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Fares start at $1085.00 per person

長江

The Yangtze River, Asia’s largest river and third largest in the world, is a wonder not only because of its beauty and sheer size but because of its essential role in the history of the world’s most storied civilization. A natural boundary for Northern and Southern China, the river has played critical roles in the development of Chinese culture and consequential territorial conflicts. One may remember the major motion picture Red Cliff, which depicts the decisive naval engagement between the forces of Cao Cao and the allied forces of Liu Bei and Sun Quan during the Three Kingdoms period in China. The victory of the allied forces against Cao Cao in A.D. 208 effectively established the Yangtze River as the indisputable border of China’s northern and southern half. So we can say that just as Earth’s natural geography has shaped the mighty Yangtze, the Yangtze has shaped the history and culture of China.    

Home to nearly a third of China’s population, thirty major cities line the Yangtze's shores and tributaries. The greater Yangtze basin is populated by 400 million people and the Yangtze River Delta alone is responsible for 20% of modern China’s economic output. Humanoid activity along the river has been traced as far back as 2 million years ago, followed by exponential expansions during the Spring and Autumn periods of Chinese civilization (770-446 BC), and reaching its zenith today as host to more than half of the country’s agricultural production, many of its fisheries and important industrial centers. It is also home to the largest hydroelectric dam ever built in this world: the Three Gorges Dam. 

Itinerary

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site and join Cruises & Beyond on a journey of a lifetime while you navigate the awe-inspiring middle course of the Yangtze River. Immerse yourself in the center of Chinese civilization as you sail through the monumental Wu and Qutang Gorges, set foot on the Three Gorges Dam, visit the tranquil Shennong stream and marvel at the mystical Ghost City of Fengdu. Your Yangtze River cruise will be accompanied with pre and post cruise itineraries, specially curated by Cruises & Beyond. You will visit UNESCO Heritage Sites such as the Fujian Tulou, where you will become mesmerized by the architecture unique to the Hakka people of the Fujian province, and the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, where rows and rows of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, protect the emperor in the afterlife.  

Pre-River Cruise Itinerary

Yangtze River Cruise

Your River Cruise Destinations

Yichang

The ancient city of Yichang can be traced back for 4,000 years. During what is known as its Spring and Autumn Periods (770 BC-476 BC), Yichang was regarded as of great strategic importance. Many famous battles took place here, such as the Changbanpo Battle and the Yiling Battle during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Relics of these battles can still be found in the area. Now, after thousands of years' development, Yichang stands out with its various unique characteristics.

Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge is the longest of the Three Gorges, with an overall length of 120km. From west to east, it starts from Badong County in Hubei Province and ends at Nanjingguan in Yichang City, Hubei Province. The whole area is composed of high mountains and dangerous rugged shoals, and there are many small gorges in Xiling Gorge, like Poshui Gorge, Bingshu Baojian Gorge, Dengying Gorge, etc. The largest hydraulic project in the world – Three Gorges Dam is also located at the eastern part of Xiling Gorge.

Three Gorges Dam

Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydraulic project in the world. It is 2,335 metres (7,660 feet) long with a maximum height of 185 metres (607 feet). It incorporates 28 million cubic metres (37 million cubic yards) of concrete and 463,000 metric tons of steel into its design. When construction of the dam officially began in 1994, it was the largest engineering project in China. At the time of its completion in 2006, it was the largest dam structure in the world. With its 32 turbine generator units, the dam has the capacity to generate 22,500 megawatts of electricity.

Shennong Stream

On the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge is the Shennong Stream. Taking its rise from the main peak of Shennong Jia (the first peak in the center of China) and flowing through Badong County, it ultimately flows into the Yangtze River via the Wu Gorge. Cruising along the stream by boat, visitors will become immersed in the wonders of zigzagging watercourses, the primitive environment, the canzonet by the boat tracker, and the mysterious culture along the banks.

Wu Gorge

Regarded as the most beautiful gorge among the three, Wu Gorge begins from Daning River of Wushan Couty and ends at Badong County, with an overall length of 46km. Wu Gorge is also known as Daxia (large gorge) and is famous for its serene scenery. The entire section of the gorge is full of unique peaks and grotesque rock formations.

Qutang Gorge

From west to east, Qutang Gorge is the first of the three gorges. Beginning from Baidi Mountain, Fengjie County in the west and ending at Daxi Town, Wushan County in the east, Qutang Gorge is 8km long, which is the shortest gorge among the three, yet it is the most precipitous and magnificent one. The mountains in Qutang Gorge stand steep in the gorge, some reaching 1,500m high. The river narrows as you sail through this gorge. The widest part is about a hundred meters, while the narrowest part is only a few tens of meters, which make the cliffs at the riverside even more magnificent.

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City is a large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife located on the Ming mountain, in Fengdu County, Chongqing municipality, China.The city consists of buildings, structures, dioramas, and statues related to Diyu and Naraka, concepts from Chinese mythology and Buddhism that signify the underworld or hell. It is modeled to resemble Youdu, the capital of Diyu.

Your River Ship: The Yangtze 1

You will take part in the Yangtze experience while on board a five-star river boat with spacious accommodations, delicious included meals, cultural performances and enrichment sessions. Take part in optional tai chi and reflexology sessions to add an intriguing dimension to your journey.

You're Accommodations and Fares

Fares from $1085.00* (based on double occupancy)

Xiamen - Pan Pacific Hotel or similar (4 star)

Yangtze River Cruise Cabins

Xi’an - Grand Noble or similar (4 stars)

to upgrade to higher category cabin during the cruise segment, pay an additional:                      

Terms and Conditions

*Rate is per person based on double occupancy, includes meals as stated in itinerary (buffet style on river cruise), gratuities (excluding optional tours on river cruise), domestic travel and 2 bottles of water per person daily. A deposit of $100.00 per person is due 7 days after reservation is confirmed. Final payment due by January 15, 2019. International airfare is additional but you can call us for specific arrangements.

Cancellation Policy:

10/1/2018 - 1/14/2019                                                  $100 per person

1/15/2019 - 2/15/2019                                                  50% of cruise fare per person

2/16/2019 - 3/18/2019                                                  100% of cruise fare per person

A Chinese Visa is required for this tour. For more information on how to obtain a Chinese Visa, please visit this webpage.

Preferred method of payment is by check. Credit card payment incurs additional 4% fee.