Yangtze River Cruise

The Minor Three Gorges are between the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge,most boat trips along the route stop for a few hours to transfer passengers to smaller boat to see the “Mini Three Gorges“along the Daning river.

The Daning is one of the biggest tributaries leading into the Yangtze near Wushan county town, 25 km west of Qutang Gorge. Three miniature gorges are situated along this route, namely Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge and Dicui Gorge. This river enjoys the same geographic situation as the Yangtze, as similarly beautiful sight.Many travellers actually find this spot more impressive than the Yangtze Three Gorges themselves, and the river is certainly less polluted and more colorful than the muddy Yangtze. The Daning river is narrower than its father river and the cliff on both sides are even steeper and higher than those along the major Three Gorges.

To take a day trip up the crystal-clear Daning River through its magnificent Three Little Gorges (Xiao San Xia) — whose total length is only 33 kilometers (20 miles) — is to experience the excitement and awe of bygone days of river travel in China.

The excursion is undertaken in air-conditioned boats, whose stong experienced boatmen pole with all their might when the river is too shallow for the engine to be used, heaving their bodies forward as they thrust long iron-tipped bamboo poles into the riverbed and following through until they are almost lying on their backs in their struggle against the current. Some of the local boats encountered are not moterized and the boatmen must tow the boats — laden with local merchanise and tracking in harness, along the water’s edge or along cut pathways in the rock face. Negotiating a rapid may take several exhasting attempts before the boat is finally hauled over. Unfortunately, while the splendour of the scenery will remain, by 2003, the waters having risen about 50 meters (164 feet), the trackers’ paths will have disappered, and this description will be a souvenir of times gone by.

About 40 minutes from the mouth of the river, at its confluence with the Yangtze River, the entrance to the first of the gorges is reached. This is the Dragon Gate Gorge (Longmen Xia), 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) long. On the cliff face to the right is the 1981 flood mark, over 40 meters (130 feet) above river level. The mouth of the gorges is like a massive gateway through with the river rushes like a green dragon, hence its name. The gateway appears to shut once one has passed through. On the east side is the Dragon Gate Spring (Longmen Quan) and above it Lingzhi Peak, topped by the Nine-Dragon Pillar. On this peak, it’s said, grow stange plants and the fungus of longevity (lingzhi), guarded by nine dragons. On the western bank, two rows of 15-centimeter (2-inch) sauqre holes, continuing the entire length of the small gorges and numbering over 6,000 are all that remain of an astonishing plank walkway, which was first constructed in the Han Dynasty and recorded in the Annals of Wushan County in 246 BC. Wooden stakes inserted into these hand-hewn holes supported planks and large bamboo pipes, which stretched for 100 kilometers (62 miles) along the river. This pipeline conveyed brine, while the planks provided an access for maintenance. In the 17th century the pathway, used by the peasant leader Li Zicheng in his uprising against the Ming Dynasty government, was destroyed by the imperial army.

After leaving the gorge the boat passes the Nest of Silver Rapid (Yinwo Tan). In the past, rich merchants trading in the hinterland often came to grief here, perhaps there are caches of silver under the bubbling surface still! In 1958 work began on clearing major obstacles from the river. The Daning then meanders through terraced hillsides before entering the ten-kilometer Misty Gorge (Bawu Xia), with its dramatic scenery of rocks, peaks and caves, including Fairy Maiden Cave, Fairy Throwing a Silk Ball, and Guanyin Seated on the Lotus Platform. A long, layered formation, like a scaly dragon, can be seen on the eastern cliff. Suspended upon the precipice is a relic of the ancient inhabitants of eastern Sichuan 2000 years ago, an “iron” coffin (which is actually made of wood that has turned black with age). This gorge is accordingly also known as Iron Coffin Gorge.

The village of Twin Dragons or “Shuang Long”, above Bawu Gorge, is the halfway point. Lunch can be provided at the reception center, which also has some rooms for overnight accomodation.

