Written by Jasmine Miao |
Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world, running 6,300 km across the entire country. It is one of the world’s greatest waterways not just because of that but also the history and growth of human civilization that has taken place by it. Some of the earliest human societies were established around it. People have lived by it, been nurtured by its rich resources.
Today, Yangtze River stands out from other rivers and lakes in China for its beautiful sceneries and important cultural, economic status. It flows through 11 provinces (provincial level divisions) from its source in Qinghai Province to Shanghai on the East China Sea. In 2016, the Chinese government established the “Yangtze River Economic Belt” (YREB) that has greatly promoted the economy of cities by Yangtze River.
This article is an ultimate guide on the provinces and cities on Yangtze River. If you’re traveling to China or interested in its geography, read this article about regional divisions along the river, major cities, and beautiful destinations along it.
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- Provinces and Municipalities along Yangtze River
- Journey Down Yangtze: Cities by the River
- Best Yangtze River Cities & Stops for Cruise Trips
- Ancient Cities & Towns along Yangtze River
- Explore Yangtze River in Depth with China Xian Tour
Provinces and Municipalities along Yangtze River
Yangtze River is the longest river in China and Asia, the third longest in the world only after the Nile and Amazon River. It has its source in the Tanggula Mountains on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Qinghai Province.
Passing through 1 autonomous region, 8 provinces, and 2 municipalities, the Yangtze River basin spans across 1.8 million square kilometers, which is 20% of China’s landmass. The mouth of Yangtze River is in Shanghai, where it discharges into East China Sea. Here are the provincial level divisions it flows through.
1 Autonomous Region |
Tibet Autonomous Region |
8 Provinces |
Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu |
2 Municipalities |
Chongqing, Shanghai |
Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB): Understanding the Modern Corridor
Yangtze River Economic Belt was created to encourage economic growth around the region. It covers around 21% of China’s landmass and 40% of the population. 11 provincial level divisions included are Anhui, Chongqing, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shanghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang. Thanks to this strategic policy, these regions have seen significant urban and economic growth.
Journey Down Yangtze: Cities by the River
There are many metropolitan areas and cities by Yangtze River. If you’re going on a China tour, it’s a good idea to look into them. From upper reaches, middle reaches, to the lower reaches, each section of the river has distinct geographical features that have influenced local cultures. Here are the major cities and characteristics of different reaches on Yangtze River.
Provinces & Major Cities |
Characteristics |
|
Upper Reaches |
Qinghai: Yushu
Tibet Yunnan: Lijiang Sichuan: Yibin, Luzhou, Panzhihua Chongqing |
Mountains and heavy gorges, rugged terrain; heavy volumes of water |
Middle Reaches |
Hubei: Yichang, Wuhan, Jingzhou
Hunan: Yueyang Jiangxi: Jiujiang |
winding waterways, lots of rivers and lakes; low and flat terrain; prone to flooding |
Lower Reaches |
Anhui: Wuhu, Ma’anshan
Jiangsu: Suzhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang Shanghai |
wider waterways, slower currents; Yangtze Delta Region; water transportation is more common |
The three reaches of Yangtze River are divided based on changes in terrain and landforms. The upper reaches ends in the city of Yichang in Hubei Province. It marks the end of the mountainous regions of Yangtze River. The middle reaches is the section from Yichang to Hukou in Jiangxi Province with a large number of lakes. The lower reaches extends all the way to the mouth of the river. It’s the vast, flat delta region.
Major Cities of Upper Reaches
Yushu – Lijiang – Panzhihua – Yibin – Chongqing – Yichang
The upper reaches of Yangtze River are mountainous and rugged. The river rushes out of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from a high altitude. The current is fast with a large volume of water. Lots of gorges and cliffs make this section particularly scenic for cruise trips. Cities on the upper reaches were built near the mountains and water. They may not be international metropolis but have rich regional culture and gorgeous natural landscapes.
Lijiang – Lijiang is a top travel city of Yunnan Province. This section of the river is called Jinsha River from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau rushing into the mountains of Yunnan. You can visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River here and see how the river course takes a sharp turn around the gorge. Lijiang is famous for its breathtaking snow mountains and Naxi ethnic minority culture.
