CRUISING for INSPIRATION
Travelers experience the Yangtze River's vast cross-provincial landscapes by sailing on tourist vessels, Xu Lin and Liu Kun report in Yichang, Hubei.


To truly embrace the Yangtze River's majesty and immerse in its inspiring landscapes, you must embark on a cross-provincial scenic cruise. The upstream voyage along the Yangtze River from Yichang city in Hubei province to Chongqing municipality takes five days and four nights, tracing the river's picturesque view through the Three Gorges.
Travelers will savor gourmet buffets, revel in onboard entertainment, and join guided land excursions when the cruise ship docks.
Guests will board the cruise ship in the evening at Maoping Port in Yichang. The next day, they will explore the city before the vessel departs the following evening.
At the Tribe of the Three Gorges scenic area in the Xiling Gorge, tourists experience the Tujia ethnic group's folk singing and spirited dancing, witness traditional wedding customs, and observe fishermen wrangling their catches on old wooden boats.
As for how ships traverse the Three Gorges Dam, there is a vivid motto: "Large vessels climb stairs; small ships ride the elevator." Large cargo ships and some cruise vessels line up to pass through the dam's five-tier ship locks, which can take up to four hours.