Yangtze River

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River (also named Changjiang in Chinese Pinyin) is the largest and longest river in China and the third longest river of the world, following the Nile in Africa and the Amazon River in South America. Along with the Yellow River, it is also the cradle of Chinese civilization.

The highlight of the Yangtze River is the majestic and grand Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge) located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It is such a spectacular view, providing an experience of a life time. Adventurous sailings as well as scenic and historical sites are located along the reaches of the Yangtze River. The sequence of downstream ports is as follows:

Chongqing-->Fuling-->Fengdu-->Shibaozhai-->Wanzhou-->Yunyang-->Fengjie
-->Yueyang-->Wushan-->Wu Gorge-->Qutang Gorge-->Zigui-->Xiling Gorge
-->Yichang-->Jingzhou-->Wuhan-->Jiujiang-->Nanjing-->Shanghai 

The Yangtze River finds its water source in the south side of Tanggula Mountain in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, the roof of the world, with an average altitude of over about 17,717 feet. The altitude of the glacier (about 21,467 feet) whose runoff nurtures this great river makes the Yangtze River the highest river in the world. Flowing over 3,915 mile from west to east, the river moves through steep mountains in the plateau, upland areas and flat plains in hinterland China until it finally reaches the East China Sea where it joins the Pacific Ocean. Its main stream passes through 11 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, draining an area of more than 445 million acres taking up one fifth of the total land area of China. The lower reaches of the Yangtze River flows through highly developed industrial districts and metropolises dotted with many lakes and interlaced streams.

About the Three Gorges Project:

The Yangtze River holds huge hydroelectric potential on its mainstream and exuberant tributaries due to the huge fall of the river as it flows from the western highlands to the eastern plains. Many hydro powered stations had been constructed either on its mainstream or on its tributaries. The world famous Three Gorges Project is under construction in the middle part of the Xiling Gorge, west of Yichang. Upon the completion of the majestic Three Gorges Dam in 2009, the hydropower station will be the world's biggest, generating 84.7 billion kilowatts of electricity yearly. As the water level rises and the river widens, some historic sites will be inundated forever, but the rising water is not expected to detract from the magnificence of the gorges, which will continue to attract visitors.

The Yangtze River also plays a very important role in water transportation. Since ancient times, it has been a major east-west trade and transportation route in China. Currently, it accounts for more than 80 percent of freight movement throughout China. The role of navigation will become even more important once the regulating reservoir of the Three Georges Project raises the river level by 33-328 feet enabling 10,000-ton ocean-going cargo ships and passenger liners to reach Chongqing directly from Shanghai.

Flooding along the Yangtze River has caused tremendous damage to people in the past. Significant flooding occurred in 1905, 1980 and 1982, causing incredible damage. Flooding in 1995 and 1998 caused many deaths and large scale loss of property. It is believed that floods will be effectively controlled after the Three Gorges Project is completed in 2009.

Recommended Yangtze Cruise Itineraries: 
China Yangtze River Cruise Tours (downstream): 11 Days Beijing - Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
China Yangtze River Cruise Tours (upstream): 12 Days Shanghai - Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing - Xian - Beijing
Yangtze River Cruise:  15 Days Beijing - Xian - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Hongkong
Luxury & Standard Tours: 14 Days Beijing- Xian- Lhasa- Chongqing- Yangtze River- Yichang - Shanghai 

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