Yangtze & Three Gorges Holidays

At 6340km in length, the Yangtze is the 3rd longest river in the world, neatly dividing China into north and south, and wending its way through eight very different provinces.

Although the river itself and life along the banks are fascinating in themselves, centre stage on a Yangtze cruise is the awesome journey through the Upper reaches incorporating the Three Gorges on a cruise from Chongqing to Wuhan. The Three Gorges (Qutangxia, Wuxia and Xiling) were formed around 70 million years ago during movements in the earth’s crust. Towering perpendicular cliffs and sharp gorges give way to the Yangtze below. The first gorge passed through in the Chongqing to Wuhan direction is the shortest and narrowest of the three; Qutangxia Gorge. Here, the dramatic 1200m limestone peaks are often shrouded in mist and the river shoots through the narrow entrance with great haste. Next comes Wuxia Gorge, which straddles Sichuan and Hubei Provinces. Lined by twelve sheer peaks, Wuxia offers an awesome vista for some 45km. Finally is Xiling Gorge, the longest at 75km and which comprises seven smaller gorges.

Cruises also sail through the new ship locks of the impressive Three Gorges Dam construction, intended to provide a significant amount of China’s energy, curb the Yangtze’s tendency to flood and channel wealth back into the heartland. Despite the controversial dam project, which has meant the relocation of thousands of people, the obliteration of some important cultural sites and villages and environmental damage, it is thought the Gorges will still be as breathtaking despite the greater water levels.