Understand

The Yangtze River, also known as Chang Jiang, has played a crucial role in Chinese civilization for thousands of years. It has served as a major transportation route, connecting various cities along its banks. While the Yellow River was the birthplace of grain-based agriculture and the Han Dynasty assimilated the peoples cultivating rice beside the lower Yangtze, it was the Yangtze River that became home to many significant Chinese cities, including Nanjing. The Yangtze River's navigability and lower occurrence of floods, coupled with constant invasions from northern nomads, led to the establishment of numerous capitals and major cities along its shores. Interestingly, the river was known by different names in European languages, but the poetic name of "Yangzijiang" for a stretch near Yangzhou became more commonly used. Shanghai, now a bustling metropolis, was once overshadowed by Yangzhou as the primary regional port. Today, while Chang Jiang remains the preferred name among the Chinese, the river is known as the Yangtze River in most European languages. Despite its historical significance, the name Yangzijiang is seldom used in contemporary Chinese language and culture.

Get in

Looking to embark on an adventure in China? Shanghai is the gateway to your journey, with a major international airport offering connections to almost anywhere. While the other major cities on the route have airports with good connections within China, there are not many international flights available. However, fear not! There are still options for you to explore the wonders of China. KLM offers flights from Amsterdam to Chengdu and Kunming, Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt to Nanjing, and Korean Air has flights from Seoul to several of these cities. For those coming from Southeast Asia, Air Asia offers a discount flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hangzhou. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an incredible journey through this fascinating country! [1] Check out Finnair for direct flights to Chongqing.

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