Yangtze River Cruises

There is an old saying - "On a slow boat to China" - Well, why not relax on a slow Yangtze River boat on the beautiful Yangtze River. A Yangtze River Cruise will take you through the cradle of China, while giving you the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.

Stretching from the highest reaches of the Tibetan Plateau and running all the way to the Yellow Sea at the port of Shanghai, the Yangtze River not only carves the varying landscape of China, but also leaves an impression on all those lucky enough to sail its waters. The Yangtze is China's longest river, reaching almost 4,000 miles in length. The currents, wildlife and surrounding supported foliage differ in each region the river runs through.

While the Yangtze is known to carry large commercial boats and ships in its currents, there are specialized areas, secluded and untouched spots, which are perfect for river cruises. The 400-mile stretch between Chongqing and Yichang allows for visitors to interact with local villagers, witness unique customs and rituals and even come face-to-face with some of China best known animals. Whether you decide on a short 3 day trip, or a longer 10 day journey, the river will show you sites like you have never seen before.

Many tour cruises begin their journey from Chongqing. The municipality, located in southwest China, is home to over 28 million people and one of the five national central cities of the People's Republic of China. Many Yangtze Cruises depart from this area and make their way downstream to the Three Gorges Dam. You could not ask for a better way to open the first chapters in your cruise travel story. Chongqing is an important manufacturing and shipping hub for all of southwest China. It was founded on the local waters, at the intersection of the Jialing River and the upper reaches of the Yangtze. The weather is hot and humid in the summer and mild in the winter. Within the region’s borders lies a wealth of water reserves, mineral resources, dense forests and foliage as well as colorful and abundant flora and fauna.

The tour boat will slow and make a stop its fist stop at Fengdu. There is over 75 Buddhist and Tao temples in the city of Fengdu, most of which are nestled up on a hill on Ming Mountain. Not only is the town shrouded in mysterious, ghostly presences and protectors, but there is also a necropolis in the vicinity that was modeled after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology. Lifelike statues of ghosts, demons and spirits of legends are carved out of white, luminous stone, giving them an air of otherworldliness. Chinese Lunar festivals in the first half of March bring many visitors and believers to the city. In addition to the eerie statues, Fengdu is home to the largest in-situ statue in the world. Nicknamed The Ghost King, the carving is massive at 138 meters (452 feet) high. Most visitors to the spot arrive by boat and spend a few hours at this delightfully phantasmal tourist site.

To be Continued

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
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