September 9, 2010 – Day 27 (170 Miles).
We began the 6 day cruise on the Yangtze River which is about 6380 Kilometers long making the third longest river. Special along the river are Pandas, White-fin dolphins, Yangtze Sturgeons, and Yangtze alligators (all endangered Species). Population along the river is about 400 million. During the night we traveled to Shibaozhai; about a 12-hour trip. Shibaozhai Pagoda is a gem of Chinese architecture on the Yangtze River. The day started with breakfast buffet, lectures, and lunch. After lunch a visit to the Shibaozhai Temple; a 12-story pavilion built in 1650 along the Yangtze. Many of us climbed to top for breathtaking views of the river below and each story had statues & other artwork. The way up & down are stairs that are steep and exhausting on such a hot & sultry. The evening was a brief “Welcome Reception” cocktail before the evening meal.