The Yangtze River Cruise and the Three Gorges Dam China , are a famous and controversial part of China tourism.
The Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. The river passes through ten principals or municipalities and regarded by the Chinese as the “Mother River” of China. It flows south through Sichuan into Yuanan, then northeast and east across central China through Sichuan, Hubei, Auhui, and Juangsu provinces to its mouth, 3,720 miles, to the East China Sea north of Shanghai.
Approximately 350 million people inhabit the region of the Yangtze.
The Yangtze River cruise has become very popular due to the spectacular scenery that this area has to offer.
The power and tranquility of China's “Mother River” on board a cruise ship is an unforgettable experience.
The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.
All the ships that work on the river pass through deep valleys, lush green hills and narrow canyons with sheer rock cliffs on either side.
All the Yangtze River cruise boats, go through the Three Gorges, these being the Qutang Gorge, the Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, all are situated between Chongqing and Yichang.
• Qutang Gorge is the shortest (8km long) of the three gorges. It is known for its magnificence, with many scenic spots such as the Ancient Plank Road, the Seven-Gate Cave, the Bellows Gorge, and the Rhinoceros Watching the Moon.
• Wu Gorge is the second largest gorge (45km) of the three gorges. It is known for its deep valley and quiet beauty. "The Twelve Peaks" lining the banks of Wu Gorge, have won a high reputation in China and abroad. Among them the most beautiful one is the Goddess Peak and it is said if you look carefully, a silhouette of a goddess can be seen at the top.
• Xiling Gorge is the longest gorge (66km long) of the three gorges. In the past, it was known for its hazardous shoals and rapids. Today, the danger spots have been eliminated, but the fine scenery remains.
These three gorges are the most spectacular and magnificent part of the Yangtze River cruise.
This old an ancient river, with high cliffs, old towns, wonderful scenery, is a true classic and a must see for all.
Day excursions are also part of the each Yangtze river cruise, they vary a little bit due to the direction your travel and company running the boat, all however, enable you to enjoy the sites and sounds of this magnificent river.
If you would like to read a review of a 3 nights / 4 day Yangtze river cruise... Jim and Alison went on a trip in April 2005… here is their story.
Best Time to do and visit the Yangtze and the Three Gorges Dam China. would be in the Spring and Autumn.
Summer is very hot, especially when you do the day trips ashore, Winter is ok, it’s cold, however this is the low season, so the prices come down a bit.
You can take a cruise both upstream and down stream, the differences being;
• On-Shore excursions - each ship will have there own itinerary.
• Sailings upstream takes one or two more days than sailings downstream.
• Price – in some cases the price for sailing upstream is lower than that of downstream.
The shortest time needed for a Yangtze river cruise and usually a visit to the Three Gorges Dam China would be around 3 nights / 4 days, this will give a good overview and a non-rushed sort of trip.
However, you can spend up to a week or more if you have the time and see the entire length of this incredible river.
All the sailings will experience the wonders of the Yangtze River and get a close look at the Three Gorges Dam China; some ships also offer a shore excursion to dam site.
The ships are mostly 4 and 5 Star passenger ships, fully air-conditioned, multi-decked with modern facilities, most have, games rooms, bars, dining rooms, sun deck and room service.
Some ships are older than others, however, all still are very comfortable.
All the ships sail throughout the year; however, the timetable is reduced a bit during the winter months.
Booking a Yangtze river cruise is essential, as this is a major tourist attraction for the Chinese and the overseas visitor.
Please plan so you do not miss out.
Come and experience the wonder of "Travel Yangtze River China" and the see the enormous "Three Gorges Dam China" project.
You will never forget it.
Please help me with a reservation for a Yangtze river cruise.
The Three Gorges Dam China
What adds to the interest of the area is the huge Three Gorges Dam China project, started in 1995 the Three Gorges Dam near Yichang, began, and controversy has surrounded it ever since.
The Three Gorges Dam China is one of the largest construction projects in the world and is due to be fully commissioned and completed by 2009.
Once completed, it will be the largest electricity generating facility in the world. The hydroelectric generators will provide 1/9 of China's total power output.
The Three Gorges Dam China, as well as being hydroelectric supply station, has also been designed to help control the flooding of the Yangtze River Valley.
The flooding, which occurs every year, kills many people and causes many millions of dollars worth of damage.