SHANGHAI

Shanghai is a city of superlatives: China’s largest city, most important industrial center, most active and most cosmopolitan. After the Treaty of  Nanking in 1842, it thrived as a port trading in tea, silk and opium. The influence of foreign ideas is reflected today in Shanghai’s architecture and the sophistication of its citizen. This was the home of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of republican China. There is much to do in Shanghai, from visiting the serene Jade Buddha Temple to strolling through the intricate Garden of Mandarin Yu.

WUHAN

Often referred to as the “tri-city”, Wuhan unites the old port cities of Hankou, Hangyang and Wuchang. This is the home port of our ships and the starting point of our fabulous upstream cruises.

YUEYANG

The most famous sight of Yueyang City is the Yueyang Tower, one of the Three Great Towers south of Yangtze. Visible from afar, this tower is 66 ft. in height and is built entirely of wood. The first tower was erected in 716, the present golden-tiled square tower dates from 1985. Legend has it that the tower was saved from destruction by the natural power pf a Taoist immortal Lu Dongbin who also got drunk there three times. Hence, the Thrice Drunken Pavilion was made. From the top of the tower you can see far across Lake Dongting, the largest fresh water lake in China.

YICHANG

Yichang, site of the massive Gezhouba Dam, stands at the entrance to the Xiling Gorge.

Here we pass through one of the three locks before continuing upstream.

YANGZHOU

It was one of the most important cities on the Grand Canal, whose construction began in 605 AD. Yangzhou was also a center of classical learning and religion. Many emperors, prime ministers and men of letters spent time there. It is said that Marco Polo, the great traveler, was a governor-general of the city for three years. The magnificent man-made Slender West Lake (Shouxi Hu) dates from the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). It is surrounded by weeping willows and pagodas. The Friendship Hall on the lake holds a stone tablet with a description of Marco Polo’s governorship and his portrait. The red pillars of the amazing Five Pavilion Bridge rest on 15 stone arches. It is said that in a particular time of year the moon reflects in the water under each arch.

SANDOUPING

Sandouping is the site of the new Three Gorges Dam project. In November 1997, the main channel of the Yangtze River was blocked in an official celebration commemorating the start of the project to build the world’s largest dam. Building is expected to last six years during which ships will pass through the existing system of locks.

WUSHAN (BADONG)

This charming town of narrow, winding streets is the starting point for one of the highlights of the Yangtze Cruise: the trip along the Daning River to the Three Lesser Gorges. Here you board smaller barges to reach the Emerald Gorge, Misty Gorge and Dragon Gate Gorge. Breathtaking cliffs, Verdant hillsides and azure pools surround you. Monkeys play in the trees and exotic birds screech. Magnificent rock formations bearing poetic names, like goddess of Mercy, stretch upward into the mist.

FENDU

Home to 48 Taoist and Buddhist temple, Fendu is considered by Chinese as the gateway to the after-life. After dying, all souls come to the main Buddha temple located at the top of a 288- meter high hill (an optional ski lift can take you to the top if navigating stairs is difficult). Here, they must pass a number of tests on their way to the temple to determine whether they will be sent to heaven or hell. You will be tested too! A fun and interesting excursion that will give you an idea of the Chinese folk concept of the after-life.

WANXIAN

Encircled by mountains and laced with steps, Wanxian is renowned for its silk and basket market. According to current plans, Wanxian is scheduled to be flooded when the level of the Yangtze is raised.

SHIBOSHAI (STONE FORTRESS)

This ancient little market town located on the banks of the upper Yangtze is highlighted by the visually impressive “Stone Fortress” – a twelve storied centuries old wooden temple built into the side of sheer rock cliff. Those who wish to may climb its twelve stories for a truly magnificent view of the Yangtze and the Gorges. The other recommended attraction is the town riverside open market where local folk sell everything from livestock to food and vegetables to silk and souvenirs at some of the best bargain prices to be found anywhere. A truly original taste of life along the “Long River” as it has been lived for centuries.