Yibin – Yibin is called the first town on Yangtze River because the section before it is called Jinsha River. It’s located in southern Sichuan Province, about 300 km (186 miles) away from the capital city Chengdu. It is little known among international tourists, but locals love to visit its bamboo forests and stone forests.
Chongqing – Chongqing is the largest city on the upper reaches of Yangtze River. It’s often the first stop for people’s Yangtze River tours because it is a starting/ending point for the Yangtze River cruises as well as a transportation hub in Southwest China. The natural landscapes around Chongqing led to unique and innovative urban planning, which is why it’s often called “Mountain City” and “River City.”
Yichang – Yichang is the other end of the classic route of Yangtze River Cruise (Chongqing – Yichang). This is where you’ll see the most magnificent scenery on the river, the Three Gorges. This is one of the major attractions on Yangtze River. Besides the mountains, valleys, and waters, there are also an array of cultural attractions.
Major Cities of Middle Reaches
Jingzhou – Yueyang – Wuhan – Jiujiang
The middle reaches of Yangtze River wind its way across the central plain of China. As the terrain becomes flatter and altitude decreases, the current slows down. The river diverges into lots of lakes and rivers. The cities here are important transportation hubs between eastern and western parts of the country.
Wuhan – Wuhan is the largest city on Yangtze River. It is the capital of Hubei Province and holds a strategic spot on the Yangtze River Economic Belt as the transportation hub between eastern, central, and southwestern China. The modern metropolis also has lots of historical sites. The Yellow Crane Tower is known as the “first tower under heaven.” You should definitely try local snacks such as Regan Noodles.
Major Cities of Lower Reaches
Wuhu – Ma’anshan – Nanjing – Yangzhou – Zhenjiang – Shanghai
The Lower Reaches of Yangtze River is known as the Yangtze River Delta Region. It’s a vast plain that has seen great urban and economic growth thanks to nature resources since ancient times and modern governmental policies. It mostly consists of Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai. It is the most dynamic and populated part of China.
Wuhu – Wuhu City in Anhui Province is not the most touristy place but is a great city to take things slow and experience local life. There are many historic streets and parks where simple happiness in life takes place. Take a walk by Yangtze River. Its port was once busy with international merchants who left behind elegant churches and western-styled architecture.
Nanjing – Nanjing is one of the four ancient capitals of China. It was once the largest city in China during Ming Dynasty. Because of its history and unique regional culture, it is now a very popular city to visit for people on a Jiangsu tour. Make sure you try local Nanjing foods which is famous for its ducks, from salted ducks, roasted ducks, to duck gizzards, and duck blood.
Yangzhou – Yangzhou is a small, quiet city sitting above the waters of Yangtze River and the Grand Canal. It won’t feel as urban or dynamic as Nanjing but has a more local and laid-back vibe. The city is most famous for its exquisite cuisine. Well-known Chinese dishes such as Yangzhou Fried Rice, Braised Lion’s Head, Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, and Wensi Tofu can all be traced back to this city.
Suzhou – Suzhou is probably the most famous Jiangsu city for travelers. It’s the best place to experience Jiangnan culture which refers to the local culture of regions south of the lower reaches of Yangtze River. Classical gardens showcase ancient Chinese landscaping art. Experience silk culture and tea culture by exploring the historical streets that are still vibrant with busy local life.
Shanghai – Shanghai is the city at the mouth of Yangtze River and the last stop of our journey today. It is undoubtedly the image of modern China’s development in both culture and economy. Skyscrapers rise out of the ground. Dynamic and western-influenced buildings and lifestyle have attracted people from all over the world. Yet the metropolis is still surrounded by many ancient Jiangnan water towns where things are the same way they used to be.
Best Yangtze River Cities & Stops for Cruise Trips
Taking a Yangtze River Cruise is the best way to fully experience the change of sceneries and cultures down the most important waterway of China. There are a number of Yangtze River Cruise routes with the Chongqing-Yichang section being the most classic one. The extended route from Chongqing to Shanghai will give you the full experience. There are different shore excursion activities as you sail past major cities or attractions on Yangtze River.
Here are the main attractions to stop by on the Chongqing-Yichang classic route:
- Three Gorges: Extending from Chongqing to Yichang, the Three Gorges are the signature Yangtze River experience. Cruising through the cliffs and peaks will become an unforgettable experience of your trip.
