The Yangtze River is nearly 6300 kilometres (3915 miles). Starting in the plateaus of Tibet, it cuts through China, dividing it into north and south and ends in the East China Sea at Shanghai. The longest river in Asia is the world’s biggest inland waterway for freight transport. Approximately 350 million people live in the Yangtze river region.

Travellers cruising the Yangtze river will encounter a handful of cultures; Mandarin is the official language, however there are over 150 languages and dialects spoken by Chinese citizens. On a Yangtze river cruise, learn how this important waterway has influenced China economically, culturally and historically.

Highlights

Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge)

The narrow passage through the Three Gorges is breathtaking as the river cuts through mountains for about 200 kilometres. Peaks try to peek their way through mist and clouds that make the area feel magical. Although called the Three Gorges, they are actually three separate areas. In 1994, construction on the massive Three Gorges Dam started in Xiling Gorge to generate hydroelectricity and prevent flooding. The world’s largest dam has garnered much controversy surrounding the social and environmental impact.

Shanghai

Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the East China Sea is Shanghai, the largest city by population in not only China, but the world. Having been not always the case, this city of spectacular skyscrapers is the centre of commerce and finance and has a strong influence in fashion and technology. Until 1842, Shanghai was a minor fishing and textile town. The British, American, French, Russian and German presence in the 19th century can be seen in some of the architecture of this bustling city.

Xian

With more than 3,100 years of history and 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, visitors can discover many historical ruins, museums, and cultural relics. The most famous of the relics is the army of more than 8,000 Terracotta Warriors, constructed to be buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2,000 years ago. Amazingly, each man was molded with his own distinctive features.

Beijing

The capital city of the People’s Republic of China has over 20,000,000 residents. Despite the large population, it is actually the second largest city after Shanghai.  Beijing, formerly Peking, has been the capital of China for the past seven centuries and has history going back three millennia. As such, visitors will find palaces, temples, and many treasures here. Among the many sites, must-see’s are Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City, a 101 hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Great Wall of China, another UNESCO site.