China’s longest river accounts for the bulk of cruise business on Asia’s inland waterways. Most itineraries feature the 800 miles between the cities of Chongqing and Wuhan, with the spectacular Three Gorges as the star attraction. The completion of the controversial Three Gorges Dam was expected to destroy much of the beauty of the gorges because of rising water levels. But for the time being at least, sailing through the ravines remains a breathtaking experience – and the mile-wide dam has become a big attraction in itself.

Major operators on the Yangtze include  Viking River Cruises and Victoria Cruises, with trips ranging from three to 11 nights. Viking is due to introduce a new ship on the Yangtze next year. The company claims the 264-passenger Viking Emerald will have the largest suites in river cruising, complete with separate sitting and sleeping areas, flat-screen televisions, panoramic windows and private wrap-around balconies. Onboard facilities will include a sauna, small gym, shop, internet cafe, sun deck, and restaurant.

“For first-time visitors, China can be a challenging and different destination to navigate,” says Viking UK managing director Wendy Atkin Smith.
“A river-cruise tour provides an effortless way to explore this fascinating country and see its awe-inspiring highlights. “A river cruise is quite different from anything clients may have experienced closer to home. The sheer size, scale and diversity of the country and the Yangtze help to set it apart from the European programme.

“Unlike European cruises, China is regarded by many as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For this reason, tours are packed with much variety and interest. China river cruises also attract a much wider age range. The average age is about 55, compared with 60-plus on European cruises.”