The Yangtze River, which runs through almost the entire length of China, is one that is steeped in history and folklore and is also an integral part of the nations culture. Translated into English, the name Yangtze literally means Long River; it is the third longest river in the world behind the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America.
A Yangtze River Cruise is an activity that has been popular among tourists for a very long time. Many travelers claim that a cruise along the Yangtze exposes one to a cross-section of Chinese culture. From the more agricultural areas of the north to the booming economies of the south, a cruise along this river truly does showcase China in multi-faceted lights.
A highlight of the cruise has to be the Three Gorges Dam that was built blocking the path of the river. It is one of the most ambitious hydro-electric projects in the world and the sheer size of the concrete dam is breathtaking in itself. The construction of the dam was so extensive that it has taken over three decades to complete.
Tourists on the Yangtze cruise must also be aware of the historical importance of the river in shaping the present day nation of China. Archeologists claim that human habitation along the river can be traced back to more than 27,000 years and it is famed as birthplace of Chinese civilization. Throughout the ages, the river has been the back bone of the economy in China, as it was the primary method of goods transport.
The city of Chengdu is an excellent base for tourists to begin a Yangtze River cruise. As the capital of Sichuan, it has a number of
Chengdu hotels that offer great accommodation. A
Chengdu luxury hotel such as the Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu, offers guests excellent access to the citys tourist attractions and entertainment venues.
