After I watched the movie 2012 I thought about cruising the Yangzi River.
On the first day, we arrive in Yichang from Beijing and were whisked off to our luxury cruise liner, the MS Yangzi Explorer.
On the second day, after passing through the beyond massive locking system of the Three Gorges Dam, snapping pictures stereotypically so, we visited the Three Gorges Project Museum and a select park for a viewing of the dam – nothing like in 2012, but impressive nevertheless!
Day 3: Took a ferry through the Shennong Pass and then guided by the river trackers, headed further up steam in sampans – first by rowing and then by the traditional way of pulling the small boats with ropes. Physically demanding and simply amazing! On the way back, we watched the river trackers demonstrate how to make traditional grass shoes from rice straw.
Day 4: Visited a traditional and very local wet market in FengDu, a relocated family, a village school, a farmer’s house (I had a go at grinding corn – it’s all about the rhythm!) and briefly passed by Ghost City Temple, where unscrupulous souls go to repent.
Our five days four nights on the river with daily land excursions and all meals was orchestrated by Sanctuary Retreats – featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List for travel in China. Cabins start at 30m2 (the largest on the river), so of course I splurged a bit and stayed in a suite at 39m2).
Our party of four just fell in love with the entire experience of sailing along the scenic landscapes worthy of Chinese paintings and poetry. And the service on the boat was friendly and detailed – luxury even this hotelier appreciates. The housekeeping was incredibly organized and meticulous. Daniel, our server during meal periods was especially gifted at remembering our preferred beverage of choice for any particular meal – very impressive.
So, the verdict. Obvious, right? High marks and a recommendation for luxury travel on the storied Yangzi River for memories that will last a lifetime.
More about Yangzi Explorer:
Oriental Royal Cruises , Yangzi Explorer , Yangzi Explorer Itineraries , Yangzi Explorer Cabin , Yangzi Explorer Photo Gallery , Yangzi Explorer Deck Plan
