{"id":2719,"date":"2024-12-28T22:55:24","date_gmt":"2024-12-28T14:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/?p=2719"},"modified":"2025-05-21T16:22:32","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T08:22:32","slug":"cruising-the-mighty-yangtze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/applevacations.my\/blog\/cruising-the-mighty-yangtze\/","title":{"rendered":"Cruising the mighty Yangtze"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Among the many cruises along the world\u2019s most famous rivers, it appears that China\u2019s Yangtze has often been forgotten. As a matter of fact, cruising along this mighty river is the best way to appreciate the breathtaking natural scenery as well as its rich historical legacies.<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Of course, even this presents a number of options, such as which is the best section to cruise, how many nights, and which river cruise offers the best comfort\u2026 and etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yangtze can be said as the Mother River of China, and is the country\u2019s longest, passing 11 provinces along its 6,397 km course. Yangtze is the world\u2019s third longest river after the Nile and Amazon. Notably, the Yangtze Three Gorges, along with Potala Palace, Guilin, Xi\u2019an, and the Great Wall of China, were among the earliest tourist destinations opened up to foreign tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no denying that cruising along the great rivers of Europe such as the Danube and Rhine, or Nile in Egypt, Amazon in Argentina and Menam Chao Phraya in Thailand, has been very popular among tourists for some time, and I personally have experienced the great values of these river cruises, in particular the well-planned ground tours along these rivers, and the impeccable service quality, facilities and dining onboard \u2014 they are all of the best of international standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, as a self-proclaimed travel veteran, I am embarrassed to say that this is the first time I have ever taken a Yangtze Three Gorges cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, the ship that we boarded is the celebrated Century Victory. Now, let me give you a detailed account of what I saw and heard during the voyage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<River cruises: Now and then><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In September 2024, the newly designed Century Voyage made its debut. As for me, \u201cTravel the World with Leesan\u201d will set sail on it on April 14, 2025, featuring all executive rooms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some travellers might be sceptical about the quality of Yangtze Three Gorges cruises, and I can absolutely understand why. This is because as soon as they have boarded the ship, the passengers will have to spend at least four days and three nights onboard. They will not feel comfortable if the ship is of poor quality, or cramped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, many believe that Yangtze cruises cater almost entirely to domestic Chinese tourists, and the quality could therefore be compromised despite the affordable prices. That, I have to say, was the stereotyped impression many would have in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps China\u2019s Culture and Tourism ministry, or Yangtze tourism board or other relevant government agencies have not promoted this product enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the reality is, the water quality of Yangtze River as well as the scenery along the river have improved remarkably over the years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, China\u2019s development in recent decades has been phenomenal while the quality of the people has improved a lot, not to mention the vast options of ships now available for tourists to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<International standards><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Century Cruises made its debut 21 years ago, this segment of the tourism market has seen the emergence of a multitude of new operators vying for the tourist money. Apparently, the quality of cruise ships has improved to international standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I need to mention here that Century Cruises once partnered with Europe\u2019s Viking Cruises, and such an alliance has significantly elevated the service levels of Yangtze cruises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, the quality of the river\u2019s water, along with places on both banks, has vastly improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Of the whole voyage along the Yangtze, the four-day, three-night section between Chongqing and Yichang with a close encounter with the Three Gorges is most anticipated by tourists!
Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge collectively make up the Three Gorges. Yangtze River meanders its way through the gorges to form a spectacular natural landscape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<Experiencing Super Cruise at Chaotianmen><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chongqing\u2019s Chaotianmen, one of the most important river jetties on the upper section of Yangtze River, has been completely transformed. Following the massive investment by Singapore\u2019s CapitaLand, seven uniquely shaped towers have been erected around the jetty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing on Century Cruises\u2019 dedicated pier at the jetty, Daniel Liu, manager of the brand new Century Victory, welcomed us with a big smile. The Century Victory that we are about to board was manufactured in China according to European river cruise specifications. The 149.9-metre, 6-storey electricity-powered ship weighs 15,293 tons. All the staterooms are located in the front section of the ship, away from engine noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, I was markedly amazed by the Century Victory merely looking at its exterior from the pier, and couldn\u2019t wait to board the ship and look around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ship has 260 staterooms, and 180 crew aged below 30 on average. Most importantly more than half of them could speak some English, and Daniel himself speaks quite good European-accent English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This illustrates the fact that Century Cruises has had the edge of a sophisticated Western system, and is particularly meticulous in staff training. As if that is not enough, everything \u2014 from F&B, entertainment programs and ground tours \u2014 has been painstakingly designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<Traversing 11 provinces><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As evening approached, the Century Cruise slowly departed from the Raffles City Wharf in Chongqing, marking the beginning of a 4-day, 3-night journey of discovery through the Yangtze River\u2019s Three Gorges. As night fell, the Chongqing riverbanks lit up with dazzling neon lights, vibrant and dreamlike, captivating all who beheld them. This is one of the most popular must-visit destinations in all of China.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 6,397 km Yangtze River originates on the south side of Tanggula Mountains on the Tibetan Plateau, and takes an eastward course past the provinces of Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Jiangsu before entering the sea in Shanghai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undeniably, Yangtze River has had far-reaching influences over the history, culture, civilisation, politics, economy and ecosystem of China. Over the past 3,000 years, countless Chinese war strategists, philosophers, politicians, poets and priests had been linked to this mighty river, with many historical records, poems and literary works created here. This makes me all the more want to visit the Three Gorges!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathtaking scenery onboard or on land<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every day, we had the opportunity to go ashore and visit ancient temples over a thousand years old, and listen to the local guides explaining in detail the historical and cultural significance of the attractions. I personally feel that Fengdu Ghost City, Baidi Fortress, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Shennu Stream are all must-see destinations along the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<The Great Dam><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Sun Yat Sen first came out with the idea of constructing a dam across the Yangtze way back in 1911. The dam was eventually completed in Yichang in 2003, marking the single largest hydroelectric power project in China and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the functions of the Three Gorges Dam are river flow regulation, power generation, and flood mitigation. The project has an enormous impact on the improvement of water resource management and power generation capacity in Yangtze Basin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, I need to mention here that the Three Gorges Dam has completely transformed the landscape and environment along the river. With the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, tourist activities along the Yangtze have been significantly boosted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrating the Century Cruise Voyager\u2019s Captain\u2019s Night with a delightful selection of international buffet dishes. Cruising along the Yangtze River offers not only breathtaking views of nature and geography but also an equally rich experience of historical and cultural heritage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<Year-round fun><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Century Cruises, tourists can now cruise along the Yangtze anytime of the year. A gentle reminder: avoid the several super-peak travel seasons of China!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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