Top 4 Yangtze Cruise Destinations

Heading out on a Yangtze River cruise has to be one of the best ways to experience China and with so many great sights along its length it?s easy to see why. This article takes a look at four of the best, to give you a feel for what?s on offer.

Terracotta Warriors ? Xian

Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, the 8,000 man underground army was built to defend the first Emperor of China, Qinshihuang, in the afterlife. This magnificent funerary art was buried with the Emperor in 210-209 BC. As well as warriors, the figures consist of chariots and horses, so the immense crowd of sculptures consists of 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, many of which are still buried.

The figures are life-sized and vary in height uniform and hair style, depending on their rank. They were originally painted with bright colors such as pink, red, green, white and lilac. Detailed features were painted on to create a realistic appearance, so you can imagine just how much hard work went in to these elaborate funerary works of art.

Beijing

One of the most visited cities in the world, Beijing boasts many fascinating attractions for visitors. Forbidden City for instance is a great place to start your sight-seeing journey in Beijing. The Emperor at the time and those who served him were the only people who were allowed into the city. There you will find the Palace Museum, where many costumes, silver and golden articles and ritual objects can be gazed at.

The Temple of Heaven is a recommended highlight of Beijing. If you visit it in the early morning, you can watch groups practicing Kung-Fu and Taiji. You may even feel inclined to join in! The tranquil atmosphere will not fail to intoxicate you, as people around you entertain each other with music, songs and card games.

Yangtze River

Take a trip of a lifetime down the largest and longest river in China, where lush surroundings along the steep, rocky sides of the river will transport your senses to another world. Along the way you will come across 3 gorges: Qutang, Wuxia and Xiling Gorge, collectively named Sanxia, or the Three Gorges. There are many historical sites in Qutang Gorge for example. On the south bank there is a whitewashed wall with inscriptions including the legendary Meng Liang?s Ladder and the Upside-down Monk.

Shanghai

If you fancy a taste of modern entertainment, indulge yourself in a performance at Shanghai Circus World. Performances combine traditional Chinese acrobatics with modern technology to create a stunning and elaborate spectacle.

If theme parks are a favorite amongst the family, pay a visit to Happy Valley, where you will find an abundance of amusements, scientific and technological content as well as stunning natural scenery. Some of the themed zones include Sunshine Beach, Typhoon Bay, Gold Mine Town and Ant Kingdom. There will never be a dull moment as it is a huge place to explore.

This article was written by Thom Sanders on behalf of Wendy Wu Tours. They offer fantastic Yangtze River cruise experiences, as well as other great China holidays.

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