China River Cruises - Viking River Cruises

China does everything big. It is the second largest country by area, it has the most people and its most famous landmark, The Great Wall of China, can be seen from space. With so much to see and do in this behemoth of a nation, taking a river cruise to China with Viking is a great way to maximize your experience without getting lost in the crowd.

While Viking's itineraries in China all involve the Yangtze River, which is approximately 3,915 miles long, these vacations aren't just river cruises. Viking has created a few amazing China itineraries that have you flying through this country and stopping in cities like Lijiang in the southwest and Beijing in the Northeast. You will be escorted all over the country ensuring you come home with a comprehensive experience in this Far Eastern land.

Depending on the itinerary you choose, you could be attending a Peking Opera one day and gazing up at the 12-story Shiboazhi temple the next. You could also be traveling to Lhasa in Tibet to see the winter palace of the Dalai Lama or visiting a Panda research center in Chengdu. Most itineraries include a scenic day on the Yangtze as you pass through the Three Gorges, an area along the river where the land surrounding the river juts upward, creating a magical experience for those traveling through with Viking River Cruises.

Onboard the Viking Emerald, which was built in 2011, you will have everything you need and more. There is a gym and beauty salon, along with a library and internet cafe all on a ship that has 128 staterooms with views of the beautiful river landscape. While onboard, be sure to sit in on the fascinating lectures about the region and its culture. Continue below for a sampling of the great experiences available on a Yangtze River cruise with Viking River Cruises:

• Walk through Beijing's Forbidden City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visit the storied Tiananmen Square as you take in the architectural and cultural treasures of Beijing.
   
• Head north to the Badaling Hills to see one of the most-preserved stretches of the Great Wall of China. Take in the expansive views as you climb the stairs along this winding marvel.
   

• In Xian, China you can admire the life-sized soldier, chariot and horse statues of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terra Cotta Army, laid in the ground more than 2,000 years ago.
   
• Step back into the Han Dynasty as you sail to Fengdu for a tour of the Snow Jade Cave. This series of underground limestone formations opens up like a hidden labyrinth beneath the rocky surface.
   

• Traverse the Three Gorges region by way of the Qutang Gorge, arguably the most breathtaking of the three stunning passages bordered by towering, rocky canyons.
   
• Wander through Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East" for its canal system, and tour the Old Town, visit a local silk factory or relax in a garden.
   

Contact The Cruise Web to learn more about Viking River Cruises' China cruise itineraries. Our river cruise specialists are trained to find the best river cruise for your time and money, so call us today at 1-800-377-9383.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Yangtze River cruises in China from Viking River Cruises.