Yangtze River Facts: Length, Port Cities, Dam Project with Photos Water System Map (Click the map to enlarge it) The Yangtze water network covers about 1,800,000 square km (694,983 square miles), accounting for 18.8% of the land area in China. The upper stream is between Yibin City in Sichuan Province and Yichang City in Hubei Province. It is also called Chuan River because most parts flows through Sichuan Province. The river in this section has many shoals and rapids. The famous scenic sight "Three Gorges" is located here. The middle stream starts from Yichang City to Jiujiang City in Jiangxi Province. The river system is highly developed in the area. Many lakes are scattered around. The section between Yidu City in Hubei Province and Chenglingji Harbor in Yueyang City in Hunan Province is called Jingjiang because it passes the ancient Jingzhou area. The down stream refers to the main river section between Jiujiang and Shanghai. Originally, "Yangtze" was the name of this section due to the ancient Yangzijin Ferry in the area.

Yangtze River has numerous tributaries, merging into the river and forming great water source to it. There are 49 tributaries whose basin area surpasses 10,000 square km (3,861 square miles). The main ones are Hanjiang, Yalongjiang, Minjiang, Jialingjiang, Wujiang, Xiangjiang, Yuanjiang and Ganjiang. The famous Huangpu River in Shanghai, not as large as the former ones although, is also a tributary of the Yangtze River. Big lakes in the Yangtze Basin include Dongting Lake , Poyang Lake , Taihu Lake , Liangzi Lake, Chaohu Lake and Honghu Lake. Irrigation Projects The earliest irrigation project on Yangtze River is Dujiangyan Irrigation Project . Located on Minjiang, west to Chengdu City, it is the oldest and existing no-dam irrigation system in the world. Gezhouba Dam, Yichang In 1988, the construction of the first big dam on the river - Gezhouba Dam was finished. It creates the effects of generating electricity and improving the gorge river channel.

In 2009, another big dam - the Three Gorges Dam was completed. Located near Sandouping Town in Yichang City, Hubei Province, it is the largest hydropower project, the most efficient dam in flood control and the largest migration project in the world. The two dams together produce a marked effect to the power generation, flood control, navigation and tourism in the middle and upper reaches of the river. Crossings Before the founding of People's Republic of China, the transportation across the Yangtze River reckoned only on the ferry which brought much inconvenience. In 1957, the first big bridge across the river – Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was completed and opened to traffic. Later many big bridges both on the main streams and the branches of the river were constructed, including the famous ones in Chongqing, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Nanjing and Shanghai etc. Now there are hundreds of bridges on the Yangtze. On Dec.28 2008, Wuhan Yangtze River Crossing Tunnel was opened to traffic. Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel has been in operation since Oct. 31 2009.

Yangtze River Travel Guide - A Complete Guide to The Dream-Like Yangtze River Informative Guide of Yangtze River Home > Yangtze River Travel Guide Yangtze River Travel Guide Yangtze River, the greatest river in China while the sixth largest river in the world, it traverse 11 province and the city as Shanghai are the international trade center that benefit from the convenient waterway transportation. The wide range of practical information we list might help to clarify to the culture and history of Yangtze River, city guides along Yangtze, how to plan a cruise and suggested things to do during the tour, while there are 3 options to cruise the Yangtze River. 3-4 days cruise between Chongqing & Yichang , 4-5 days Yangtze Cruise between Chongqing & Wuhan or the longest Cruise (7-9days) between Chongqing and Shanghai . big plans star small, let’s pick yours! Name : Changjiang, Yangtze River Area: 1.8 million square kilometers Cradle : Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Yangtze River Source of the Yangtze in Tibet source The Yangtze is open to navigation all the year around.

The picture to the left features one of the so-called "Three Gorges," dangerous to navigate because of its currents and shallows, but of incredible beauty. A bird's eye view of the Yangtze river source Lake Dongting is the second largest lake in China. It lies in a basin in northern Hunan province to the south of the Yangtze River and is connected to the river. Lake Dongting source The picture to the right shows the Yangtze River flowing into the sea near the biggest city in China, Shanghai. Do you think Shanghai's geographical situation helps explain its prominence? Satellite view of the Yangtze River delta source Yangtze River | Places | WWF Continue Reading h More Stories h Species Only in the forests of the upper Yangtze can one find the beloved giant panda, which has been WWF‘s symbol since the organization was formed in 1961. The Yangtze finless porpoise, the only creature of this type in the world, lives solely in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, with a wild population smaller than that of the giant panda.

The Yangtze region is home to a stunning array of other wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and beautiful pheasants in all colors of the rainbow. The region is known to support 378 species of fish, more than 280 species of mammals, 145 species of amphibians, and 166 species of reptiles. The Central Yangtze River and lakes are also known to be important wintering and stopover sites for large numbers of migratory birds, including an estimated 95 percent of the world's Siberian crane population. Yangtze Finless Porpoise People & Communities Today, the Yangtze region is home to more than 400 million people, or nearly one-third of China’s population. Some of China’s largest cities—Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai—are all located in the plains that adjoin the banks of the Yangtze River and its tributaries in the basin. Stretching over 19 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities), the Yangtze River Basin is one of the most culturally diverse areas of the country.

