China & Yangtze River Cruises

Chang Jiang – "Long River"

The Yangtze or Yangzi is the longest river in Asia, the third-longest in the world at 3,900 miles (6,300 km), with a basin size of ‎1,808,500 km2 (698,300 sq mi). It is the most visited, and cruised, river in China, and all of Asia, as well. Often the highlight of an extended visit to China, a Yangzi River cruise can last from 3-10 days, and can be taken in modern, luxurious river cruise ships with amenities available no where else in China.

The name Yangtze—derived from the name of the ancient fiefdom of Yang—has been applied to the river mainly by those in the West. Chang Jiang (“Long River”) is the name used in China, although it also is called Da Jiang (“Great River”) or, simply, Jiang (“[The] River”).

The depth of the Yangtze River varies significantly. The Yangtze River flows through some large gorges where it can reach 500 to 600 feet deep, while in many other parts of the Yangtze River, the depth ranges from a few feet to around 30 feet.

There are also many ocean cruises that visit numerous Chinese port cities, as well as Hong Kong.