Together with the Yellow River, the Yangtze River is the cradle of Chinese civilization. Also known as the Changjiang River, the Yangtze is the largest and longest river in China. Of all the world's rivers, the Yangtze River ranks third in length following the Nile in Africa and the Amazon River in South America.
The Yangtze River finds its water source in the south side of Tanggula Mountain in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Flowing over 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles) from west to east, the river moves through steep mountains in the plateau, upland areas and flat plains in hinterland China until it finally reaches the East China Sea where it joins the Pacific Ocean. The Yangtze drains an area of more than 445 million acres taking up one fifth of the total land area of China.
The greatest appeal of the Yangtze River is attributed to the majestic and grand Three Gorges, (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge) located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It is such a spectacular view, providing an experience of a life time. Adventurous sailings as well as scenic and historical sites are located along the reaches of the river. That is why sailing along the river has been a must during oversea tourists' China tour.
The main stream passes through 11 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, while its tributaries involve many other provinces. The lower reaches of the Yangtze River flows through highly developed industrial districts and metropolises dotted with many lakes and interlaced streams.
The Yangtze River holds huge hydroelectric potential on its mainstream and exuberant tributaries due to the huge fall of the river as it flows from the western highlands to the eastern plains. Many hydro powered stations had been constructed either on its mainstream or on its tributaries. The world famous Three Gorges Dam is under construction in the middle part of the Xiling Gorge. Upon the completion of the majestic Three Gorges Project in 2009, the hydropower station will be the world's biggest, generating 84.7 billion kilowatts of electricity yearly.
The Yangtze River also plays a very important role in water transportation. It accounts for more than 80% of freight movement throughout China. The role of navigation will become even more important once the regulating reservoir of the Three Georges Project raises the river level by 10 to 100 meters (33-328 feet) enabling 10,000-ton ocean-going cargo ships and passenger liners to reach Chongqing directly from Shanghai.
Flooding along the Yangtze River has caused tremendous damage to people in the past. Significant flooding occurred in 1905, 1980 and 1982, causing incredible damage. Flooding in 1995 and 1998 caused many deaths and large scale loss of property. It is believed that floods will be effectively controlled after the Three Gorges Project is completed in 2009.
Yangtze River Cruise ships go between Chongqing and Yichang or Wuhan or even Shanghai. Visitors see the sceneries all along the way. Shore excursions involve the sightseeing of some famous attractions in a specific city or county.
Discover natural wonders and time-warp relics:
Chongqing, the biggest municipality of China.
Fuling, where White Crane Ridge and Xiao Tianxi Graves locate.
Fengdu, a county hold a well-know Ghost City where featured a distinct ghost culture.
Precious Stone Fortress (Shibaozhai)
Wanzhou, a district in Chongqing and lies in the center of Three Gorges Scenic Area.
Yunyang proudly owns the Zhang Fei Temple.
Fengjie, where the famous Baidi City and Eight Elements Battle Formation located.
Three Gorges, including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge, and the Three Gorges Project.
Wushan, famous for Mt. Wushan and the Twelve Peaks.
Zigui is the home town of Fragrance Stream and Quyuan Temple.
Yichang where located the Three Gorges Dam.
Jingzhou City surrounded by ancient city walls that originally constructed in the Han Dynasty.
Yueyang, where the famous Yueyang Pavilion, Dongting Lake and Junshan Hil locate.
Wuhan, a metropolis in central China.
Jiujiang is a beautiful seaport on the Yangtze River.
Nanjing, an ancient capital city along the Yangtze River.
Shanghai, an international city and the place where Yangtze River flows into the sea.