Over half of China’s 55 minority ethnic groups, such as Tibetan, Zhuang, and Qiang people, make their homes in the region. They have long learned to derive a sustainable livelihood from the natural resources of the forest, river, and wetlands. Threats If completed, the controversial Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River would be the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Population Pressure and Economic Development The Yangtze River Basin is faced with enormous environmental challenges arising from population pressure and rapid economic development. In the last 50 years, the population has more than doubled, with the heaviest concentrations along the river. The economic boom led by rapidly expanding industry, sprawling cities, infrastructure development, and mineral extraction is having a major impact on the biodiversity and ecosystems in the region. Poorly planned hydrological engineering and other construction projects that interrupt the natural water flow have degraded and destroyed ecosystems and driven species out of their natural homes. What WWF Is Doing WWF was the first environmental group invited by the government to work in China, and we have a bold conservation vision to conserve one of the world’s most important rivers. WWF works to conserve representative species and the most critical ecosystems.

We help reduce the impact of human activities by transforming the most significant market forces, institutions, policies, and conservation practices. Protecting Species and Habitats WWF identifies and restores habitats for endangered species and works with the Chinese government on creating and expanding protected area networks for the giant panda, snow leopards, and finless porpoises. Improving Management of Water Resources WWF works with Chinese partners to create and implement plans that help to restore environmental flows, safeguard the heath of freshwater ecosystems, engage businesses in the basin, and improve the overall Yangtze Basin governance. Enhancing Nature’s Resilience to Climate Change WWF develops and implements a nature-based climate change adaptation strategy for the Yangtze River Basin so that the key species, representative ecosystems, and ecosystem services will become more climate-resilient. Empowering Communities as Drivers of Change WWF engages local stakeholders on managing and utilizing natural resources sustainably by creating solutions for nature reserves and local communities. WWF’s alternative livelihood projects help local communities to generate alternative income sources, which allow them to depend less on the natural forests, wetlands, and grasslands.

Yangtze River China: Facts, History, Attractions with Cruise Tours Video Winding about 3,964 miles, Yangtze River is the largest in China and the third largest in the world after the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. Originating from the Tanggula Range in Qinghai Province in western China, it traverses eleven provinces and cities from west to east, including Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shanghai. Finally it pours into the East China Sea at Shanghai. As the largest water system in China, Yangtze River is historically, economically and culturally important to the country. It has numerous tributaries including Min River, Han River, Jialing River, Gan River, and Huangpu River. The Three Gorges Dam on the river is the largest dam project and hydropower station in the world. Generally, people consider the river a dividing line between North China and South China. Areas to the north and the south of the river have many differences in climate, scenery, economics, culture and folk customs.

China Yangtze River | Introduction & Culture | Sightseeing Attractions | Foods | Shopping | Traveler's Info | Introduction & Culture Winding its way 6,300 kilometers from western China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River passes through nine provinces and serves as a drain for 695,000 square miles of land. It is less in length only to the Amazon and Nile, and spans so many regions that it has acquired half a dozen names. In the high Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Tibetans title it Dri Chu-Female Yak River. The Chinese in the area know it as Tongtian He, Traveling-Through-the-Heavens River. Where it borders Sichuan and runs through Yunnan, it is referred to as Jinsha Jiang, River of Golden Sand. Often the word Wanli prefixes the common Chang Jiang (Long River), designating it Ten Thousand Li River. Only in the lower reaches does this great flood go by its name common to foreigners: Yangtze. For over two centuries the Yangtze has served as a transportation highway and commercial thoroughfare.

Ocean-going vessels can navigate up the river for 1000 km and steamers can travel as far as Yichang, 1600 km from the sea. A quarter of China’s ocean-going cargo enters the river between Shanghai and the sea. Shanghai is known as the gateway to the Yangtze, spanning the Huangpu tributary just south of the river’s mouth. As China’s largest metropolis, Shanghai is an active hub of river commerce with thousands of boats crowding its harbor. Towering commercial ships stand out against the industrial shores, and countless ‘junks’, weather and sea-worn vessels topped with browning quilted sails, navigate the congested waterways. Other important cities dot the shore of the Yangtze, but perhaps none equal the historic significance, both triumphant and tragic, of Nanjing. Dating back at least two and a half millennia, the ‘Southern Capital’ has seen eight dynasties including the celebrated Ming in its entire cultural splendor. Nanjing also saw tragedy and destruction during WWII when the Japanese invaded resulting in the loss of 150,000 civilian lives. Nanjing now boasts some of China’s most advanced technology and a prestigious university.

