Ever been to China? Thinking about visiting the world’s most populous country? If so, one of the most breathtaking tours you’ll ever experience is a Yangtze River cruise. Visitors to this magnificent country can experience China’s amazing landscapes, culture and architecture while sailing aboard one of more than a dozen popular Yangtze Riverboats.
A Yangtze River cruise will take the passenger through modern cities, down the Daning River and around rural villages and areas offering spectacular canyon views. The vast majority of Yangtze River cruises visit Shibaozhai, home to an ancient 12-story temple built in 1650 which offers sweeping views of the winding Yangtze River and all of the villages below.
Many visitors to China will plan a cruise aboard a larger vessel, so for these cruisers a Yangtze River cruise may be part of a lengthier China cruise itinerary. Lengthier China cruise itineraries will also include visits to world famous structures like the Great Wall and cruisers will also visit grand palaces, historic temples such as the Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Yuan Gardens.
There are many China River cruise operators to choose from currently operating dozens of Yangtze riverboats. China River cruise operators include, but are not limited to: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), Collette, Cate 1, General Tours, Globus, INTRAV, Maupintour, Tauck, Trafalgar, Uniworld and Viking China River cruises.
The majority of Yangtze riverboats carry anywhere between 130-200 passengers and a handful have the capacity to hold more than 300 passengers. The smallest Yangtze riverboat, Victoria Rose, holds 130 passengers and the largest, Victoria Anna, holds 308 passengers.
So, you’re pretty sure you’re going to book a Yangtze River cruise. Before you do, there are a few things to consider such as climate and what to wear.
Average temperatures reach around 30C in July and only 10C in January. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for booking Yangtze River cruises. During the summer months, intense thunderstorms and torrential rains occur often and heavy rainfalls cause high water between July and September. The winters are typically short and cold.
During the day stick to casual shipboard attire or “day wear” and conservative clothing for sightseeing such as lightweight jackets, jeans, T- shirts and lightweight windbreakers for springs and autumns. Pack a light sweater for cooler days.
If you opt to cruise during the hot summer months, pack plenty of cotton T-shirts alternatives, shorts, hats, sunglasses and suntan lotions. If you’re feeling adventurous and you decide to take a Yangtze River cruise or any China river cruise during the winter months, pack plenty of blankets and sweaters. A general rule of thumb when packing for a Yangtze River cruises is: bring plenty of comfortable walking shoes, sandals or sneakers.
For more information about Yangtze River cruises visit Chinaodysseytours.com or call (86)773-5855222.