Emerald Green Gorge (Dicui Xia), 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) long, is inhabited by wild ducks and covered with luxuriant bamboo groves from which rises a deafening cacophony of bird-song. There are also many types of monkey still to be seen if you are lucky. Once their shrill cries resounded throughout the Yangtze gorges, but today they can be heard only in Dicui Gorge. River stones of an extraordinary variety and color can be gathered.

At the end of this gorge the tourist boat turns around and rushes downstream, arriving at Wushan in half the time it took to get here, aided by the skilful used of the long yulo, which is weighted by a stone to steady the boat. Groups may hire a boat for this trip at the mouth of the Daning River. Cheap local ferries also do this trip but it takes much longer and requires an overnight stop at Dachang (a town with fine farmhouse architecture and the remains of a Qing Dynasty city gate).

Yuyuan is the most famous garden in Shanghai. It is located in the heart of Shanghai’s Old City, one of the few existant old tourist places in Shanghai. Close to the gardens is Shanghai’s bazaar, a great number of small streets and lanes where vendors sell their products and food stuffs to the tourists and local people. It is called garden “Yuyuan” - because “yu” in Chinese means “peace and health“– a place of peace and comfort in the heart of busy Shanghai. It can date back to the Ming Dynasty. Now a hot tourist destination, Yuyuan Garden was first built as a private garden created by Pan Yunduan. He used almost 20 years and all of his savings to construct a garden in an attempt to please his parents in their high ages.

In the past over 400 years, Yuyuan was restored and reopened several times. it was once in a mess. Because of the downside of Pan’s family after Pan Yuduan’s death, Yuyuan was slowly out of use. Although later the garden was renovated by the local rich people, several civil wars in the mid-19th century caused huge damage. In 1956, after Shanghai’s liberation, the city government rebuilt the garden and recovered its elegance and beauty as in the old days. Yuyuan Garden was at last reopened to the public in 1961. The our government declared it a national monument in 1982. Now Yuyuan Garden attracts a huge neumber of visitors at home and abroad each year.

Main atteactions in Yuyuan Garden:
Sansui Hall
Once named “Leshou Hall”, the Sansui Hall was constructed with five spacious rooms in Qing Dynasty style to entertain his guests. Later it was served as kind of celebration and announcement of imperial edicts.
Big Rockery
The Grand Rockery, made by Zhang Nanyan, a famous rockery artist in Ming Dynasty, is regarded as the best treasure of the Yu Garden and the best rockery in South China.
Elegant Jade Rock
The Exquisite Jade Rock standing before the Yuhua Hall is one of the three most famous rocks in China. The other two are “Ruiyun Rock” in Liu garden, Suzhou and “Zhouyun Rock” in Hangzhou flower nursery.Elegantly shaped, the Exquisite Jade Rock is about 4 meters high. It is a piece of featuring rock from Lake Tai in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. It is featured by its wrinkled appearance, slender shape, transparent nature, and lots of holes due to the eroded by water.
Stone City
It is a stone exhibition show holding a great number of stone sculptures and engravings. It is loved by tourists for its visual arts and human values.

Entrance Fee: RMB 40
Open Hours: 08:30 to 17:00
Transortation: Bus no.11, 26, 64, 730, 926, 980, 932
Location: 132. Anren Street, Shanghai

Huangpu River, the most important shipping artery of Shanghai, wriggles like an undulating muddy dragon from the mouth of the Yangtze River in Wusong to the East China Sea. The yellow and ice-free Huangpu River is 114 kilometers (71 miles) long, 400 meters (0.25 miles) wide and has an average depth of nine meters (30 feet).

Huangpu River joins 29 kilometers (18 miles) north of downtown Shanghai and divides Shanghai into two parts, east and west. Cruises are available everyday, including the shorter cruises (navigating the main waterfront area between the Yangpu Bridge and the Nanpu Bridge) and the complete cruises (meandering eastward along the golden waterway, over a distance of 60 kilometers or 37 miles). Whether it is in the daytime or at night, the views along the river are the same beautiful. The great modern skyscrapers and the characteristic buildings in different architectural styles are the best records of the development of the city and the Huangpu River, the birthplace of Shanghai, is the faithful eyewitness.