The city stands as a symbol of Chinese strength and self-sufficiency, a monument of the people on their great river. Every year the Yangtze deposits massive amounts of silt (more than 170 million cum/6 billion cu ft annually), that helps make up Jiangsu Province, a large plain used to grow rice. The fertile plains provide one of the most profitable areas of agriculture in China. Today China accounts for 35% of the world’s rice production. Rice is the world's single most important food crop and a primary food for more than a third of the world's population. China seeks to provide for its increasing population with improved agricultural technology and an increase in fertile land. The Yangtze provides crucial irrigation to Jiangsu Province which continues to produce abundant harvests. Aside from its transit, economic and agricultural importance, the Yangtze winds through some of China’s most scenic landscapes. The common Chinese saying, ‘If you haven’t traveled up the mighty Yangtze, you haven’t been anywhere’, well describes the river’s range of picturesque landscapes.

North of the Himalayas at the Yangtze’s origin (elevation 4900 m), the Tibetan Plateau has mighty glaciers and enduring snows which continuously melt into the Yangtze. Winding south and leaving the high country, the river meets the world-renowned Three Gorges which tower above it in the western Wu Shan (Witch Mountains). Known in the past for their dramatic beauty as well as religious and historical sites, the Three Gorges have recently received much attention due to the building of the controversial dam. The Yangtze stretches 192 km through the Three Gorges, Xiling, Wu, and Qutang. The perilous Xiling Gorge, furthest down river, often stands shrouded in mists. It threatens weary river vessels with whirlpools, rapids, and water cannons that can easily leave even large watercraft upside down. It is known for its sheer walls and the accelerated river beneath them. The Wu Gorge is tranquil and quiet with a deep valley and twelve peaks along its shores. Qutang Gorge boasts great magnificence in a brief eight-kilometer distance.

Its scenic shores contain the Meng Liang Staircase, the ancient Plank Road, and the Seven Gate Cave. Yangtze River Dam at Sandouping: The second phase of the Yangtze River Dam project has been completed, and the 5-stage permanent shiplock was opened to navigation in June, 2003. Benefits of the dam include flood control, power generation and improved navigation. The water level of the Yangtze River from Chongqing to the dam site has risen 135 meters and 140 dangerous rapids in Qutang and Wu Gorges have been inundated, allowing ships to easily sail between Yichang and Chongqing. The increase in water level is insignificant compared to the height of the mountain peaks which make up the Three Gorges area. The scenery is still majestic, the experience still memorable. You will be amazed as you pass through the 5-stage shiplock of the dam, an incredible engineering feat. Culture: The culture of the Yangtze River area is based on the beliefs of the Ba and Shu cultures of ancient China. This mixed culture dominated large areas of Sichuan and Hubei Provinces, along with neighboring areas.

The most notable feature of Ba and Shu culture is the belief in the power of spirits, relating to the many cliff coffins sites as well as Fengdu, City of Ghosts. A series of conflicts about 1700 years ago left an indelible mark in the form of historical relics and popular legends which are still recounted today. Sightseeing Attractions Ancient Plank Road in Qutang Gorge Traces of an ancient plank road remain on the face of a steep cliff on the north side of Qutang Gorge. The plank road overhangs the river below and used to be the only passage to Sichuan. It was built by Chinese stone craftsmen and is a most spectacular and precarious relic of ancient masonry. Ancient Plank Road in Wu Gorge Extending over 18.6 miles is a plank road built on the cliff from Wushan County to Qinglianxi (Green Lotus Stream) at the border of Hubei Province. At a distance the plank road looks like a flying dragon, long and majestic. Badong Badong is in Hubei Province on the southern shores of Xiangxiliang Valley between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge.

It links Sichuan and Hubei, and is an important distribution center for goods from both provinces. Badong has a long history. Kou Zhun, the famous prime minister of Northern Song Dynasty, served here as a county magistrate for three years. Qiufeng Pavilion is a place well worth visiting. It is a wooden structure, over 65 feet high and commands a good view of surroundings. Literary men of all dynasties came here to drink wine and compose essays and poems. Baidicheng (White Emperor Town) Situated at the top of Baidishan Mountain on the northern shore of Qutang Gorge. Baidicheng is a beautiful sight with its vermilion walls and flying eaves. The town has a history of 2,000 years and there is a wealth of historic sites of the Shu-Han period, along with numerous stone tablet inscriptions. Du Fu, Li Bai, Bai Juyi and Su Shi, all famous poets, had visited the town during their lifetimes and left a legacy of writing in praise of this historic town, which has become a city of immortal poetry. Du Fu had written as many as 430 verses in Baidicheng.

Bellows Valley This is on the northern shore of Qutang Gorge, richly colored in ochre. There are wooden boxes in the shape of bellows along the cliffs. The boxes were stored here by the legendary carpenter, Lu Ban. Further finds reveal that they contain the hanging coffins of the ancient Ba people. Book Presenting Platform Book Presenting Platform is halfway across the mountain at Feifeng Peak on the southern shore of the Wu Gorge. Yao Ji, the fairy, was said to have handed a book to Da Yu to help him conquer floods. The temple, built in the Tang Dynasty, is dedicated to the memory of the fairy. Chopping Off Dragon Platform It is a raised semi-spherical stone plate shaped like a drum on the west shore of Cuokai Gorge. Legend says that Da Yu chopped off the head of the Jade Dragon, which had wrought havoc to people by causing constant floods. Chuyang Platform Located on Gaodu Mountain, Wushan County, it is said Prince Chu had a rendezvous with the Fairy of Wushan there. There is also an ancient temple, Gaotang Temple, which was built 1,000 years ago and still stands today.

