Understand

The Yangtze River has played a crucial role in transportation for thousands of years, connecting major cities along its banks. Chinese civilization began with grain-based agriculture along the Yellow River, while rice cultivation thrived beside the lower Yangtze. These people were eventually conquered and assimilated during the Han Dynasty, giving rise to the Chinese ethnicity. Over time, the Yangtze's navigability and protection from frequent floods made its shores home to numerous Chinese cities, including the notable capital of Nanjing. European languages know the river as "Yangtze" from a poetic name for a stretch near Yangzhou. When Europeans first traded with China, Shanghai was a backwater, and Yangzhou served as the major regional port, commanding trade in salt and connecting the Yangtze to the Grand Canal leading to Beijing. While Chinese students may learn the name Yangzijiang, it is rarely used instead of Chang Jiang in Chinese.

Get in

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis in China, offers easy access to the rest of the world through its international airport. With connections to almost anywhere, travelers can easily embark on their global adventures. While other major cities along the route have airports with good connections within China, they may have limited options for international flights. However, there are still a few airlines that offer routes from various cities. For example, KLM flies from Amsterdam to Chengdu and Kunming, Lufthansa has flights from Frankfurt to Nanjing, and Korean Air operates flights from Seoul to several of these cities. Additionally, Finnair provides direct flights from a destination like Amsterdam to Chongqing. Travelers from Southeast Asia can also find a discount flight option with Air Asia, which offers flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou. Explore the fascinating cities of China and beyond with these convenient flight options.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dim Sum - A collection of small bite-sized portions of various Chinese dishes, which can include dumplings, spring rolls, barbecued pork buns, and egg tarts. These are often served as a brunch or pre-lunch meal, accompanied by tea.

Peking Duck - A whole roasted duck that is a specialty of Beijing, known for its thin, crisp skin, rich, tender meat, and flavorful fat. The duck is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken - A stir-fried dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables (usually bell peppers and onions), and chili peppers, all coated in a spicy, savory sauce. It's a staple in Sichuanese and broader Chinese cuisine.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing