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Q & A:  General Information

1.Are there any differences between upstream and downstream Yangtze River cruises? Or is it just that downstream is a little faster? - Top

Usually downstream cruise will take less time than upstream but it is more expensive on some ships because of higher demand from travelers. Some shore excursions may be different because of the different schedules by no means less interesting.

2.What is the average weather like on my sailing? - Top

The gorgy topography features strong wind, humid and less sunshine. The average temperature reaches 30 C in July and 10 C in January. Spring and autumn are therefore the best seasons for making the river cruises. In summers, dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rains often happen and heavy rainfalls cause the high water level between July and September (Which is usually coincided with the Flood Season on the cruising itineraries). The winters are short and cold.

3.What sights will I see on my trip? - Top

The cruise will allow you to enjoy some unique sights including superlative natural scenery, important historical sites. Some of the highlights from Chongqing to Yichang are:

Chaotianmen: Chaotianmen is the largest harbor on the upper reach of the Yangtze River. It is an amazing place where the brown, muddy Yangtze meets the clear Jialing River.

Fengdu Ghost City: Fengdu Ghost City: It is said to be the home of devil. It has an eerie feel to it with deserted streets, tower blocks, empty shops and banks. A visit to Fengdu requires a steep climb up many steps from the river level to the old town. A cable car usually operates from Fengdu to a nearby mountain scenic spot. Not wanting to climb the stair......no problem, stay on the ship and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a deck chair.

Shibaozhai: Shibaozhai is a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs, standing on the riverside. A 12-storey red wooden pagoda with upturned eaves stands on the top.

Lesser Three Gorges: The Lesser Three Gorges refers to the three separate valleys of the Daning River with the names of Dragon Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge. The gorges are truly spectacular. Sheer cliffs soar up towards the sky from the brown-green water. Mountain tops hover above the ribbon of mist, disconnected from their roots.

Shennong Stream: Shennong Stream is a tributary of the Yangtze River. The crystal clear steam flows swiftly from north to south through deep gorges.

Baidi City (White Emperor City): Baidi City clings to grand hills and cliffs. It is well known as "the Poet City". Many ancient scholars once visited it and left many literary relics.

Gezhou Dam: The dam is 2,606 meters long and 70 meters high. There are 3 ship locks and even an elevator to lift smaller ships over the dam.

Note:
1.Attractions available will depend on the cruise you take. Please check the itinerary to ensure you choose the cruise that suit you best.
2. A cable car (depending on availability) is available to go ashore at piers in Chongqing and Yichang (2 RMB/people).

 

4.Why is it not recommended to take ferry boat cruise on the Yangtze River? - Top

Ferry boats are the transport used in daily life by the local people and therefore do not cater for tourists in the way that the cruise ships do.

1. The boat will not guarantee to set aside enough time for land excursions, especially when most of the travelers on the boat are local commuters.

2. The boat is not guaranteed to pass the Three Gorges in the daylight hours and therefore you may not see those highlights.

3. No private bathroom facilities are available except in 1st class.

4. No English speaking tour guide is available onboard. We can arrange a guide for a group over 10 people.

5.What is the deference of Shennong Stream and Little Three Gorges? - Top

The Shennong Stream and Lesser Three Gorges are quite different in the features they offer. The Shennong Stream is famous for the boat trackers (the people who drag the boat up stream by rope) and for the boat ride down the fast moving river as well as the beautiful scenery.The Lesser Three Gorges feature extremely beautiful and dramatic landscapes as you explore the sheer gorges in small boats. This tour is particularly popular with photographers. Unfortunately it is not possible to do both excursions on one cruise. Please tell us which of these excursions you would like to do so that we can choose a ship that suits your requirements.

6.Is motion discomfort a problem? - Top

Rarely. Stabilizers on modern ships, availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications will release you from it.

7.What is the difference between board the Cruise in Yichang and Wuhan ? - Top

Wuhan - Yichang Cruises on the Yangtze may start or finish at Yichang or Wuhan. Your travel consultant may make a recommendation for either city depending on the flight connections that best suit your itinerary.

We don't consider that between Yi - Wu section of the river contains many attractions .So if we recommend that you leave the cruise at Yichang, you can be assured that we have done this to better co-ordinate you on going tour package. We are committed to providing the best package available to you.

8.Shall I miss anything important during the night time? - Top

There is few night sail and all scenic sites are arranged in day, if you choose a downstream cruise. You will have enough time for shore excursion. Although cruising upstream will have some midnight sailing, the ship will try to arrange the highlights sail in daytime.

9.Is it convenient for a person to travel alone? - Top

For singles who travel alone, most ships hold parties on which it is so easy to meet people and make friends. Our suggestion is that you can find a partner or traveling companion because not all ships have single rooms.

10.Will the number of the cruise boats drop after the Dam? - Top

No. The completion of the Three Gorge Dam will not affect the number of cruise boats.

11.Do the schedules for the Yangtze River cruise change? - Top

Yangtze River cruise operators reserve the right to cancel or change the sailing schedules of any ship without notice. This happens if booking numbers do not reach the level required by the operator on a particular sailing. China Highlights Travel makes reservations in good faith but can not guarantee that bookings on a particular ship and time will be honored. We will however always do all in our power to ensure that alternative satisfactory arrangements are made, should there be a change of ship or sailing schedule. We will do our utmost to ensure that any change will impact your trip as little as possible.

12.What happens when maintenance is required at the Three Gorges Dam? - Top

The Three Gorges Dam lock system is closed for maintenance once a year. During this time the ship operators will arrange for passengers to be transferred by coach from either side of the dam to the other and there join the same ship.

13.What is the best time to have the cruise? - Top

The best seasons to take a Yangtze River cruise are spring and autumn. To put it more specific, it is April, May, September and October when the weather is cool and comfortable. These four months are often called high seasons. Despite the factor of weather, the best time is in winter in terms of price. The prices are the lowest for the winter cruises and the highest in high seasons.

 

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