The Major Attractions in Chongqing for the Yangtze Lovers

If you are planning to visit the Yangtze River, then the first thing that you should know is that you cannot really get the full experience of visiting the Yangtze unless you visit the city called Chongqing first. This is the very place that can provide you with ample opportunities to take a cruise on the Yangtze any day you want with variable tour packages. But Chongqing is not only about taking a trip to the great Yangtze, rather it is much more than that. It is a city that is one of the biggest cities in China and also importance-wise, Chongqing is one of the four major cities in the whole country. Also known as the ‘mountain city’, Chongqing has numerous attractions that not only include the fantastic Yangtze adventures and cruises but also include cultural and historical attractions.  Let’s see what these attractions are, shall we?

Numerous Yangtze Touring Options

The very first attraction that Chongqing offers to its visitors is a pack of Yangtze touring options. If you want to take a look at the Yangtze from up close, then this is the place that you would want to start from. You see, Chongqing offers plenty of Yangtze tours ranging from 4 to 11-day cruises. If you want to embark on a smaller tour, you can pick any cruise package that will travel from Chongqing to Yichang. But if you are looking for a much bigger experience, then you can always pick a package that will let you embark on a journey from Chongqing to Shanghai – the last major city on the banks of the Yangtze. The cost will vary, but do not expect to spend less than $1000 on any trip. That’s the minimum!

The Three Gorges

You cannot finish touring the Yangtze River unless you see the Three Gorges. In case you haven’t gone there before, but from up close this site looks amazing. This is why this is the best part of the Yangtze River tours. In case you didn’t know it before, the famous Three Gorges are - Qutang Gorge – which is the first one; Wu Gorge – the second one and lastly the last one which is the Xiling Gorge. This is where world renowned Three Gorges Dam stands.

Wulong Karst

You can find Wulong Karst on the Wujiang River. The exact point of location would be the lower reaches of the river.  This is mainly famous for its beautiful karst landscapes. These landscapes include the gorges, caves and natural bridges with shafts and streams that run under the grounds of these landscapes. If you happen to go there don’t forget to visit the Three Natural Bridges and the Lotus Cave.

Dazu Rock Carvings

If you are into history and art – then you will be fascinated with the Dazu Rock Carvings. These carvings have a history that goes back to the 9^th century. These artworks are great monumental works of the Gold Buddhist Mountain. As the history tells us, the works of these carvings started during the ruling of Tang Dynasty – which was as long back as 650 AD. However, this was only a start because the works of these carvings continued until the Ming dynasty came into power.

Nanshan Park

Nanshan Park is located in the less-developed area of Chongqing but nevertheless, this is a beautiful area that attracts a lot of tourists every year. Although this is simply a park, but it is this simplicity that makes it very special at the same time. As it is a less-developed part of Chongqing, it still has the aroma and visual features of being close to the nature itself. Therefore, don’t be amazed to see the awesome looking orchids and roses that give a heavenly feeling to this part of the city.

Luóhàn Sì Arhat Temple

Luóhàn Sì Arhat Temple is a fine Buddhist temple that also has the capacity to attract lots of visitors every year. The temple is an ancient one, over 1000-year old which makes it one of the oldest prayer houses in the whole world. The appearance of this temple is very fascinating, as it poses a contrasting visual display in front of the spectator’s eyes. The contrasting image appears because the gates of the Luóhàn Sì Arhat Temple and the untamed natural jungle in front of the temple seem to be at odds with each other. But this interplay between civilization and nature is really worth watching. But that is just the front portion of this temple. Inside, the long corridor is equipped with ancient rock carvings that offer a nothing short of a spectacular display for art and history lovers.

People's Assembly Hall

Last but not the least, People’s Assembly Hall is a fine architectural construction that imitates the Ming and Qing dynasties’ unique architectural style. Once which was actually built for accommodating and welcoming special foreign guests, today it serves as a remarkable tourist spot in Chongqing.

Why Cruises on Yangtze

China is a land of mystery and enchantment. Along with its rich history, this nation has been charging forward to take its place in the modern world. Currently China houses the world's largest population and is the world's third largest country. While many people naturally think of the Great Wall of China as the primary tourist destination within China, to truly see what China has to offer you need to travel along the Yangtze River.