The Bund, also called the Zhongshan Road, is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. It starts from the Baidu Bridge, which is at the connecting point of the Huangpu River and the Suzhou Creek, to the East Jinling Road and winds a 1500 meters (less than one mile) length. Walking along the Bund, which is at the west shore of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower can be seen on the opposite side and also the Jin Mao Tower.Being one of the Top Ten Shanghai Attractions, the Bund is a really beautiful and special place which is worth visiting. The newly-built Flood Control Bank takes the function of preventing the oversize flood; the square with the statue of Marshal Chen Yi is an open air podium which gives new views of the Shanghai Plaza Culture; the Cenotaph which stands on the man-made island is a monument of people’s heroes; the riverside greenbelt, the Electronic Waterfall Bell, and the Great Mural Carving are all representatives of the Bund.

The most famous and attractive sight which is at the west side of the Bund are the 52 various buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. The Bund was the centre of Shanghai’s politics, economy and culture hundreds of years ago, consulates of most countries and many banks, businesses and newspaper offices were settled there, and that’s why we have these art-like buildings. Although they were not designed by the same person or built in the same period, the architectural pattern is similar.

Population and Distribution:
With a population of approximately 8 million people, the Tujia are an ethnic minority found in the provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guizhou. The Tujia have a long history, dating back 2,000 years, when their ancestors first immigrated to the western parts of Hunan and Hubei.

Language and Religion:
Their language is very similar to the language used in Tibet and Burma. Because it has no written form, many Tujia people use Chinese. The Tujia believe in the power of ancestors and gods, and hold sacrificial ceremonies during festivals. White tigers are highly revered and are thought to prevent evil.

Economy:
The Tujia live mainly on agriculture and fish. Industrial crops, such as tung oil and tea are the main economic drivers in the area. Tourism is also popular, driven by scenic spots such as Zhangjiajie, Mt Wuling and Mt. Wudang, which have attracted tens of thousands of people. The natural abundance of the area and its great scenery are indeed a source of pride for the Tujia.

Food:
Not surprisingly, the main staples of the Tujia are rice and corn. Wine, brewed out of glutinous rice and pickled vegetables are common culinary items. During the busy harvest, an additional breakfast is included to indicate the auspiciousness of the occasion.

Culture:
The cultures of the Tujia include the Nuo drama. Derived from a god-worshipping ceremony, it combines drama, poetry, music and dance into a complicated art and is famed as a living fossil. As such, Tujia culture has caught the eye of experts from home to abroad.

Crafts and Clothes:
Traditional cloth, woven by the Tujia women includes bedspread known as Xilangkapu. They make it colorful with over one hundred patterns. People wear short coat with loose sleeves and flowery chiffons, and men’s are also short. Only during grand festivals, will they wear traditional clothes and Tujia clothing for daily life is similar to that of the Han.

House:
The houses of the Tujia, known as Diaojiaolou are very functional and similar to those of the Miao. On the lower floor, there is livestock; while the girls’ bedrooms are kept upstairs. This design focuses on the use of small rooms but is also well ventilated, damp-proof and clean.

Festivals:
The grandest festival is the Tujia Year which is called ‘Gannian’ or ‘Diaonian Meeting’, and celebrated one day before the lunar New Year of the Han people. On that day, people prepare for sumptuous dinners and dance together. They also celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, Sheri (on the second day of the second lunar month) and so on.

On the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge is the Shennong Stream. Taking its rise from the main peak of Shennong Jia (the first peak in the center of China) and flowing through Badong County, the stream ultimately flows into the Yangtze River via the Wu Gorge.Cruising along the stream by boat, visitors will become immersed in the wonders of zigzagging watercourses, the primitive environment, the canzonet by the boat tracker, and the mysterious culture along the banks.

Unique Scenery

Along with the grandeur, elegance and danger of the Yangtze River, the Shennong Stream has its own unique scenery. It has four natural gorges - Chengnong Gorge, Mianzhu Gorge, Yingwu Gorge and Longchang Gorge - and each has unique characteristics.

