Originating on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, coursing a distance of almost 6,400 kilometres, the mighty Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world and home to more than 300 million people. To see this mighty river is a thrill in itself, but to feel the power and majesty of China's greatest river aboard a cruise ship is an unforgettable experience.

The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River Valley form the most attractive tourist route in the world. From the city of Chongqing to Yichang, it stretches over a total of 193 km, including the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. As the ship passes through deep valleys of lush green hills and narrow canyons with sheer rock cliffs on either side, passengers become lost in a timelessness that has escaped the rest of the world.

A cruise down the Yangtze is an excellent way to see a large area of China in a short time. From spring through fall, dozens of comfortable cruise ships and ferries sail the waters of the Yangtze. Side trips and excursions into the Yangtze River Valley provide views of the jungles, wildlife and geological wonders around certain areas. In addition, you can view the world's largest hydroelectric project, the Three Gorges Dam. The dam will create 11 new lakes, 14 islets, 37 canyons and drift sections, and 15 caves once the project is completed in 2009.

What to do:
The City of Chongqing
The city of Chongqing is situated by the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It is the largest industrial and commercial centre of the Southwest and the gateway to travelling on the Yangtze River. Chongqing is an ideal starting point for tourists to embark on a ship to see the Three Gorges. Well known as the "Mountain City" and "a city of fogs", the city abounds in places of beauty and historic importance. Main attractions include the Dazu Stone Carvings, Shibaozhai, the Ghost City in Fengdu, and the temple of Zhang Fei

Three Gorges
Qutang Gorge is the first of the Three Gorges that a tourist travelling downstream will enter. It extends from Baidicheng to Daxi Township, about 8 km. High cliffs and steep precipices with sharp edges rise one after another on either side of the narrow gorge. Main attractions include Baidicheng, the Lesser Three Gorges, Fengjie, Kuimen Gate, Tankeng and the Difeng Scenic Zone.

Wu Gorge is the second of the Three Gorges. This gorge extends from the Wushan to the Badong County, a distance of 40 km; the waterway is no more than one hundred metres in breadth. On either side there are peaks and green vegetation. Main attractions include the 12 peaks of Wushan Mountains, Three Platforms, Lianxian Scenic Spot, the Temple of Quyuan, and Zigui.

Xiling Gorge is about 76 km long, known for its strategic importance, and as a place of dangerous shoals. There are many rocks, caves and streams. Main attractions include Military Book and Treasury Sword Gorge, Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge, Light Shadow Gorge, and The Yellow Ox Rock Ecological Scenic Spot.

The City of Yichang
Yichang is the dividing line between the upper and mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River. There are more than 340 scenic spots and 42 priority places. From there, tourists can set out to see the beautiful natural scenery of the Yangtze and the man-made Three Gorges Dam Project