Daxi Culture One can find the site of Daxi Culture where the Yangtze and Daxi rivers join in the eastern end of Qutong Gorge. Since 1955, Chinese archeologists have excavated many cultural relics of the Neolithic Age (about 5,000 years ago) including stone artifacts, bone tools and potteries. Drum Beating Platform There is a huge stone platform on the northern bank of Nanjin Pass, several dozen feet above the surface of the river. Legend says this is the place where Zhang Fei beat a drum and trained soldiers for battle. The spot is marked with a statue of Zhang Fei with a raised sword in his left hand and a drumstick in his right. The Eight-Position Battle Array On the north shore of the Yangtze, between Fengjie and Baidicheng, there is a rectangular stone which stretches into the river. Lu Xun of the State of Wu defeated the army led by Liu Bei and gave chase to him. Zhuge Liang arranged a battle array with eight positions, by which means he forced the Wu army to retreat.

Fairy Peak Fairy Peak is on the northern shore of Wu Gorge and is the most famous of the 12 Peaks of Wushan. A huge limestone column stands 20 feet high atop the mountain. It resembles a standing girl with exquisite figure. Legend says that the column is the embodiment of a celestial girl, named Yao Ji, daughter of the Queen of the West. She descended from heaven to help Da Yu to conquer floods. She decided to stay among men to ensure the safety of boats that pass through the Three Gorges. Standing out from clouds and fog, she appears beautiful and mysterious. Fengdu - City Of Ghosts Fengdu is the name of the abode of ghosts or town of devils, an ancient city of more than a thousand years. Since the Tang Dynasty, 48 temples full of sculptures, frescos and statues of demons and devils have been built on a hill. Located just south of Chongqing, it is frequently the first shore excursion when cruising downstream on the Yangtze River. The origin of the town's extraordinary reputation as a shrine dedicated to the gods of the underworld dates back to the Han dynasty, when two officials became Daoists, living a reclusive life and eventually becoming immortals.

According to the popular religious belief, the dead come to dwell in Fengdu and the evil souls go on to hell. In Chinese mythology, it's said that those who commit acts of evil during their lifetime will be destined for the hell at the 18th layer under ground after a trial and will have to endure eternal punishment. Shopkeepers used to keep a basin of water for customers to throw their coins in and those that floated were thought to be ghost money and unacceptable. There is a cable car up to the temple complex or it can be reached by a 30 minute hike. Fengjie Situated on the north shore of Qutang Gorge, the city of Fengjie has huge towering city gates facing the Yangtze. Liu Bei of the Three Kingdoms Period named the city "Yong'an" and on his deathbed, he entrusted the upbringing of his son to a man named Zhuge Liang who lived in the Palace of Everlasting Peace, or Yong'an. The site of the palace remains to this day. The grave of Madam Gan, wife of Liu Bei is also in the city. The city was called Fengjie during the Tang Dynasty and was placed under the jurisdiction of Kuizhou.

There have been many poems and essays written about Yong'an in the past. The most famous of all was by the poet Du Fu, who came to the city and said, "Boundless vegetation droops down bleakly as the waters of Yangtze roll along endlessly." Huangling Temple The temple is on Yellow Ox Rock, said to be a celestial ox that helped Da Yu to conquer floods and reclaim land. After the Song Dynasty, it was renamed Huangling Temple. The Hall of Emperor Yu contains an inscription written by Zhuge Liang. And there is much reference material on hydrogeology. Built against the mountain the temple is surrounded by citrus trees. Kongling Gorge East of the Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge there is the Kongling Gorge. The shoal or beach here was known as the Guimen or Ghost City Pass in the old days. The three shoals in the Three Gorges are the Xie Shoal, Qing Shoal and Kongling Shoal. Kongling Shoal has large and small rocks everywhere. Boats would often founder after hitting them. After reconstruction work the shoal is no longer a danger to visitors. Kuimen Gate Kuimen Gate is at the western tip of Qutang Gorge.

It is bordered by Chijiashan to the north and Baiyanshan to the south, both of which rise 4,920 feet high, like two huge gates. The cliffs force the water into an area only several dozen feet wide. The water flows rapidly, making the scenery ever more spectacular. Kuimen Gate is a symbol of the Three Gorges and was called the most magnificent scenery in the world by ancient Chinese writers. Lianxiahe Scenic Spot Located 16.5 miles south of Badong County in Hubei Province, Lianxiahe Scenic Spot is approx. 3,280 feet above sea level and encompasses 494 acres. The clear water, natural beauty and elegant scenery attract many visitors. The shores are dotted with precipices, and the area includes a zone of strange and rare flora in which monkeys play. Visitors interested in the customs of minority groups will enjoy a warm welcome at the Tujia ethnic village. Light Shadow Gorge Also known as Mingyue (Bright Moon) Gorge, Light Shadow Gorge forms the eastern section of the Xiling Gorge. The passage is very narrow, with steep cliffs.

