Is cruising the Yangtze river still worth it now that the dam is operational?

Question

Has anyone cruised down the Yangtze river and the Three Gorges recently? I heared rumors that the cruise would not be as dramatic since the dam has been in operation. Anyone have pictures? If you had to choose, is it more worth it to visit Guilin instead?

Answer 1

To be honest, I was always told it wasn't worth it BEFORE the dam. I lived in China for five years. I not once went on that cruise, and I have been to hundreds of places. My favorites for pure natural beauty (in no particular order) are Huangshan (shan=mountain), Lushan, Huashan, Zhouzhaigou, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie. Of these places I mention, Huangshan and Guilin/Yangshuo are most convenient. I am taking friends to Guilin/Yangshuo for my FOURTH visit next summer. The Li River cruise and a day on a bicycle through the villages between the Karst mountains are must do's.

Answer 2

Yes, cruising the Yangtze River is still well worth the trip! As a China tourism veteran, I've been to the Yangtze many times, and still sending more clients to Yangtze now.

I will recommend take either three days upstream or downstream between Chongqing and Yichang. Since all the highlights are within this distance. You will have one shore excursion per day, which include the Three Gorges Dam site, lesser Three Gorges, Shibaozhai, etc. Of course, on the cruise, you will sail through the dramatic three gorges. You can still see a lot and with water going up, it's more navigable. However, the final date is 2009. I can help you to choose a cruise line according to your need if you decide to take the Yangtze cruise.

Guilin is another of my favorite place in China! It's the most beautiful place in China! The difference is that Guilin is more land tour, Karst formation with evergreen tropical weather makes it a paradise for leisure travel. The highlight would be Li River Cruise, which is much smaller and shorter than the Yangtze Cruise, only half a day, but is life time of memories!

You can pick whatever suit you the most! You can learn more about Yangtze River from our website: http://www.jiasdreamtours.com/yantzeriver.html
More information about Guilin: http://www.jiasdreamtours.com/guilin.html

If you have any questions, please contact me at: [e-mail]

Answer 3

I went on the cruise in 2002, before the dam was build. It was an amazing trip. I can't say the same about the friends I went with since 3 out of 4 of them were somewhat sick when we were on the boat. Well, personally, I loved it.

When we pass by some of the historical places, we were told some of them would be underwater forever after the dam is done, which is really a pitty. Some of these places were more than 1500 years old. So from that point of view, your trip now would be a lot less impressing than the one I took if you are into history and so on.

As for Guilin, it is totally different. It is nice and very unique. I won't go into details to ruin your possible trip. But I don't think it's fair to compare the two as for which is better. They are two different styles of scenary.

Personally, I'd love to go on another Yangtze tour again just to see what's new and remember what's gone. As for Guilin, I think once was enough since things don't change much in years.

Answer 4

Take a 4 day cruise excursion from Chongqing to Yichang. well worth to witness the price of three Gorges Dam and Yangtze River of China. in case you want cruise excursion, it is certainly worth.