Imagine yourself in the Forbidden City, seeing the Terra Cotta Army, walking along the Great Wall, and sipping tea in an elegant classical garden. Now imagine yourself traveling on the odyssey of a lifetime on an unforgettable China river cruise the most luxurious, relaxing, and rewarding way to see China in all its glory.

The Yangtze is Asia’s longest river, and the third longest river in the world. Its importance in human history extends at least 27,000 years into the past, when activity in Yangtze harbor first began. Because of this long history, clues to China’s rich historical past are everywhere along the river, making it the perfect focus for an extraordinary getaway full of history and romance.

An immensely popular destination by itself, there are many options available, but in researching your next river cruise along the Yangtze, be sure to see these can’t-miss sights:

Beijing

One of the greatest cities in the world, Beijing has been key to China’s history for hundreds of years. With its opulent palaces, walls, and temples, Beijing’s cultural and political past speaks for itself. You’ll immediately sense the amount of history in Beijing and its virtually unparalleled national historical importance.

*Tiananmen Square

The site of several key moments in Chinese history, this enormous plaza is best remembered as a place of protest. The Square is also the site of the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China by Mao in 1949. Tiananmen also contains a large gate, which separates it from the Forbidden City in the north.

*Forbidden City

The largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world, the Forbidden City was home to China’s Emperors for more than half a millennium. At 7.8 million square feet, it’s a sight to behold, and one well worth your time. You will be absolutely stunned from beginning to end.

s

Xian

One of the four ancient capital cities of China, Xian is rich with cultural significance. You could spend weeks exploring this lovely city, but the Terra Cotta Army alone will give you the perfect taste of what Xian has to offer.

*The Terra Cotta Army

Discovered by a farmer digging in the field to create a well, this “army” is a collection of an estimated 8,000 unique sculptures of soldiers, created to protect Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor of China. Seeing a photo of these soldiers is one thing, but you won’t believe your eyes when you see them in person.

s

Three Gorges

One of the most picturesque spots along the Yangtze, this area is so important to China’s culture and history that it appears on the back of the 5 yuan banknote.

*Three Gorges Dam

The largest hydroelectric power station in the world. And it’s big! After more than a decade of planning, the dam will be fully operational in 2011.

s

Jingdezhen

With its 1700-year history of producing some of the finest porcelain in the world, Jingdezhen is a souvenir buyer’s paradise!

*Ceramic Institute and Porcelain History Museum

The Ceramic Institute is the only institute of higher education devoted to teaching the art of ceramics. At the Porcelain History Museum, you can learn about the meanings of porcelain patterns, as well as the importance of porcelain in Chinese history and culture.

Shanghai

China is a country of superlatives, and Shanghai is its most superlative city! One of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, and home to more than 20 million people, Shanghai is the jewel in the crown of the world’s fastest growing economy.

*The Bund

Take a stroll down The Bund, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shanghai. With its 52 buildings and mile-long walkway, a walk down The Bund is the perfect end to an extraordinary trip along the Yangtze.

s

This short guide is by no means an exhaustive list of everything you must see and do on your cruise along the Yangtze, but hopefully it’ll give you some idea of what this fabulous river has to offer. Filled with the history of a continent, as well as the culture and romance that make every vacation special, a cruise along the Yangtze will be a trip you’ll remember forever.

s

Editor’s Note: This is guest post on a unique way to travel China, by Nick Steele.

Photo Credit: Asian Ramblings