Lu You Fountain Situated on the northern bank of Nanjin Pass is a small pool. Water flows into the pool from a fountain in the cliffs. Lu You, a poet and patriot of the Southern Song Dynasty visited the place. He boiled tea with the water from the fountain and enjoyed the taste so much that he wrote in praise of it. Military Book and Treasury Sword Gorge This gorge is situated on the northern shore of the Xiangxi River mouth. There is a huge rock shaped like a pile of books on a cliff over 328 feet above the river. It is called Military Book Rock. On the lower end of the cliff is a huge stone like a sword pointing downward into the water. Legend says that Zhuge Liang kept his military book and sword here. Nanjin Pass At Nanjing Pass, western exit of Xiling Gorge, steep cliffs stand on both shores and the waterway is narrow. The pass has strategic importance and control of it has been bitterly contested. There is a saying that he who controls the pass controls the passage to Shu and has Jinmen under their thumb.

The rapid flow of the Yangtze ends at Nanjin Pass and after leaving it, the river widens to meander to the vast Jianghan Plain. Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge On the Northern Shore of the Yangtze you’ll find Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge, where endlessly flowing streams abound among rocks. Hanging from the cliff are limestone formations, two of which are ochre in color. They overlap each other and hang from above. One looks like an ox liver and the other like a horse lung. Qutang Gorge Also known as Kui Gorge, Qutang is the first point that visitors traveling eastward reach in the Three Gorges. The first section extends from Baidicheng (White Emperor Town) to Daxi Township in Wushan County, extending about 4.9 miles. High cliffs and steep precipices with sharp edges rise one after another on either side of the narrow gorge. The poet Bai Juyi described the gorge by writing, "The shore looks like two screens. The sky has been cut out." Within the gorge there is Baidicheng, the ancient plank road built on the cliff, and the sites of Daxi culture.

The Red Cliff in Puqi The Red Cliff, also called "Chibi" in Chinese, lies on the southern bank of Yangtze River 31 km north of Puqi City. Composed of three rolling hills and facing the Yangtze River, the Chibi Mountain appears to be a herd of galloping stallions against a luxuriant green painted landscape. Shennong Stream Shennong, or Holy Farmer (a legendary figure who invented the plough) Stream is in west Hubei Province. It is over 37.2 miles long and runs from north to south, emptying into Wu Gorge in the east. Floating on the stream is a popular shore excursion during a Yangtze River Cruise. Visitors float in a broad beamed boat, which takes them to Mianzhu Gorge, Yingwu or Parrot Gorge and Longchang Gorge. The waterway is narrow and luxurious vegetation covers both shores. Monkeys and wild goats can be seen and the atmosphere is rustic. Plank roads on the cliffs and hanging coffins are also visible.

Stone Tablet Inscription written by Zhuge Liang (also known as the Kong Ming Tablet) There is a huge grotto in a precipice on Jixianfeng Peak on the northern shore of the Yangtze River. Six Chinese characters describe Wu Gorge as having ‘rock after rock and peak after peak’. Some of the words are hard to read as a result of erosion. They were written in the Three Kingdoms Period by Zhuge Liang. Stone Tablets Tourist Zone It is located at the Light Shadow Gorge, 10.5 miles from Yichang. There are rapids, grotesque rocks, unusual caves, a sweet water fountain, a secluded valley, as well as sites of Chinese resistance in the war against Japanese aggression. Other sights include Mingyue Bay, Shilingpai, and Light Shadow Cave. Many poems composed by literary figures of different dynasties can be seen here. A historical battle took place in Shipai in April, 1945 and was regarded as a Chinese Stalingrad. The tour includes aspects of the war of resistance for those interested in history.

The Temple of Qu Yuan and Former Home of Qu Yuan Qu Yuan (340 BC-278 BC) lived in the State of Chu during the Warring States Period. A temple was built in Zigui, birthplace of the poet, where a bronze statue now stands. The Qu Yuan Memorial Hall is in the main architectural structure and the tomb of Qu Yuan is located in the back. Lepingli or Luojiaoping is the birthplace of Qu Yuan. It is 18 miles east of Zigui County. There are many historic sites, such as the Reading Cave and Poetry Reciting Platform. A well, which served as a mirror for Qa Yuan, still remains. Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Zone This scenic zone is a karst formation located 23 miles from Fengjie County and stretching over 238 miles. There are 6 places of special interest, including the world's foremost heavenly pit, the longest limestone well, an underground river, a labyrinth and celestial cave. The 12 Peaks of the Wushan Mountains This is the most splendid scenery in the Wu Gorge.

The 12 Peaks are spread on both shores of the Yangtze, forming a vista of mountains and rivers. Wushan County The county is situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Daning Rivers, at the northern end of Wu Gorge. It is a picturesque place with a long history dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period. It was named Wushan in the Sui Dynasty. The famous poet Lu You said that as the county is located in the gorge, it is provided with a magnificent view. Visitors to the county can view the clouds and rain of the Wushan Mountains, the Lu You Cave and the features of Fairy Peak. It is a popular place for tourists visiting the Three Gorges. Xiangxi Stream, Former Home of Wang Zhaojun Xiangxi Stream is between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, and is a tributary of the Yangtze. By proceeding from the upper reaches of Xiangxi Stream visitors can arrive at Zhaojun Village. Zhaojun was an imperial concubine in the Han Dynasty. She volunteered in 33 BC to enter into marriage with an ethnic tribal leader beyond the Great Wall.

