Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

The river flows from west to east through provinces of Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu as well as the city of Shanghai, finally emptying into the East China Sea.

The Yangtze River or Chang Jiang, is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, The Yangtze together with the Yellow River, is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Along the upper reaches of the river lies the spectacular Three Gorges. To sail through the famous 'Three Gorges' of the Yangtze is to feel the power, majesty and timelessness of China’s greatest river.

Yangtze gorge

Imagine the sight as sheer cliffs of rock close in around you, drawing you deeply into a scene of almost unspeakable beauty. Fisherman brave the rushing waters to net their livelihood. Birds dart between clouds, eyeing their prey far below. As the ship turns at a seemingly dead end, a new world of wonders suddenly unfolds before you.

Dusk on the Yangtze River

With its great distances, countless museums and long coach rides, China can be tiring for even the most enthusiastic tourist. A Yangtze River cruise provides time for perspective and relaxation in the middle of a challenging tour of China. The Yangtze River also floods every year costing lose of life & millions of dollars. The Chinese government have decided to build dams to control the waters, and the Gezhouba & Three Gorges dams are born. Unfortunately, a lot of famous historical sides, cities & villages will soon be under the muddy waters of the river. An ancient pathway along the river used for hundred of years will also be lost for ever.

River Boat

From the treeless Mountain Tanggula of Upper Qinghai, the Yangtze River winds 3,900miles through the country from west to east. The Three Gorges region is a scenic area along the Yangtze River that runs for a total length of approximately 200km. The Three Gorges occupy approximately 120km within this region. Although it is primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is historically and culturally an important region in China. A representation of the western most gorge appears on China's currency, the back of the paper 10yuan note.

A standard cruise, covers approximately 850miles from Wuhan to Chongqing, typically lasts between three and six days, depending on whether the vessel is heading up or downstream. Enjoy the numerous temples, some thousands of years old, the essential Chinese beauty of mountain, mist and river, and the village life along the river. The journey from Chongqing to Wuhan includes the 'Three Gorges' and is characterized by its picturesque natural scenery. The various ports of call along the way offer great opportunities to experience the ancient Chinese cultural heritage. Discover this special part of China, with its great humanity, beauty and time-honoured history.

Along the way, visit Fengdu, the legendary 'Ghost City' the Ming Hill, submerged as the Three Gorges dam is completed. It is a land of 'hell', scaring statues describing the afterlife were sculpted to terrify the illiterate. On the walk up to the Temple nearest Heaven, at the Ghost City of Fengdu, you came across a whole row of stone sculptures, each depicting a different aspect of Chinese life. The Temple has not been flooded, and as it is so high up on the banks of the Yangtze it never will be. Unfortunatly The old City of Fegdu has been demolished and a brand NEW city has been constructed on the other side of the river, at a higher level.

The Temple of the 'Ghost City'

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