Yangtze River, China
About the River
The mighty Yangtze, or ChangJiang, is the third largest river in the world. (The Nile Is the longest, followed by the Amazon.) At 6,300 kilometers (3,900 miles), the Yangtze is closest in length to the Mississippi. Among the Chinese, the name Yangtze Is rarely used. They prefer ChangJiang-simply, Long River.
This extensive waterway cuts through the heart of China, and is regarded by the Chinese as marking the division of their country into north and south, both Geographically and culturally. The river rises in the far western part of China and Flows through eight provinces before disgorging its waters into the Yellow Sea. Over 700 tributaries draining a further six provinces join the Yangtze along its course.
The Three Gorges, which lie between Chongqing and Yichang, are the most popular Destination for tourists.
Chongqing, one of the Municipalities directly answerable to Beijing, is the normal Starting point for the downriver Yangtze cruises. Boat departures are normally early in the morning so it is usually necessary to spend the night in Chongqing.
The Journey through the Three Gorges to Yichang and on downstream to Wuhan takes Three-and-a-half days, while the upriver journey, from Wuhan to Chongqing, takes Four-and-a-half days.
Following the completion of the San Xia Ba (Three Gorges Dam), and as a portion of the river becomes more lake-like up to 2009, upstream Speeds are likely to increase, and downstream ones to slow slightly.
Night navigation will become possible in formerly dangerous reaches, and may lead to the rescheduling of boats other than those specifically for tourists. Check timings carefully to make sure you pass through the Three Gorges in daylight hours.
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