She played a considerable role in preventing a military invasion, by becoming the wife of Chan Yu, chief Huhanye. Places and objects in the village associated with her can be found such as her dressing table, Niangniang Platform, the residence of Zhaojun, Purple Bamboo Garden and the Pavilion. Xiling Gorge Xiling Gorge starts at the western tip of Xiangxi Stream in Zigui and extends to Nanjin pass in the east, about 47 miles. In the middle is Miaonankuangu, where the Three Gorges Dam is built on Zhongbao Island. At the western section we find Military Book and Treasury Sword Gorge, and the Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge. In the east are Light Shadow Gorge and the Yellow Ox Gorge. Xiling Gorge is known for its strategic importance, and as a place of dangerous shoals. The landforms on the western shore of the gorge are varied, including many rocks, caves, and streams.

Xiling 100-li Art Gallery Xiling 100-li Art Gallery is between Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Lock, and is made up of three sections: the Yellow Ox Gorge, Light Shadow Gorge (Mingyue Gorge), and the Yellow Cat Gorge (Yichang Gorge), commonly known as the three new gorges. They are flanked by cliffs on both sides, covered with green vegetation, and are full of cloud and fog. Visitors find the place rather mysterious, as if they were traveling across paintings. The art gallery is considered the most picturesque landscape in the whole of the 120 miles long Three Gorges. Yellow Ox Rock Tourist Zone Yellow Ox Rock Tourist Zone is located on the southern shore, 0.6 mile from the Three Gorges Dam. Sights in the zone include Yellow Ox Rock, Huangling Temple, Xuanyuan Cave, and the site of an ancient mulberry plantation. The highest point is Yellow Ox Rock. Visitors who climb the rock will get an overall view of the great dam, gorge and lake. Zhongbao Island Zhongbao Island in Sandouping (Miaonankuangu) is based on a granite formation.

This sturdy structure is the reason why the island was chosen for the base of the Three Gorges Dam, scheduled to be completed in 2009. The island has a history that is full of mystery. It has never been submerged during floods. At one time floods submerged Huangling Temple, which stands much higher, but Zhongbao Island stayed intact. Zigui Situated in the broad Xiangxi River valley, east of Wu Gorge, Zigui is a famous historic city. It was called Guizhou in the old days when Liu Bei used it as a transit point to ship food and fodder to the army. It was the birthplace of Qu Yuan, the poet and patriot. Many sites associated with the poet can be seen during the tour. The former town of Zigui is now referred to as Guizhou. Foods Most deluxe cruise ships have a complete menu of both Chinese and Western food. The various small towns and villages along the route offer some interesting local cuisine in restaurants or snack bars which can be sampled when travelers disembark during shore excursions. Local delicacies include: Baishi Salted Duck Baishi salted duck (baishi banya) is a local popular dish.

Before being cooked, the duck is salted and air-dried for one and a half months. The final dish exudes an irresistible fragrance. Dengying Beef Slices Due to the mild climate in the area of the Three Gorges, local beef is tender to the taste. The local delicacy is translucent beef slices marinated in special local seasonings with a peppered flavor. Deyuan Stuffed Dumplings Deyuan stuffed dumplings are an unusual Chinese dumpling stuffed with pork, sweetened bean paste and sesame seeds. Shopping Numerous shopping specialties enriched with characteristics of the local cities or towns along the Three Gorges are easily available through the tour. Some examples include: Xiling Pottery, one of the famous pottery styles of China, is available in Yichang. Four Treasures of the Study, namely the writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper are available. Three Gorges Stone, a special type of stone, in fabulous patterns and shapes, believed by local people to represent different symbols in nature. Sanxia citrus, wine and gold-headed centipede (for medicinal purposes) are all fun things to buy in this area.

Lacquer work, embroidery and replicas of famous cultural artifacts can be found in the historical and cultural stronghold of Jingzhou. Chongqing Osmanthus Garlic, a specialty of Sichuan Province, is popular with locals and visitors. Note: Temperatures are in Fahrenheit, Rainfall is in Inches Transportation: Most Yangtze River cruises pass through the famous Three Gorges area, situated between Chongqing in the west, and between Yichang and Wuhan in the East. The major means of transportation along the River is by boat. Travelers can begin the trip at either end, west of the Three Gorges area in Chongqing, east of the Three Gorges area in either Yichang or Wuhan, or even as far east as Shanghai, where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea. The Yangtze River cruise ships usually offer 3-5 day package tours along the Three Gorges (up to 9 days if cruising all the way to Shanghai). The boats not only provide guests with standard rooms and services, but also offer culinary delights and various forms of entertainment.

