Yangtze River is the largest river in Asia and the third largest in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. It runs for about 6,350 km (3,970 mi) from the Tanggula Range in western China and pours into the East China Sea at Shanghai. Generally, people consider the Yangtze River a dividing line between North China and South China, and is historically, economically and cultural very important to the country. Yangtze cruises between Chongqing and Yichang/Wuhan/Shanghai are frequent chosen itineraries. During this cruise and the onshore excursions passengers will enjoy the spectacle of Fengdu Ghost City, the unique architecture of Shibaozhai and the wonder of the new Three Gorges Dam.
The Lijiang River is the main river system of Guilin Prefecture in Northeast Guangxi. Originating from Kitten Mountain, the Lijiang River winds its way south for 437 km (272 miles) before joining the western tributary of the Pear River. The 83-kilometer-long (52-mile-long) section between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful part and where the cruises take place. A cruise starts in Guilin and is estimated to take seven to eight hours to cover the 83-kilometer section. On the way you will see rolling peaks, steep cliffs, green hills and clear water that creates a fascinating picture gallery. Water buffaloes casually patrol the fields and fishermen use cormorants to catch fish and return them to the boat. The fishermen drive the birds into the water where they dive below the surface in search of fish. When the birds catch a fish they return to the boat and the fisherman removes the fish from their throat and places it in the basket.
Many Far East sea cruises have Hong Kong as their starting point. Going north, the most usual destinations are Shanghai, Tianjin (for Beijing), and Dalian (also China). If you cruise north from Hong Kong it is important to check the weather for the time of the year you want to go. In the summer months it can be very hot and humid with heavy rainfalls. In winter and well into spring it can get surprisingly cold.
