Usually downstream cruise will take less time than upstream but it is more expensive on some ships because of higher demand from travelers. Some shore excursions may be different because of the different schedules by no means less interesting.

The length varies on different cruising courses. The shortest one is 4 days from Chongqing to Yichang and the longest could be 9 days or more from Shanghai to Chongqing. To choose a cruise, length is not the only element to consider. You need also consider the cruise schedules, which might not be available daily.

The Shennong Stream and Lesser Three Gorges are quite different in the features they offer. The Shennong Stream is famous for the boat trackers (the people who drag the boat up stream by rope) and for the boat ride down the fast moving river as well as the beautiful scenery. The Lesser Three Gorges features extremely beautiful and dramatic landscapes as you explore the sheer gorges in the small boats. This tour is particularly popular with photographers. Unfortunately it is not possible to do both excursions on one cruise. Please tell us which of these excursions you would like to do so that we can choose a ship that suits your requirements.

The Three Gorges Dam lock system is closed for maintenance one once a year. During this time the ship operators will arrange for passengers to be transferred by coach from either side of the dam to the other and there join the same ship.

The Chinese government is now building the huge Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, it is expected to be completed in 2009. After its completion the water level will be raised by approximate 40 meters, Over 800 historic sites will be lost but many new areas that were previously unreachable will be opened along the river. The main attractions such as Xiling gorge, White king Temple, Kuimen and Wushan Fairy can still be seen as you visit the most attractive man-made scenery "the first dam", and the largest hydro-electric power project in the world.