Upstream
Upstream means sailing from lower part of the river (such as Wuhan, Shashi, or Yichang) up to the higher part of the river (such as Chongqing and Fengjie).
Advantages
Cruising at the speed between 15 - 18 Kilometer/hour, allows enough time for sightseeing and photography
Costs less, usually 10 - 30% lower than that of downstream
More time on-board for leisure, entertainment and Chinese culture programs and activities
Disadvantages
Comparatively lower speed
Night sailing sometimes
The time passing the Gezhouba ship lock is usually around 4:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.
Downstream
Downstream means sailing from the upper part of the river (such as Chongqing and Fengjie) down to the lower part of the river (such as Wuhan, Shashi, or Yichang). Usually cruising downstream will take less time than upstream but with comparatively high cost.
Advantages
Fast speed, between 28 - 30 kilometer/hour
No night sailing
All scenic sites are arranged in the daytime, enough time for shore excursions
Disadvantages
Less time for each scenery scenic section
For example, only several 15-17 minutes for the 8-kilometer Qutang Gorge, less time for photography
Costs more
Very hot during the high season
Most cruise lines have adjusted their itinerary and on-board programs to allow tourists to enjoy both the river landscape and life on ships.
- Travel Preparation for Disabled Travelers in China
- Traveling around by Bicycle in Beijing
- A few useful tips for traveling in Beijing
- Travel to Shanghai--China's largest cargo port
- How to Go and Get Around in Guangzhou
- Three Ways could be Chosen for Individual Travel
- Do's and Don'ts for Your Stay in Tibet
- Guidance for Tibet Internet Bars
- Special Tibetan houses
- Visiting the Largest Park in Guilin