Among the four gorges, Mianzhu Gorge is renowned for its danger. The riverbed is not only narrow, but also falls steeply. Over 30 dangerous shoals will challenge everyone along the 2.5-mile route. As you drift along this section, your heart will beat heavily, even as you feel reassured as to your safety by the skilled boatmen. Stalactites hang on both sides of the bank; be sure not to miss this scenery.

Yingwu Gorge is noted for its elegance. The evergreen vegetation along the banks remains beautiful during the whole year. Here, a gorge with flowers that blossom in all seasons and a fountain of three colors can be admired. The largest karst cave of Shennong Stream also lies within this section; The Longchang Gorge is one with a unique human landscape. The ancient and mysterious suspended wooden coffins and plank road are the highlight of the section.

Drifting along the Stream

Drifting along the Shennong Stream in small open sampans (called ‘peapod boats‘ by the locals) is the unique method for viewing the natural scenery, the ancient village and the flavor of Tujia (the local ethnic minority). Before you take the sampan, an environmental protection boat will first take you to admire the marvelous scenery. Then you will change to the sampan (14 yards long and two yards wide), which holds ten visitors at a time, to experience another kind of feeling.

One sampan is usually steered by six boatmen who are local peasants. While appreciating the natural beauty and historic sights along the two banks, you can hear the songs from the rowers as they row the boat. When reaching the shallow-stream places, they will paddle in the swift-flowing stream to tow the boat upstream by the rope. This scene has made the drift a unique one compared to other stream drifts.

It is sure that the serene natural beauty, the local Tujia flavor, the brave boat trackers, and historic relics will make the trip a memorable one.

A cruise down the Awe-inspiring Yangtze River is a must for any visitor to China. The best time to visit is during April-May, and September-October. This is also the height of the Yangtze River cruise season. At these times of the year the weather is warm and mild, and flight schedules are stable. Of course since this is the peak time for Yangtze River Cruises it can be difficult to book a reservation, and all of the cruises will be crowded.

June-August is also good times to book a Yangtze River Cruise. The weather is a bit hotter, but since all cruise ships are air-conditioned it will still be quite comfortable. There are also benefits to booking a cruise during this period. Booking costs will be lower, and the cruises will be less crowded. November-February is bitterly cold, and the amount of ships that cruise the river is almost non-existent.

Almost anytime can be a great time to travel down the Yangtze River. The most popular times are spring and autumn because the weather is cool and comfortable. These seasons are the high seasons of travel with many people, and higher ticket prices.

Chaotian Gate is situated at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing River in the northeast of Chongqing, the Chaotian Gate (chaotianmen) overlooks the two rivers and is surrounded by crags on three sides.

There were 10 gates in the Chongqing City. The Chaotian Gate is in the Northeast and it is the biggest harbor along the upstream of the Yangtze River. The newly built Chaotian Gate Square is the best place to get an undisturbed view of the landscape here. Jialing River, 1,119 kilometers in length, with dozens of brooks and streams converging at different points, reaches the Yangtze on the left of the Gate.

In summer or autumn each year, the green water from Jialing River mingles with the brownish yellow water in the Yangtze, producing an unusual picture.

The Chaotian Gate Wharf is the place where you start your Yangtze Cruise and Three Gorges Dam tour.

Chaotianmen Square is the gate or facade of the peninsula metropolis. For hundreds of years, this place has been the city’s first dock on the Yangtze and, therefore, it has been named Chaotianmen, of the Gate to Heaven, meaning “receiving the lord from Heaven”. Built in the summer of 1998 and covering an area of 800,000 square meters, the ship-shaped square is one of the largest roof squares in China, and it serves the purposes of sightseeing, transport and river bank protection. Its name was inscribed by President Jiang Zemin. More than a million people visit the square each year. In the first three quarters of 2000, for 26 times important guests form China and abroad were received here, including 11 times receiving Chinese Party and State leaders.

Chongqing is an inland port and a visit to Chaotianmen Docks gives a glimpse of the how the life of this modern industrial city mixes with its past.

Surrounded by mountains and on the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Jialing River, the ships, steamers and tugboats of this busy port jostle along the wharf. Nearby streets are narrow noisy affairs full of market stalls, food stalls and commerce. Ships over 10,000 tons will be able to reach here after the Three Gorges Project has been completed.