These ships stop at the most popular attractions, allowing passengers to disembark for shore excursions along the way, accompanied by English speaking guides. Chongqing, Wuhan and Shanghai all have major airports with flight connections throughout China. Yichang has an airport with limited flight connections; it is sometimes necessary to fly into Wuhan and drive to Yichang, a drive of about 4 hours. Cruise Ships: China Regal Cruises ships are some of the most state of the art on the river. With their advanced navigation equipment and environmental controls, these German built ships offer the highest level of comfort and safety. Other amenities include: English speaking Cruise Director All outside cabins with picture window, A/C, IDD telephone, mini bar, private bathroom, personal safe Barber / beauty salon, business center, Mahjong rooms, fitness center, nightclub, shopping center, conference room & facilities Tai Chi, cooking classes, lectures on calligraphy and Chinese culture, bingo, chess, karaoke Excursion to Shennong Stream 2 ships, the East Queen and East King Victoria Cruises combines traditional Chinese hospitality with Western standards of service and training. Each cruise ship offers both Chinese and Western cuisine.

Other amenities include: Multi-lingual International Cruise Director Total passenger capacity of 130-266 (varies by ship) Standard room area of 155-210 sq. ft. (depending on the ship) All outside cabins with balcony, lower berths, television, private bathroom Business center with phone, fax and internet access, library, barber / beauty salon, fitness center, gift shop, full bar, game room an nightclub Tai Chi, acupuncture, Chinese medicine lectures, introductory Mandarin lessons and mahjong Excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream With 6 ships, the most departures on the river Viking River Cruises Total passenger capacity of 186-306 (Century Star / Century Sky) Standard cabin area of 177-221 sq. ft.

(Century Star / Century Sky) All outside cabins with balconies, private bathrooms with shower, hotel style beds, telephones, TV and A/C Restaurant, observation lounge & bar, coffee bar, sauna, sun deck, shops, laundry service, beauty salon, doctor (Century Star also has gym and business center, Century Sky also has library and elevators) Excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges with picnic lunch 2 ships built in 2003 and 2004 Disclaimer: Although prices are current at the time of printing or listing, airlines frequently change their prices as a result of fare increases and/or fuel surcharges. Therefore, prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received. Please call for our most current prices. Yangtze vs Nile – Which river runs supreme? Yangtze vs Nile – Which river runs supreme? August 15, 2011 | Author Mark Tanner I’ve lived beside four rivers in my life. As a youngster, Wellington’s mighty Hutt River was my favourite spot for sitting in inner tubes and doing ‘bombs’ into.

Then there was Dublin’s River Liffey, the resting place of more pint glasses than any other river in the world. Preparing for our paddle down the Blue Nile , I lived in Khartoum, Sudan where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet. It was there I caught the bug for the world’s longest river. Since moving to Shanghai on banks of the Yangtze River Delta, my fascination with rivers hasn’t tempered and I’ve become curious about how two of the world’s greatest rivers compare. China’s enchanting Yangtze River and Africa’s magical Nile River The much loved River Nile Almost every kid has read a book or done a school project on the River Nile. The pyramids and temples that line her banks are what many children’s fantasies are made of and have long been associated with legendary explorers, exotic travel and world wonders. Every month there are more than 4,000,000 Google searches in English for ‘Nile’. The ‘Yangtze’ cruises in at just 165,000 – 4% of the African river. But don’t be fooled.

Just because the Nile creams the Yangtze in popularity contests, it’s only 6% shorter and is by no means any less of a river. As China becomes increasingly relevant to the world, it’s a sure thing that we’ll start paying a little more interest to Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze. Yangtze River – the China divider From the highlands of Tibet, the Yangtze River flows 6,300km / 3,915 miles east to the China Sea cutting a prominent divide between North and South China. Since ancient times, the difficulty of crossing the river has made the regions to the north and south of the river culturally distinct. The native language north of the Yangtze is Mandarin. South are the dissimilar Sinitic languages. Traditionally those to the north are taller, fairer, smaller-eyed noodle and dumpling eaters, those in the south eat rice. If you get a northerner talking about a southerner he’ll blurt all sorts of profanities. Have the same conversation in the south, and you may learn a few Chinese swear words.

North and south aside, the Yangtze is hugely significant to China, draining one-fifth of China’s land area and home to one-third of its population. But just how do the facts stack up against the great River Nile? Key Threat According to WWF Pollution (sedimentation + industrial, agricultural and domestic waste) Climate Change Money River With so much of the world concerned with cold hard cash, the economics of the two rivers deserves a mention. Unfortunately for the Nile-dwellers, seven of the 11 Nile Basin countries are among the world’s poorest, with a GDP of less than $300 per capita. The total GDP for all of the Nile Basin countries, including large areas independent of the Nile River is $356 billion. The Yangtze River flows gold by comparison. More than 40% of China’s GDP, or $2 trillion, comes from the Yangtze River basin. Half of that can be tributed to the Yangtze Delta, with the rest coming from smog-choked factory towns upstream such as Chongqing (population: 31.44 million), the world’s largest city that most people haven’t heard of outside of China.

