Destinations of Yangtze Victoria Cruises – Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge, Xiling Gorge

Destinations of Yangtze Victoria Cruises - Shennong Stream

Board a ferry for a relaxing ride up this tributary of the Yangtze River, which has its own attractive gorges.

This wild preserve is home to more than 1,000 types of trees, and is named for the legendary peasant and mythical founder of Chinese medicine, Shennong, who hiked the cliffs and collected herbs here. You'll switch to wooden boats called "pea-pod boats", and will be poled up to the shallow, clear areas further upstream. Trackers take over where the current is strong, and pull the boats about 100 or 200 yards.

Destinations of Yangtze Victoria Cruises – Shibaozhai

Shibaozhai represents one of the gems of Chinese architecture along the Yangtze River. From afar, the protruding 220-meter (720 foot) hill can appear to resemble a jade seal. The creation of the hill is attributed to the goddess Nuwo, who caused a rockslide while she was redecorating the sky after a fierce battle between two warring dukes. A red pavilion hugs one side of this rock. Its tall yellow entrance gate is decorated with lions and dragons.

The temple at the top was built during the reign of the Emperor Qianlong (1736-1796). In 1956 thee more stories were added. The rising waters of the river as a result of the Three Gorges Dam Project have surrounded the pagoda, which has been preserved with a tiny dam of its own. No nails were used in the construction of this magnificent structure, appropriately named "The Pearl of the Yangtze River".

Destinations of Yangtze Victoria Cruises – Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge, is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. Two mountains, Mt. Chijia Shan (Red Passage Mountain) and Mt. Baiyan Shan (While Salt Mountain), guard the entrance to this gorge like giant castle doors.

Destinations of Yangtze Victoria Cruises – Wuxia Gorge

Below Mt. Wushan is the 25-mile long Wuxia Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains, and sheer cliffs. This middle gorge is best known for twelve unique peaks. Often hidden in swirls of mist, six lines the north side of the river and six staggered peaks stand to the South. The most famous, Shennu Feng (Goddess Peak) resembles kneeling maiden.

Destinations of Yangtze Victoria Cruises – Xiling Gorge

The final gorge, Xiling Gorge, is the longest (41 miles) and the deepest. It is actually comprised of seven smaller gorges, whose varied names – Military Books and Precious Sword, Rice Granary, Ox Liver and Horse Lungs, Yellow Ox, Bright Moon, Lantern Shadow, and Yellow Cat – are all based upon ancient legends.

Depending on river conditions, alternate excursions may be substituted as follows: Day 2: Wanzhou; Day 3: Shennong Stream.

Meals: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

These are ships under the name of Yangtze Victoria Cruises: Victoria Sophia, Victoria Anna, Victoria Lianna, Victoria Selina, Victoria Grace, Victoria Katarina, Victoria Jenna.