• Qutang Gorge
  

  
  The shortest and narrowest of the Three Gorges, 8km-long Qutang Gorge is also the most dramatic, with the Kiumen Gate - the point where the boats pass between Chijia Mountain and the Baiyan Mountain, and jagged, towering cliffs on either side of the river. On its northern bank is the Bellows Gorge where nine ancient coffins were found, and the switchback river bends show off the varying landscape.
  
  

• Wu Gorge
  

  
  The middle of the Three Gorges, attractive Wu Gorge is lined with greenery-draped cliffs, their tips disappearing into the ever-present mist. Twelve mountains tower beside the river - six peaks on either side, including Goddess Peak and the Peak of the Immortals. Look out for Green Stone Cave on the southern bank.
  
  

• Lesser Three Gorges
  

  
  Most cruise ships stop at the riverside city of Wushan, so that passengers can transfer to small boats and sail north along Daning River along the narrow and dramatic Lesser Three Gorges Dragon Gate Gorge is lined with precipitous cliffs, the steep sides of Iron Coffin Gorge hold a suspended coffin and Emerald Gorge is named after the vivid color of its water.
  
  

• Xiling Gorge
  

  
  The longest of the Three Gorges at 80km, Xiling Gorge is the least dramatic of the three. Sections of the gorge were flooded by the rising waters of the Three Gorges Dam, which tamed the scenery and allowed for safe passage of coal-carrying cargo ships and cruise ships. Watch out for the Huangling Temple on the south bank and the Three Travelers' Cave on the north one.
  
  

• Three Gorges Dam
  

  
  Spanning the Xiling Gorge, west of Yichang, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam and the largest power station in the world. It's possible to visit the dam as part of a tour, learn about how it was built and watch ships make their way up and down its five locks from the observation deck.
  
  

• Huangshan
  

  
  On the Shanghai-Wuhan section of the river cruise, boats pass Huangshan near the south bank of the Yangtze. Huangshan, with its mist-shrouded granite peaks and gnarled pine trees is the most visited mountain in China. Two steep trails and a cable car lead to the summit, where there's a vast network of hiking trails.
  
  

• Chongqing
  

  
  The starting point for downstream cruises along the Yangtze River, hilly, foggy Chongqing is famous for it fiery hotpot cuisine. Its sights include the traditional stilt houses that survive in the surrounding villages, the Ming dynasty buildings that line the narrow lanes of Ciqikou Ancient Town, and the Dazu Buddhist cave rock carvings at Treasured Summit Hill.
  
  

• Shanghai
  

  
  Shanghai is the starting point for upstream cruises up the Yangtze River and one of China's most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities. Its attractions include the Bund - the hip shopping and dining waterfront area, the tree-lined French Concession, with its art deco buildings and galleries, and the 492m-tall Shanghai World Financial Center with the world's highest observation deck on its 100th floor.
  
  

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