It’s a door of opening to the outside world of Chongqing, and thecommercial port with a long history well known both at home and abroad. It’s provided with comprehensive trading market, which covers and area of 270,000km, with over 7,000 traders and 400 millions RMB of turnover annually.

In order to adapt to the requirements of passenger-cargo collecting and distributing of chaotianmen market, further promote the development of regional economy, the traffic square, which has been brought into line with overall plan of master hub of chongqing highway, will play a very important role in the link of several transportation ways, like highway and water-way, water-way and railway, water-way and air transport for chongqing city.

This center covers an area of 27,000km and linking with municipal arteries in all sides, the traffic square will consist of 3 buildings of 3 levels according to the overall plan, their roofs are used for parking public transit, social cars and the cars for hire designed overall.

Many Yangtze River cruises start and end at Chaotianmen docks. For a view of the docks and city, take the cable car across the river from Cangbei Lu or Wanglongmen. Here you can watch the boats and get a real sense of modern river life. During the summer locals swim off of the thrust of land that juts into the rivers. In the winter, when the low water exposes wide mudflats, the only way to get to the ships is on the shoulders of laborers.

Chongqing attracts visitors from home and abroad for its cultural heritage and tourist attractions. The city is the starting point of the Yangtze River Cruise, which explores the wonderful scenery of the Three Gorges.

Chaotian Gate Dock
It is situated at the junction of the Yangtze and Jialing River in the northeast of Chongqing, the Chaotian Gate (chaotianmen) overlooks the two rivers and is surrounded by crags on three sides.
The newly built Chaotian Gate Square is the best place to get an undisturbed view of the landscape here. Jialing River, 1,119 kilometers in length, with dozens of brooks and streams converging at different points, reaches the Yangtze on the left of the Gate.

In summer or autumn each year, the green water from Jialing River mingles with the brownish yellow water in the Yangtze, producing an unusual picture.

Jinfo Nature Reserve
Chongqing is primarily an industrial city and it can be pleasant to escape the smog and crowds and head to the only nature reserve in the area.
The Jinfo Nature Reserve (Jinfoshan Ziran Baohuqu) , is situated amidst huge lush mountains, with one third of the area here covered by virgin forest. Most impressive of all here are the flora and fauna, including over 6000 species of plant and 500 types of wild animal.

If you are lucky enough, you may catch sight of rare tigers, leopards or spotted deer.

How to get there: Either take a bus from the Caiyuan Ba Bus Station and get off at Nanchuan and then take another bus to the reserve, or take an express train to Wansheng and then take a long distance bus. The trip should take about 4 hours whether by bus or by bus and train.

People’s Great Hall
It is situated on Renmin Lu, the People’s Great Hall (renmin Dahuitang) , which was completed in April 1954, is an example of typical Chongqing architecture.

Covering an area of 18500 square meters, this five-story rotunda is 65m high and 46m in diameter, spacious enough to hold over 4200 people and slightly reminiscent of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

How to get there: A taxi from the railway station to the Hall should cost about RMB10. It is difficult to reach this hall by public transport.

Wansheng Stone Forest
It is located 165km from downtown Chongqing, Wansheng Stone Forest (Wansheng Shilin) is the oldest (formed during the Ordovician epoch) and the second largest stone forest (the largest one is in Guilin) in China.

The forest here has a typical karst appearance, filled with sword, drum, pagoda, mushroom and bud shaped stones as well as animal shapes. This place in fact could be called a stone made zoo!

How to get there: You can take a tourist express train or, as an alternative, take bus No.327 from Nanping Bus Station and get off at Wansheng, where you have to take another minibus directly to the forest. Both ways take about 4 hours.

Angling City
(Diaoyu Cheng) , located on the Angling Mountain overlooking the Jialing River, is a city filled with legend.

The mountain here contains a gargantuan rock, where it is said that an immortal being once fished to relieve the local folks of famine. This tale gave rise to the name “Angling City”. Due largely to its strategic geographical location, this town has long been a military stronghold.

