Penguin Travel

Sanxia (or the Three Gorges) is a region of beauty and mystery - the most impressive part of Yangtze River. You will cruise down the cradle of Chinese civilization, discovering its thousand-year-long history, great ancient relics of human civilization, and mysterious legends. The views are stunning – you will drift in the deep quiet canyons with overhanging rocks shrouded in mist, seething rapids and green shores. You will leave deeply touched by this land of magic – one of nature’s most amazing creations.

Departure dates:
19 March 2010 - 10 November 2010 every friday

Country region:   Central China

Price without flight ticket:    420 EUR

Additional price information:   The price is per person in double cabin and is valid in March, June-August and November. The price in April-May, and September-October is 450 EUR.

Departure dates:  every Friday and Sunday in the period 19 March - 10 November.

Trip plan:
Day 1: Arrival at Chongquing city (by plane or train from Beijing or Shanghai). We have a transfer to downtown and a half-day guided tour of the city. Embarkation and set sail at 10p.m.
Day 2: Today we have a shore excursion to Fengdu (known to most Chinese as the 'Ghost City'). This town is the most characteristic and reputed historic and cultural town in China. We will admire the beautiful nature of this region - virgin forests, mountains, everglades, grassland, canyons, and karst caves. Optional program: a visit to Shibaozhai Pagoda - the Precious Stone Fortress.
Day 3: We sail through Qutang Gorge - the shortest and most majestic of the Three Gorges, enjoying magnificent views of the high mountains on both banks of the river. Then we continue our cruise through the 25 miles long Wu Gorge. As strange peaks, grotesque rocks as well as fog and clouds surround the gorge, it is usually the most notable of the three gorges. In the afternoon we will drift to Shennong Stream. It is worth visiting the Three Small Gorges of Danning River, where we can see historic relics such as the ancient plank road, suspended coffins, and the boat coffins.
Day 4: We visit the Three Gorges Dam - the world’s largest hydro-electric power station still being built. We continue cruising down the river through the last and longest gorge - Xiling Gorge. Scenery along the gorge is spectacular. Some renowned streams, springs, stones and karst caves can be found along this section. We end up our trip in Yichang city. You have to options from here - to take the plane or train directly to Beijing or Shanghai or travel to Wuhan by bus and fly from there.
 

Accomodation and food:   We stay overnight in 2-berth cabins on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Price of extra services:   Single cabin: 320 EUR

Included in the price:   Transfer from Chongqing Airport/Train Station to downtown; Half day city tour in Chongqing with admission fee and lunch included ( or dinner if the clients prefer to have dinner instead of lunch); Transfer from Chongqing city to the starting point of the cruise; accommodation in 2-berth cabins; full board during the cruise; guided visits (as described in the program); Transfer to Yichang Airport/Train Station.

Excluded from the price:   Flight tickets; alcohol drinks, cigarettes, tips, other personal expenses

Practical information:    Itinerary could be changed due to the water level / navigation authority / weather conditions! ON THE SHIP: All cabins have central air-condition and closed-circuit television. The ship offers also reception, business center, bar, ballroom, Chinese & Western restaurant, sightseeing deck, sauna and massage. You will be able to join Tai Chi excercises every morning, learn to do Chinese Embroidery, learn about the kite's history, listen to a lecture in Chinese Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture and watch a documentary about the New Three Gorges. WEATHER: Generally, it is windy, humid and not very sunny. The average temperature reaches 30C in July and 10C in January. The best seasons for a river cruise are spring and autumn. During summer, thunderstorms are frequent which causes the river water to rise. This usually occurs between July and September. The winters are always short and cold.

Tour highlights:   • The Yangtze River or Chang Jiang is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, after the Nile in Africa, and the Amazon in South America. The river is about 6,300 km long and flows from its source in Qinghai Province, eastwards into the East China Sea at Shanghai. • The Three Gorges region is a scenic area along the Yangtze River with a total length of approximately 200 km. The Three Gorges occupy approximately 120 km within this region. Although it is primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is also historically and culturally important in China. • The city of Chongqing can be best described as southwest China’s commercial capital. The major port of the upper Yangzi River and gateway to the famous “Three Gorges,” Chongqing now includes most of the former eastern Sichuan Province, with a population of 30 million.• Fengdu: Having nearly two thousand years' history, the Ghost City combines the cultures of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with the mystique of ghosts. Visitors to the Ghost City will marvel at the artisanship of ancient craftsman, the unique styles of architecture and the culture of the ghost. Whatever your beliefs, you are constantly reminded the "Good will be rewarded with good, and evil with evil." A major highlight here is the annual temple fair every March 3 - 5 featuring all kinds of folk activities and performances.• Shennong Stream: On the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge is the Shennong Stream. Taking its rise from the main peak of Shennong Jia (the first peak in the center of China) and flowing through Badong County, the stream ultimately flows into the Yangtze River via the Wu Gorge. Cruising along the stream by boat, visitors will become immersed in the wonders of zigzagging watercourses, the primitive environment, the canzonet by the boat tracker, and the mysterious culture along the banks. Along with the grandeur, elegance and danger of the Yangtze River, the Shennong Stream has its own unique scenery. It has four natural gorges - Chengnong Gorge, Mianzhu Gorge, Yingwu Gorge and Longchang Gorge - and each has unique characteristics.• The Three Little Gorges: (Dragon Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge) are zigzaging about 31 miles from Wushan County in the south to the Dachang Ancient Town in the north. Because of their beauty they are regarded as a bright pearl of the Danning River.

Group Size:   Min. 2

Vacation Extensions:
Transsiberian Railway - Stopovers in China

Reservation System Code: KNCRUISE

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