Yangtze River

As the controversial project nears completion the rush to see the Three Gorges before the final flooding is still there and the raised water level has not detracted from their monumental natural beauty. The 6,300km long Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. It is the cradle of Chinese civilisation. There are numerous scenic spots and historical sites in the 22 cities the river flows through. Among them, the 193km Yangtze Three Gorges, from Fenjie Country to Yichang are the most famous.
China Holidays’ Yangtze River Cruise runs between Chongqing and Yichang. The cruise covers the following main scenic spots and cities:

Yichang

Yichang is the city located at the eastern mouth of Xiling Gorge and has now replaced Wuhan as the starting or ending point for the Yangtze River Cruise. With a history that can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period, as early as 220 - 280BC, this small city is set to become considerably larger over the coming years as a direct result of the Three Gorges Dam Project.

Gezhou Dam

Gezhou Dam is 2,606m long and 70m high. The project consists of power stations, ship sluice, flood drainage sluice, sand scour sluice, and sand silt preservation dam. On the upstream cruise this dam will be passed during the night.

Three Gorges Dam Site

The Three Gorges Dam is a large water conservation project for flood control, generation, cultivation and flood discharge. Its rise will stretch 6000 kilometres upstream to Chonqging. It will eventually submerge 13 cities, 140 towns, 1352 villages, 657 factories and 30,000 hectares of cultivated land.

Local people

Xiling Gorge

The 75 kilometre long gorge is the longest gorge within the three gorges was once known for its swift currents and dangerous shoals, but now the danger spots have been eliminated.

The Lesser Gorges

The Lesser Gorges, covering a section of 60km, can be seen along the Danning River or the Shennong Stream. This excursion is one not to be missed as you travel up the Gorges in a much smaller boat giving you a 'closer view' of the magnificent scenery.

Lesser Gorge

Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge, 44 kilometre long, has green mountains and many major beauty spots.

Qutang Gorge

This 8 kilometre length of gorge is the shortest and narrowest, but has the most imposing section of the three gorges.

Yangtze Qutang Gorge

Fengdu

Fengdu was built in the Tang Dynasty (618–907). It is known as the ‘Devil City’ that has 75 temples, including the Hall of God and the Pass of the Ghost.

Chongqing

Chongqing is one of four municipalities controlled by China’s Central Government. The population of the entire municipal area is around 30.5 million making it the largest in China. It is one of the principle commercial, industrial and transportation centres of southwest China.

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