A river cruise and tour through China interlaces the wonders of the Yangtze River with the glory of gilded dynasties.The mighty Yangtze River winds like an endless silk ribbon through the cultural fabric of China, the geographic summation of over 4,000 years of history.
A river cruise along the celebrated Three Gorges, the acclaimed 75-mile stretch of this nearly 4,000-mile river, takes you to the heart of ancient tradition hidden between towering mountains and within remote villages – all while pampering you in modern luxury. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s tour makes your Yangtze journey even more enticing, combining exploration along this illustrious river with land excursions in vibrant cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and even crossing borders into Tibet.
With China being the world’s second-largest country in population and host to more than 56 distinct ethnic groups, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection escorts you through the fascinating maze of languages, dialects and dynasties. From the moment that you step foot aboard the Century Legend or Century Paragon – both of which set sail with Uniworld for the first time last year – the exacting nature of the luxury is tangible. Sleek architectural lines and extravagant onboard amenities, ranging from an indoor lap pool and two restaurants to a spa and movie cinema, cater to an intimate group of 398 passengers. The ships’ interiors, adorned with rich red and gold accents, seem as if they were constructed with China’s unique culture in mind. As a Uniworld guest, you’ll be treated to several exclusive benefits, from a complimentary sauna visit and fruit basket welcoming you upon arrival to dining privileges in the Executive VIP Restaurant with complimentary wines, beer and soft drinks. Sip Champagne on the private balcony of your suite as the you glide down this famed river past villages and pristine nature alike, where narrow waterways beautifully frame cloud-draped canyons and steep-sided gorges.
During your Yangtze River voyage, revel in the engineering phenomenon of Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Stops along the way give you glimpses of daily life in remote river villages, where locals tether their boats to create a floating marketplace of handicrafts ranging from beaded jewelry and small carved boxes to colorful pyramids of fruits and vegetables. Be awestruck by the 12 story Shibao Pagoda, a multihued temple carved into the side of a hill and constructed without a single nail. Later, board a small boat and cruise the Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River, to view the spectacular Lesser Gorges dotted with hundreds of Karst caves. China boasts one of the world’s most extensive and diversified groups of these soluble rock formations, artfully shaped by centuries of erosion. Your expert guide explains how the unique caves, perched high on the cliffs and teeming with swallows, once served as sacred tombs for the ancient and mysterious Bo people who lived ascetic lives for hundreds of years along the steep cliff face.
On land, five-star hotels serve as your base for exploring the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Xi’an as well as for savoring Shanghai’s sumptuous dim sum, a Cantonese delight originating in southern China. In Beijing, pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Tiananmen Square or walk a length of ancient stones comprising part of the legendary Great Wall. Performance arts also prove as enriching as they are exciting, with everything from operatic performances to Kung Fu demonstrations.
Whether you’re enjoying a family-hosted lunch in Beijing or a folk dance performed in traditional Tang Dynasty style, you can be assured that your experiences capture the essence of the local people, history, culture and cuisine – creating memories forever made in China.
Uniworld’s China river cruise opens up one of Asia’s most storied waterways. For a sense of the Uniworld experience, read our South of France cruise review.