CHONGQING

The streets of the old national capital were once ravaged by Japanese bombs. Houses cling to the misty hillside overlooking the confluence of the Yantze and Jialing rivers, creating a picturesque scene.

XIAN

The largest city in the world in the seven and eighth centuries, Xian served as China capital for eleven dynasties. Xian was also the end stop for the legendary Silk Road, the trade route linking China with Europe. In 1976, peasants digging a well near Xian discovered this century’s most spectacular archeological site: the terra cotta army of Emperor Qin. Revered as the unifier of China and the builder of the Great Wall, Emperor

Qin was buried here with 6,000 life-size warriors.

BEIJING

The old imperial city of the Mongol, Ming and Manchu emperors is now a modern capital. Contemporary Beijing is home to eleven million people and five million bicycles.

Yet its classical monuments remain among the great wonders of the world. At the heart of the city stands the immense Tiananmen Square covering 98 acres. Alongside is the mystical Forbidden City, once closed to all males but the emperor. At the height of imperial power, its golden-roofed palaces were home to concubines, 9,000 ladies in waiting and 100,000 eunuchs. Outside the city is the fabled Great Wall, the largest man-made structure in the world.

GUILIN

This ancient city founded in 214 BC. Owes its name to cassia trees which grow there abundantly and fill the air with their scent every spring. Guilin is most famous for the breathtaking scenery of limestone mountains which inspired centuries of landscape painters. A day cruise on the meandering Li River will take you to Yangshou, a tiny town with a park, museum, good shopping and an old temple. Guilin is also known for its many parks and caves, one of the most famous being the Reed Flute Cave.

HONG KONG

A different Asia awaits you in Hong Kong – an exiting mix of East and West. In this delightful city, classic Chinese temples stand alongside glittering modern skyscrapers.

Two million people inhabit the 30 square miles of the city of Hong Kong, making its one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Yet despite its position as a world economic power, Hong Kong also has beautiful oases of tranquility in its lush parks and sparkling bay. Shopping in Kowloon is not to be missed.

JINGSHA

Jingsha is a recent union of two neighboring cities – the ancient Jingzhou and the industrialized Shashi. A 10 mile long and 30 feet high wall with an ancient city gate dating from the Three Kingdoms period (220 – 265 AD) encircled Jingzhou. It is so well preserved that costume movie are made here. The Jingzhou Museum houses an almost perfectly preserved corpse of a 2000-yea-old Han Dynasty official and his silk garments and hemp shoes, along with an important collection of antique lacquer-ware, all found nearby. For a long time now, Shashi has been an important port in distribution of cotton, beans, grains and other products. Today it is a modernized city whose inhabitants are mostly employed in light industry – machinery, durable consumer goods, printing, dyeing and textiles. Directly on the waterfront, stands the seven-storied Wanshoubao Pagoda, built in the Ming Dynasty. Its façade is adorned by many bas-relief figures of Buddha set into niches with inscriptions by the donors.

ZIGUI

A small town renown as the birthplace of China’s most revered poet – Qu Yuan who was born here 2400 years ago! In his honor the villagers still perform annual dragon boat races and the local folklore show features the song and dance of the Old Boatmen – all of whom are 50 to 80 years old.

GUANGZHOU

Guangzhou, formerly known in the Western world as Canton, has origins dating back more than 2800 years. Legend has it that five gods came riding on five goats from whose mouths the gods drew the first rice seeds.  That is why Guangzhou is sometimes referred to as the City of Five Goats. Today, it is an important commerce, cultural and university center. It’s streets are lined with ever-green trees and beautiful year-round blooming flowers. Guangzhou is also famous for its crafts, namely the Guang Dong embroidery and ceramics. It is also a city with the most restaurants and tea houses in the country. The most important sights include: Dr. Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall, the Chen Family Temple, White Cloud Hall Scenic Spot, Yuexiu Park, Six Banyan Temple and Flowery Pagoda.