Yangtze River

Sometimes called “the heart of China," the majestic Yangtze River neatly divides China into north and south. As the world's longest river, the Yangtze passes through eight separate provinces as it winds its 6,000-kilometre route from the glaciers of Tibet to Shanghai. On its way to Shanghai, the Yangtze is joined by about 700 tributaries. China tour packages often include a cruise through the famous and awe-inspiring Three Gorges of the Yangtze, which takes China travellers through some of the most beautiful natural and man-made sites in China. Select from a variety of options of three- or four-night cruises through the passages, or choose a smaller boat to carry you through the Lesser Three Gorges of the Daning River. With clear water flowing through and peaks with green vegetation, the trip through the Lesser Three Gorges offers a spectacular and exciting water adventure in its own right.
The Three Gorges Dam sits at Sandouping, just below Xiling Gorge. An important part of China’s sustainable energy plan, this 3.2-kilometre walled dam is designed to generate over 80 TWh per year for Shanghai and the lower Yangtze basin. The dam also serves to control floods on the river system and to improve navigation on the river course.

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City is the legendary cave residence of the King of Hades.

In local folklore, people who die must come here to register. Here, it is

said that good people are rewarded and evil people are condemned to cruel

torture for their wrongdoings. The place has been an important site in the

ghost culture of China since ancient times. It is a unique tourist spot that

blends mysterious ancient culture with stunning natural scenery.

Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge extends about 8 kilometres, from Baidicheng to Daxi Town ship in Wushan County. High cliffs and steep precipices with sharp edges jut along either side of the narrow gorge. In the words of poet Bai Juyi, "The shore looks like two screens. The sky has been cut out."

Baidicheng (White Emperor Town)

On top of Baidishan Mountain, to the north of Qutang Gorge, Baidicheng’s vermilion walls and flying eaves are a striking sight. The town’s 2,000-year history has left many historic sites from ancient dynasties, including a wealth of historic stone tablets.

It’s also a town important in China’s literary history. Famous poets Du Fu, Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Su Shi and others have all written in and about Baidicheng.

Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge extends 40 kilometres, from the western tip of Wushan County at

the mouth of Daning River to Badong County. Each section is named. In the

west, China tours will travel through the Gold Helmet and Silver Armor

Gorge, and in the east, the Iron Coffin Gorge. The gorge slips between scenic

peaks covered in green vegetation, zigzagging and thinning out to just 100

metres across. China tour packages will point out three ancient platforms:

Chopping Off Dragon Platform, Chuyang Platform and Book Presenting

Platform.

Shennong Stream – Lesser Three Gorges

Shennong Stream is a natural area in north Badong County. A drive by car

will take China travellers 3 kilometres above sea level to this gorgeous scenic

spot. Here, China tours are surrounded by mysterious and breathtaking sights,

including golden-hair monkeys, mandarin ducks and hanging coffins. China

travellers can enjoy the serene experience of a sampan ride through this

“green treasury.”

Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge, the last of the Three Gorges, starts at the western tip of Xiangxi Stream in Zigui and goes to Nanjin pass in the east, about 75 kilometres. In the middle, China travellers will see Miaonankuangu, where the Three Gorges Dam is built on Zhongbao Island. At the western section, China tours will see the Military Book and Treasury Sword Gorge, and the Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge. To the east, you’ll see Light Shadow Gorge and the Yellow Ox Gorge. Historically, Xiling Gorge is known as a strategically important location, as well as a place of dangerous shoals.

The Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Key Water Conservancy Project on the Yangtze River

includes a concrete gravity dam, a sluice gate and a hydro power station

behind the dam. For vessels on the river, it includes a permanent navigation

ship lock and a ship lift. The dam is over 3 kilometres long, and 185 metres

high. The banks feature 26 water generators. Each water turbo generator

has an installed capacity of 700,000 kW, totaling 18.2 million kW. The

hydro power station generates up to 84.7 billion kWh of electricity per year.

The navigation structures on the left bank include the five-class stair ship

lock and a single-line first-class ship lift.

Wanxian

Wanxian is a small mountain town high on the banks of Yangtze River,