- Fengdu Ghost City: Fengdu Ghost City has over 2,000 years of history. There is a series of architecture and sculpture works depicting the traditional Chinese underworld.
- Shibaozhai Pagoda: Shibaozhai Pagoda is known as one of the world’s eight peculiar architectural wonders. Built on a cliffside facing the waters, it has a unique interlocking design.
- White Emperor City: Baidi City has an important place in Chinese history. It is called the “City of Poetry” because many famous poets have set their foot here and left behind immortal verses.
- Shennv Stream: This beautiful stream is located in a valley within the Three Gorges. It’s a great place to get some fresh air and go on a hike.
- Three Gorges Dam: The Three Gorges Dam is arguably more famous than the gorges themselves. It is the world’s largest hydropower station, an engineering marvel. The discharging of water is spectacular. You can also get on the viewing decks to overlook Yangtze River.
On a Chongqing-Shanghai extended route, you will stop in:
Chongqing – Fengdu – Fengjie – Yichang – Jingzhou – Wuhan – Jiujiang – Chizhou – Nanjing – Yangzhou – Shanghai
Recommended Yangtze River Cruise Tours:
- 4-Day Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
- 5 Days Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Yichang to Chongqing
Ancient Cities & Towns along Yangtze River
Yangtze River has nurtured the civilizations around it for a long time. Many ancient cities and towns are still standing overlooking the water. Quality of life has certainly improved. Some areas are more urban. And some have become favored by tourists and culture lovers. The old ways of life remain in these ancient towns carrying forward their traditions and folk cultures.
Lijiang Old Town – Lijiang Old Town is one of the many ancient towns of Yunnan which are all unique in their own ways. Lijiang is the home of Naxi people, an ethnic minority group that has their unique arts, costumes, and even writing system. Walk down the streets lined by traditional architecture. Discover beautiful Dongba culture. And see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Ciqikou Ancient Town – Ciqikou means porcelain dock. This ancient town in Chongqing has a history of being a trading hub for porcelain and pottery. Merchants and artisans docked here on Yangtze River. It’s a great place for a slow day on your Chongqing tour. Take a leisurely walk down the narrow alleyways, see traditional stilted houses, and try out some local snacks.
Jingzhou Ancient City – Jingzhou Ancient City in Hubei Provinces has a history of over 2,000 years. For hundreds of years in ancient history (770 BC-220 BC), it was the political and cultural center of ancient Chinese civilization. The ancient city wall is still well preserved, and you can see many historic artifacts at Jingzhou Museum.
Jiangnan Water Towns of Yangtze Delta Region
Thanks to both Yangtze River and the Grand Canal, the delta region has lots of waterways. Towns and villages used to be built by those waters. Architecture and landscaping were designed to adapt to the living environment. As a result, the sceneries of Jiangnan water towns are unique only to the region.
Residential houses have white walls and black-tiled roofs, their reflection in the water rippling to the current. Stone bridges connect narrow alleyways. Underneath, small boats drift slowly by. Locals set up stalls by the streets selling all kinds of snacks and fun crafts. Tea houses and restaurants are also family owned, serving the most authentic local flavors.
These days, these water towns are even more precious as cities grew around them. Many people go on water town tours from Shanghai to escape the city for just a little while. Most of the water towns are concentrated nearby Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.
Zhouzhuang Water Town – China’s No.1 Water Town Zhouzhuang Water Town is near Suzhou.
Wuzhen Water Town – Wuzhen is thought by many to be the most beautiful water town. It sits between Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. It has recently gained international fame for hosting the World Internet Conference and Wuzhen Theatre Festival.
Xitang Water Town – Not far from Wuzhen, Xitang is another famous water town with 104 bridges and 122 ancient lanes. Compared to Wuzhen, it is less crowded and less developed for tourism.
Recommended Yangtze Ancient Town Tours:
- 3 Days Hangzhou City Tour to Wuzhen Water Town
- 5 Days Classic Shanghai Tour with Zhouzhuang Water Town
Explore Yangtze River in Depth with China Xian Tour
Tracing the Yangtze River is a great way to experience regional Chinese culture and witness breathtaking sceneries. Plan your Yangtze River trip with China Xian Tour. We understand how it might be difficult to know where to start, so our travel experts are always available to help. You can craft your personalized tour by simply letting us know your vision.
