You can ride the Yangtze all the way from Chongqing to Shanghai, cutting across nearly 2000km of China and seeing major sites along the way. You hit Three Gorges Dam of course, Wuhan, and Fendu, among others. Really gives you a sense for the country.
The country and river is changing overnight, probably best to see it while it still exists.
Victoria Cruises is the premier cruise line for Westerners if you want to cruise the Yangtze River and take your time about it:
www.ruba.com/tour/angelavictoriacruises/14_Day_China_Exploration_the_Magnificent_Yangtze
From Chonqing to Wuhan, the boat ride takes over three days. I used a Chinese passenger ferry which was very basic but clean and well equipped. The views are spectacular. See them before the dam is finished. Be prepared for very few westerners on board but everyone is friendly nonetheless. An unforgettable experience.
Ask in any hotel in Chonqing, or go down to the docks- there is a travel agent there.
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Chongqing basics
- Population:
- 30m
- Currency:
- Yuan Renminbi
- Time zone:
- GMT+8
- Dialling code:
- 86 23