The Yangtze River has historically been the lifeblood of China and is a place of not only great history but stunning natural beauty as well. Along with this natural beauty, the Yangtze River is the home of myriad of different people and cultures. The single best way to see the Yangtze River is to take a cruise ship that will give you the opportunity to see all of what China has to offer. Below is just small sample of the many cruises you can take along the Yangtze River. Timeless Yangtze If you are into a combination of the ancient world existing with the modern world, than this particular type of cruise is exactly what you want to take.

By taking a cruise that highlights locations such as Xian and Shanghai, you have a chance to see the modern world of China as it progresses alongside the other economic powers of the world. Along with catching glimpses of the growing strength of China, you will have an opportunity to see firsthand many of the historical marvels of China such as the Precious Stone Fortress. While this cruise is more about sailing from one port to another than allowing you to go travel on the mainland of China, you still can do it in luxury. Yangtze Vista

If you are more in the mood to see the scenic wonders that the Yangtze River has to offer, then this is the cruises you want to look into. Along the Yangtze River are some truly amazing scenes of natural beauty that will give you a firsthand look at what makes China such a mystical place. Natural wonders such as Three Gorges will give you a sense of harmony. The great thing about this kind of cruise is that you can enjoy all the natural beauty of the Yangtze River from on board a luxury cruise liner. Imagine spending hours sailing along the Yangtze River and looking out at the wondrous land of China, which is truly a place like no other in this world.

 Legendary China China has a very rich history and while this century has modernized with stunning speed, much of that history is still alive and well today. If you have always wanted to see the historical sites of China beyond the well know places such as the Snow Jade Cave and Shanghai, then this type of cruise may be exactly what you are looking for. By taking a Yangtze River cruise that focuses on showing you the other parts of China's past, you will have a chance to see places such as the Panda House, parts of the Great Wall of China and more. This kind of cruise is a stop and get off the boat type of cruise, which is great for people who enjoy activities such as backpacking and bicycling.

Taste of China With the trend of culinary tourism gaining such steam, is it any wonder that a cruise dedicated to exploring the many delights of Chinese cuisine would be one of the many cruise options for the traveler. If you enjoy exotic cuisine and have grown a little tired of the normal fare of Chinese food, this is the cruise you want to take. Imagine eating world-class Chinese food made in China itself. While most Americans are familiar with Chinese food to some degree or another, what we get in the States is really only an imitation of the real thing. Chinese food is more than chow mein and crab ragoon, and those who love food will love a cruise dedicated to sampling all the treats that China has to offer.

Whether you dine on board or take time to visit one of the many eating establishments on the shoreline, a culinary cruise is sure to satisfy your palate. Yangtze Entertainment The entertainment cruise is for people who want to see the festivals of China first hand. Whether it is ringing in the Chinese New Year in Shanghai or attending a local marriage festival in one of the quaint country villages that dot the shore of the Yangtze River, this cruise is about taking part in China's rich culture. Along with taking part in traditional festivals, you also have an opportunity to experience modern entertainment in China firsthand. You can catch a movie or attend a local fashion event in Shanghai all with one cruise along the Yangtze River. While you may not spend a lot of time on your boat, you will more than make up for it by never having a moment of boredom.

In the end, the above are only a small sampling of the many cruises available when you book passage on a Yangtze cruise ships. No matter what you want to see or do in China, there is a cruise for you. Whether you want to look into the rich and complex history of China or spend your time sampling fine traditional Chinese dishes, there is a cruise for your tastes. If you are an active person and want to backpack or cycle, there are cruises that will give you plenty of opportunities for this. If you prefer to simply sit back and watch the landscape flow by as your ship sails along the river, there are cruises for this as well. Booking passage on a Yangtze cruise line is about not only what you do in China, but about what you do on the boat as well.

Most luxury cruise liners are equipped with a variety of amenities that will fit almost anyone's budget. If you have hungered to see the world of China first hand, there is no better way to do this than by taking a cruise along the Yangtze River.