In 1259, the Mongolian Khan conquered the city and after five months of warfare was only injured once by cannon. Remains of the battlefield can still be seen here.

How to get there: Take a long distance bus from Caiyuan Ba Bus Station to Hechuan and then take a minibus. The trip should take about 2 hours.

Bayu Culture Village
The Folk Culture and Custom Village of the Ba and Yu peoples (Bayu Wenhuacun) , is located on the Lianglu Town of Yubei District. Although it is a slightly nag idea, there are a few places worth visiting here. The museum here displays 1,000 different type of Chinese folk handicraft, costumes and decorations as well as other household articles.

There is also an ancient temple here, the Kwan-yin showing the religious belief and prayer procedures of the ancient Ba people.

How to get there: Take a minibus from the Yutong Hotel at Hongqihe Qu and it will take you directly there. The trip should take about an hour.

Widely acknowledged as the largest industrial and economic center in southwestern China, Chongqing City is a popular destination for travelers with its hilly slopes, rivers, night views and spicy food.

Spread across a number of low hills (average elevation of 400 meters), surrounded by mountains, and straddling the Yangtze River, Chongqing is a natural wonder.

Illumination of Night
The main features of the downtown area are the hilly slopes. Travelers soon learn to get used to the feeling of going up and down, up and down. Locals compare the terrain to San Francisco.

At night, climbing up onto one of the less-populated hills affords panoramic views of the city’s night lights. Due to the city’s hilly terrain, you can see a hierarchy of lights in all directions.

Lights in different colors sparkle and shine in layers and are reflected in the sparkling river, creating a mirage-like view — it’s hard to tell the river and the lights.

Yangtze Cruise
To cruise down China’s longest river, the Yangtze, passing through the famous Three Gorges that most tourists come to Chongqing. With over 100 cruise ships that begin their itineraries in the city, there is no better place to start a Three Gorges river tour.

Chongqing Hotpot
Choingqing’s hot spicy food is famous. The most well-known dish is the Chongqing hotpot, which is a pot of boiling broth that you put various uncooked food items into. The meal always takes a long time, so it is good to eat it in the company of others.

‘Endless green mountains to walk on, endless clear water going away‘ - poet of the Tang dynasty described the scenery in Enshi. Located in the southwest of Hubei Province, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is bordered by the Yangtze River to the north and Hunan province to the south. Covering an area of 24,000 square kilometers (9,266 square miles), Enshi has a population of 3,910,800 (2007), more than one third of which belong to Tujia and a half belong to Miao. It is the only autonomous prefecture at the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River and also the youngest prefecture in China, which was established in 1983.

History
The history of Enshi can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) as the territory of Bazi Kingdom. It is one of the most ancient areas where the ancestors led their life. The domain of present Enshi was basically fixed in 1936.

Topography
Domain, about 220 kilometers (137 miles) from the East and West, North and South is separated by about 260 kilometers (162 miles). The whole region consists of three mountains lying tilted– Wu Mountains in the north, Wuling Mountains in the southeast and center and Qiyue Mountains in the west, with an elevation above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in general. The north, southeast and northwest areas are higher and the terrain slopes downward to the south and central regions of Enshi.

Climate
The prefecture bears a subtropical monsoon mountain climate and is humid all year round. Enshi is seldom bothered by extreme heat in midsummer and chilliness in midwinter. It is usually foggy and rainy. Influenced by the complex topography, hours of sunshine become less from northeast to southwest while the temperature declines with the rise of altitude. The annual average temperature of Enshi is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

Tourist Resources
What particularly attracts tourists to Enshi is its picturesque natural scenery, especially the bizarre caves. The soil in Enshi is rich in selenium. The countryside has a diverse range of flora and fauna. 75 percent of the region is covered with forests and it has enjoyed the reputation of being a ‘natural botanical garden’. Its various ethnic groups with their unique custom are also interesting for tourists. The famous attractions include Qingjiang Chuangtan, Yumu Village, Building Group in Dashuijing Village, Tenglong Cave and Xingdoushan Nature Reserve.