Gorges. On misty mornings and rainy afternoons, the mountains to either side of the river take on a mystical aura. No matter the weather, the Three Gorges area is considered one of the most scenic spots in China. Other popular stops along the river include the ghost town of Fengdu, where visitors can explore the old temples dedicated to demons and spirits of the dead, and the Shanndong river, a small scenic tributary of the Yangtze.
As you disembark in the city of Chongqing, the largest municipality in the world, you'll be in the perfect place to sample spicy hot pot, the local specialty, before continuing on your travels.
When to Go
The best time to take a cruise down China's Yangtze river is from April to May or September to October. During these months the weather is mild and there's less chance of flights being canceled due to flooding, but ticket prices will also be higher. July and August are also good months, as the hotter weather means fewer tourists and cheaper prices.
Many tour operators include a Yangtze river cruise in their longer China itineraries. If you want to book a cruise by itself, nearly any Chinese tour operator will be able to help you. Book early if you plan to travel during peak months.
Many tour operators include a Yangtze river cruise in their longer China itineraries. If you want to book a cruise by itself, nearly any Chinese tour operator will be able to help you. Book early if you plan to travel during peak months.
Odds n' Ends
Cruises last three to four nights, depending on whether you're sailing up or downriver, and the price varies based on the star rating of the vessel. On average, a cruise will cost between $400 and $600 per person for a double occupancy room with a balcony. The price includes meals and entertainment aboard the ship.
If you're cruising the Yangtze during the summer, particularly during July and August, bring along a rain coat or poncho so you can still enjoy the scenery if the weather gets bad. Many cruises host a guest talent show, so pack accordingly.
If you're cruising the Yangtze during the summer, particularly during July and August, bring along a rain coat or poncho so you can still enjoy the scenery if the weather gets bad. Many cruises host a guest talent show, so pack accordingly.
Want a Guide?
- China Focus
- China Focus Travel, rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau that only honors the most reliable companies, is a privately owned company established in October of 1991. Our friendly and experienced staff is not only here to assist you with choosing the right travel package to China, but also to accommodate your travel needs as best to our ability.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Location. This city center hotel is located in the heart of Nantong . Features. The property has a restaurant and a bar/lounge . Business amenities ... 10 miles away
$210 CNY+
10 miles away
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Bargain for Chinese Silk in Suzhou
- You can’t walk down a street in Suzhou without coming across a silk store. Suzhou (also known as Soochow) is one of the top destinations in China for authentic classical gardens, complete with rock gardens, pagodas, glimmering pools full of goldfish, towering bamboo, and intricately carved wood buildings. It is easy to see how the Chinese city has garnered a reputation for being “paradise on earth”. As you stroll along the garden walkways, it’s easy to imagine a time when the gardens catered to silk-clad Chinese ladies carrying dainty parasols, and somber calligraphers dressed in black, enjoying the fresh air. ...50 miles away.
- Gaze at Glittering Lights on the Bund in Shanghai
- When the clock hit 7 p.m. on our first evening in Shanghai, we had just finished eating dinner at a large tourist-friendly restaurant somewhere in the suburbs. Along with my Chinese teacher and a few dozen volunteers, we were touring Shanghai after teaching a three-week summer camp in a nearby city. This was our chance to let loose in China's main metropolis, and I had truly never seen anything like Shanghai. As the tour bus drove us around the city earlier that day, we were mesmerized by the tall tower blocks that seemed to reach up to the sky in ...72 miles away.
Video
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Mandarin 
,
Portugese
,
Russian
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in China. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