Damming the World’s Great Rivers 1976 saw the completion of Egypt’s Aswan Dam project and subsequent super-reservoir, Lake Nasser. The world’s largest manmade lake at the time swallowed up much of Nubia, forcing 120,000 Sudanese and Egyptians to be resettled while drowning countless ancient artefacts. Since I paddled down the Nile in 2004/2005, the River has been changed forever with completion of the Merowe Dam in Northern Sudan, and three more built or under construction upstream in Ethiopia. As significant as the Nile damming is, it is pale in comparison to the Chinese damming of the Yangtze. This year marks the completion of the US$23 billion Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangzte River; China’s biggest engineering project since the Great Wall and the world’s biggest Hydroelectric dam. 1.24 million Chinese were resettled and 1,300 archaeological sites were flooded to make way for the world’s largest hydro electric power station. The structural integrity has been questioned following the discovery of 80 hairline cracks just after the reservoir was filled.

And although silt will further test its sturdiness, the Chinese Government assure us that the dam is structurally sound – I’m sure the hundreds of millions downstream are sleeping easy. In addition to the Three Gorges Dam, 20 other dams spanning the Yangtze and its tributaries are either built or under construction. Places of Interest Although the Yellow River is often considered the cradle of Chinese civilisation, signs of ancient human life and significant historic sites would indicate the Yangtze has played a big part in building the world’s longest lasting civilisation. The Yangtze Basin, like the Nile, is full of historic and scenic must-sees. Although the Yangtze River leads the Nile 11:7 on UNESCO World Heritage stakes, there is no substituting the ancient wonders that flank the River Nile. They are all within spitting distance of the river, are easily accessible and are of a scale and age that will leave you with bruises from excessive self-pinching. Most of the Yangtze basin’s UNESCO listings relate to locations on tributary rivers or surrounding mountains, and visiting those sites requires detours from the main Yangtze flow. But it should demonstrate the cultural significance of China’s amazing Yangtze River.

Rock carvings at UNESCO World Heritage Site Dazu The Money or the Memories? The Yangtze and Nile River Facts Compared The Nile may be longer, have a larger basin and more wild animals, but the Yangtze starts higher, has a larger discharge, feeds more people and has a much larger economic influence on the world. The analyst would probably favour the Yangtze, the romantic, the Nile. The marketer would declare the Yangtze has a branding issue. But it’s not just being the world’s longest that makes the River Nile magical. Since time immemorial the Nile has brought life to the world’s largest desert, which would be nothing but sand were it not for the river. One thing I can say for sure, is that I want to see a lot more of the Yangtze. Now you have the river facts, I’m sure you’ve got your own opinion. Regardless of who’s best, it’s fair to conclude that the Yangtze deserves a lot more kudos and interest than it currently gets. Dusk on the Yangtze River by Andrew Hitchcock For some really interesting photos and info about rivers, I’d strongly recommend taking a look at the Nile River paddle .

The Internet In China: Going The Full Circle What You’ve Said Recently: Mark Tanner { Thanks Catherine, a little hot for lamb right now, but when things cool down I will be trotting down to Fields for some of their... } – Jul 12, 6:12 AM Catherine { You can buy Lamb at Fields online store, I have yet to try but I have heard the general quality at this store is excellent. } – Jul 12, 4:15 AM Mark Tanner { Hi Reina, Treetop's email address is treetopselnido@yahoo.com, the owner's name is Dave. } – Jun 05, 3:09 AM Beatrice { Hello Mark, Thank you to both of you! We really wish to meet you and your wife again somewhere else in the world. Take care,... } – Jun 04, 5:46 PM Reina { Hey Mark, I read through your blog, as I am preparing for a trip to Palawan paradise myself. I have been trying to get in...

} – Jun 04, 1:29 PM Mark Tanner { Hi Beatrice and Fabrizio, Thank you for letting me know the full story about Pura Vida. I am so sorry to hear about what happened... } – May 29, 12:35 AM Tags Mouth of the mighty Yangtze / Observing the Earth / Our Activities / ESA Mouth of the mighty Yangtze Shanghai, China - MERIS - 21 March 2003 25 March 2004 The coloured waters shown here in this 21 March Envisat Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) image have concluded a long journey across China. They are surging into the East China Sea from the mouth of the Yangtze River, which at 6300 km long is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world. Rising in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Yangtze River snakes through nine provinces and serves as a drain for 1.8 million square kilometres of territory.

MERIS is designed to detect ocean colour, and clearly visible here is how the Yangtze's heavy sediment plume discharges into and colours the waters along the Chinese coast. Its total sediment load is estimated at 680 million tonnes a year – equivalent in weight to a hundred Great Pyramids. Shanghai - China's largest city - is located south of the Yangtze mouth and the 1000-km-long navigable stretch of the Yangtze west of it is a zone of major economic activity. The downside of recent growth has been a decrease in water quality that the Chinese government say it intends to combat. At the start of the month an accidental chemical spill into a tributary of the Yangtze temporarily deprived almost a million people of drinking water. Rate this

Question: What is the biggest city on the Yangtze river?
Answer: Shanghai