The Yangtze and its legendary Three Gorges The Yangtze River has served as China’s aquatic highway for centuries, flowing nearly 4,000 miles from the Tibetan plateau to the East China Sea. Along its vast length you will have fascinating glimpses of people living and working in close proximity to the river, as well as 360-degree views of unforgettable scenery.
Xiling Gorge is the longest gorge, twisting and turning through deep canyons, its sheer-sided walls soaring heavenward like the nave of a vast natural cathedral. Once feared for its dangerous reefs and turbulent rapids, the treacherous nature of the Xiling Gorge has been significantly tamed by the Three Gorges Dam.
The highlight of your cruise will be the narrow, twisting passageway through the Yangtze’s bewitching Three Gorges. Renowned for their mystical beauty, the gorges boast towering limestone walls, strange rock formations, cloudcovered mountain peaks and pristine water tinted the essence of jade, its surface laced with delicate tendrils of mist.
The Three Gorges Dam—located midway through the Xiling Gorge—is the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, a marvel of engineering that was 12 years in the making. While the 600-foot-high dam provides clean power and protection from devastating seasonal flooding, it also displaced more than a million local residents, whose villages are now completely submerged under water.
Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic, is deep and narrow with near-vertical cliffs and stunning vistas around every bend of the river. Here too are curious cultural artifacts, such as the “suspended coffins” and ancient relics hidden within the cliffs, left by the ethnic minorities who dwelled along the river thousands of years ago.
Specially designed ship
Wu Gorge cleaves through the breathtaking Twelve Peaks, tall mountains with evocative names from Chinese mythology, such as Climbing Dragon, Flying Phoenix and Gathering Cranes. Revered for the tranquil beauty of its pine-covered slopes, the Wu Gorge also features surreal rock formations that have inspired countless folk tales.
Close-up views of the Yangtze’s timeless scenery come standard onboard the well-appointed Century Legend, a ship designed specifically for these waters by an international firm that specializes in sophisticated marine architecture. Have a massage before afternoon tea, or watch an evening movie in the onboard cinema. Partake in a tai chi lesson, savor a cocktail or simply marvel at the six-story Grand Atrium Lobby. If you prefer, you can also admire the scenery from the balcony of your spacious Executive Suite, which was designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. For more information on the ship, see pages 64–65.
◀ Terraced
rice fields along the Yangtze River, China ▶ Upper Yangtze River, China
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