Yangtze River Cruise

The Three Gorges is perhaps the most well-known of all highlights along the Yangtze River. Found within a section of the river that spans just 200 kilometers of the full 6,300 kilometer length of the river, the Three Gorges refers to the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges which are located en route between Chongqing and Yichang.

Qutang Gorge is found within the Chongqing region of the Three Gorges. Although it is the shortest and narrowest of the three gorges – just 8 kilometers long – Qutang Gorge is considered the most spectacular. The entrance to Qutang Gorge is called Kuimen Gate (夔门), which is the point at which the river passes between two mountains. And while it can be found on the 10 yuan RMB note, it’s much better to see it in person from the river itself. Incredibly, the widest point of Qutang Gorge is just 150 meters (or 500 feet), while mountains within this stretch of river tower up to 1,200 meters. Along this gorge, expect to see:

The curious Meng Liang Stairway; a set of meter deep rectangular holes which are believed to have been used as a pathway up the mountain
Ancient pathways at the foot of the mountains that run parallel to the river. Used even in more contemporary times, this footpath was designed and built for ‘barge haulers’ – people who’s profession was to tow boats upstream. The sheer grit required to work these pathways will cause you to reflect on the ingenuity, resilience, and commitment of local people, both past and present.
Wu Gorge is located between the Wushan county of Chongqing and Badong county of Hubei. It is the deepest of the gorges, winding 45 kilometers in and around the mountains that line the Yangtze. Discover Goddess Peak, one of the Twelve Peaks of Wushan, which is undoubtedly one of the most iconic highlights to be found anywhere along the river.

In the Yichang section of the Three Gorges is Xiling Gorge. This is the longest gorge of the Three Gorges, and with the construction of the Three Gorges Dam project (completed in 2003), it is effectively ‘divided’ in two from east to west. When choosing your Yangtze River tour, ask about whether the included cruise is traveling up or downstream as this impacts on whether you travel past the dam project during the day or night. Locals are extremely proud of the Three Gorges Dam, and it’s easy to see why. It is the world’s largest power station and its establishment has impacted the lives of many millions of people.

In Chinese mythology, Fengdu Ghost City is considered the final resting place for all souls. The inspiration for the city’s name was derived from the different structures which make up the complex of buildings that is the ‘city’. Located on Ming Mountain, you’ll find shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife that make the transition here a more appealing proposition. Learn about the test each soul must take before being granted passage through and understand the significance of the temple’s role in local cultural and religious traditions.

Visiting Fengdu Ghost City is an optional tour with the cruise operators we work with. For more information about inclusions on tour, be sure to ask your ChinaTours.com travel consultant.

Shibaozhai is a tower nearly 56 metres in height leaning against the Yuyin Hill and is now encircled by a moat after the Three Gorges Dam project in 2003. Legend has it that the mountain was a stone left by Nuwa, a goddess who created humans and mended the wall of heaven with five colored stones. During the Ming Dynasty, it gained notoriety as a stronghold taken by a gang of farmers, earning it the name Shibaozhai (zhai meaning fortress).

Also referred to as Goddess Stream, this is a section of the Gorge that is only accessible by a small boat. Apart from being an idyllic and picturesque stream, you’ll find it’s more remote location has meant the surrounding wilderness has been beautifully preserved. Shennv Stream is located on the south bank of Wu Gorge. The rising level of the water which has occurred since completion of the Three Gorges Dam project, has made the stream both deep and narrow. Cruise guests can board a smaller boat to access the narrow sections of the stream and take in the breathtaking mountains, cliffs, and hanging coffins which make the area so distinctive. Visiting Shennv Stream and Shennong Stream is included with some cruise operators we work with. For more information about inclusions on tour, be sure to ask your ChinaTours.com travel consultant.

As a tributary of Yangtze River, Shennong Stream is located in the Badong County of Hubei Province. Geographically, it sits between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Floating along the stream on a wooden boat, discover caves, roads lined with planks built along cliff tops, and ancient hanging coffins. Visiting Shennong Stream is included with President Cruises. For more information about inclusions on tour, be sure to ask your ChinaTours.com travel consultant.

Located in the heart of China, Three Gorges Dam is the end, mid and start point for Yangtze River cruises, depending on whether you’re travelling upstream, downstream or in both directions. As the world’s largest hydro-electric power station, the dam is impressive in more than just size. At the time of building it was China’s largest ever infrastructure project (significant in itself), and is over 660 kilometers long. It generates a maximum capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts of power – more than any other power station in the world.