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Touristic ferryboat cruising on Yangtze River, China

Things to do in  Yangtze River

Gorges galore

The Yangtze River is not only the longest in Asia and the third-longest in the world—it’s also one of the most biodiverse epicenters of life in China, with evidence of human history dating back more than 27,000 years. Meandering across the country, the Yangtze River encompasses incredible scenery, epic hiking, and fascinating cities, including the 2,000-year-old Fengdu Ghost City. Long an inspiration to artists and poets, things to do on the Yangtze River include cruising through Three Gorges, hiking around Tiger Leaping Gorge, and exploring ancient Tibetan monasteries, China’s first underwater museum, and the bustling streets of Shanghai.

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When to visit

The best time to visit the Yangtze River is from March through June, and September through November—China’s spring and fall. Summer can be hot and wet, especially in concrete jungles such as Shanghai, Nanjing, and Chongqing, the gateway to the Three Gorges. Most travelers avoid winter, when water levels are low and the weather is typically cold and gray. Visibility is also more unpredictable then, so you might not be able to enjoy the views the region is famous for.

Getting around

Traversing nearly 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers), the Yangtze River isn’t the easiest place to get around. If you don’t have unlimited time, focus your trip on either the Three Gorges region or the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Three Gorges is great for exploring by boat—cruise options include huge floating hotels, sailing yachts, and even bamboo rafts. Tiger Leaping Gorge, on the other hand, is ideal for hiking and easy to reach by bus from Lijiang Ancient Town.

Traveler tips

From the Tibetan Plateau to Shanghai, the Yangtze River runs through 11 provinces, including Sichuan, Yunnan—home of Tiger Leaping Gorge, Chongqing, and Hubei—home of the Three Gorges, and the city of Shanghai. The Three Gorges are an undisputed highlight; the region is known for its spectacular scenery and attractions, including the Fengdu Ghost City, Zhang Fei Temple, White Emperor City, Goddess Peak, Qu Yuan Temple, Huangling Temple, and the Three Gorges Dam.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is the Yangtze River famous for?
A:

The third longest river in the world, the Yangtze River is most famous for its length. Other than that, it’s an important agricultural hotspot—it provides almost two-thirds of the rice eaten in China and half its fish—and attracts travelers with its beautiful gorges, scenic views, and fascinating history.

Q:What can you see on the Yangtze River?
A:

Two of the best-known sights on the Yangtze River are Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Three Gorges, whose scenic views and historic cliff-side temples are best seen on sightseeing cruises. The river also meanders through cosmopolitan cities such as Shanghai and Nanjing, offering views of towering skyscrapers and riverside parks.

Q:What activities can you do at the Yangtze River?
A:

Spanning almost the entirety of China—from the Tibetan Plateau to Shanghai—there’s no end of activities you can do on the Yangtze River. Highlights include cruising, boating, hiking, and sightseeing around Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Three Gorges. You can also take an escalator trip down to the riverbed at Baiheliang, China’s first underwater museum.

Q:What is the best way to experience the Yangtze River?
A:

One of the best ways to experience the Yangtze River is by river cruise through the Three Gorges. While you can traverse the longest river in China by land, cruising down the Yangtze is a great way to take in all the attractions—while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.

Q:How long do you need to visit the Yangtze River?
A:

With many different places to explore, it can be hard to decide how long to spend visiting the Yangtze River. While some people prefer day trips and others multi-week cruises, most people tend to gravitate towards either the Three Gorges or Tiger Leaping Gorge for a few days each.

Q:What animals live in the Yangtze River?
A:

The Yangtze River is home to animals such as the narrow-ridged finless porpoise, the Chinese high-fin banded shark, and the Chinese alligator. There are also different species of snakes and lots of fish—over half the fish eaten in China comes from the Yangtze River basin.

Things to do near Yangtze River

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