Let's Travel China: Yangtze River Cruise and China Tours

The Yangtze River is China's "Mainstreet." For thousands of years, this 4,000-mile river, the world's third longest, has provided a vital link - largely the only link - between China's seacoast and the rich, fertile lands of inland provinces. But unlike the Amazon, the Nile or the Mississippi, the Yangtze squeezes and sometimes rumbles between narrow gorges for hundreds of miles. You might think of the Yangtze as "the Amazon with attitude" - a generally broad, sometimes narrow; usually lumbering, but often white-water river with more than occasional thrills.

Yangtze River Cruises, Let's Travel China Tours

The Yangtze River's "attitude" is in for some adjustment. Already, portions of the river above the partially-completed Three Gorges Dam have been tamed; the remainder, upriver to Chongqing, will be smooth as silk by 2009 when the dam is complete. The taming of the Yangtze has been a dream for centuries. Since recorded history, hundreds of thousands of residents have perished in catastrophic flooding.

Still, even with the rising waters behind the dam, there will always be those skyscraper-high gorges! A century ago; today; tomorrow - the best way to see the Yangtze is by boat!

It's no wonder our 13-night "Essential China with Yangtze River Cruise" is our most popular tour. And for 2008 we offer this mighty river on our exclusive "Grand 19" luxury series tour, as well as our special 9-night "China Highlights" Post-Beijing Olympics tour.

Upgrade your Yangtze River Cruise! For just $340 per person (based on double occupancy), you can virtually double the size of your stateroom accommodations! Treat yourself by upgrading the "Standard Stateroom" to a "Deluxe Stateroom" and enjoy a spacious (275-square-ft.) stateroom. You'll have far more room to relax and enjoy your Yangtze River cruise experience. Because Deluxe Stateroom accommodations are limited to as few as three staterooms on the ship, availability is extremely limited. Call your Travel Agent or Let's Travel China and treat yourself to this luxury upgrade! (The upgrade rate for Single Supplement guests is $510.)

The major attractions along the Yangtze River Cruise are:

Chongqing: Famous for its Sichuan-style cuisine – Chongqing is also the origination city for your Yangtze River cruise.
Daning River: This tributary of the Yangtze offers the scenic "mini three gorges" which many visitors confirm to be as picturesque as the Three Gorges themselves!
Ming Shan Temple: Located high on a hill across the Yangtze River from Fengdu, this temple is highly respected by many Chinese as it's here where deceased souls arrive for their "final judgement" before passing on to their afterworld - be it bliss or misery.
Three Gorges: Three spectacular gorges squeeze the flow of the Yangtze, narrowing the mighty river to just 300 feet at some points! The effect is almost surreal as you slip between the soaring cliffs.
Three Gorges Dam: For all its pros and cons, the project is enormous in scale – the single largest waterworks project ever taken on by man!

Your Yangtze River Cruise adventure will provide absolute relaxation - ample time to laze on deck and witness the river's scenery as it slowly slips by. But you'll also have the option of slipping ashore to explore exotic temples, tour local museums and to board sampans and smaller tour boats for journeys deep into the Yangtze's storied tributaries.

Adding to your Yangtze River cruise experience are the delicious onboard meals included in your tour price, English language commentary of the sights and attractions along the way, plus available options such as relaxing massage - all while you cruise China's "mainstreet."

Yangtze 1


	Year Built:	2006
	Passengers:	218
	Length:	340 ft.
	Width:	53 ft.
	Tonnage:	5750 tons
	Crew:	130
	Passenger Decks:	6
	Registry:	China

click here to see deckplans

The Yangtze 1 - Let's Travel China's "featured" river cruise vessel, is one of the newest, most amenity-rich ships cruising the Yangtze River. Each of its 109 guest staterooms features a private bathroom; television & other cruise ship amenities. Every stateroom aboard the Yangtze 1 opens onto a private balcony for unparalled views of the gently passing river scenery. In some instances, other ships of comparable facilities and service levels may be offered.

Each night you will sleep in the comfort of your spacious, standard-category private stateroom (green color code in the "deckplan" display accessible above). While actual stateroom numbers will be assigned just prior to embarkation, all Let's Travel China guest accommodations are equal to those of a 5-star cruise ship; and, subject to cruise ship operational availability, every stateroom features the luxury touch of a private balcony.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with both Chinese and Western-style cuisine offered. A traditional, sit-down dinner is served each night with delicious Chinese specialties presented, although Western-style alternates are also available.

Standard-category staterooms measure an efficient 188 square feet (17.5 sq. meters), including the 32 sq. ft. (3 sq. meter) balcony - about the size of those aboard many mainstream cruise liners. Upgrades to the "Deluxe Stateroom" category are available for $340 per person based on double occupancy. (The upgrade rate for Single Supplement guests is $510.) This Deluxe Stateroom measures a generous 275 sq. ft. (25.5 sq. meters) but availability may be limited, so reserve early!

The following are the main highlights of Yangtze 1 facilities and amenities. Please note that in some instances, other ships of comparable facilities and service levels may be offered:

All outside staterooms with private balconies for unparalleled views!
Private bathrooms with shower or tub/shower
Air-conditioned throughout
TV; telephones; in-room safes and hair dryers
Voltage: 220; 110 voltage available for electric shavers
Restaurant; observation bar and lounge; coffee bar
Internet access; library; gift shops; sauna, gym, laundry service and more!