You’ve booked a?cruise on the Yangtze River?but do you know what to expect while cruising? Might you get bored passing through the famous Gorges of the Yangtze River? Do you need to take extra books or light games?? Well, on board?Century River vessels?you’ll be kept very busy!

Have you watched the movie Kite Runner (2007)? It is an epic film about Afghanistan shot in…er… China. Most movie buffs would complain about the locations but I agree with the director Marc Forster’s choice. Not because of any resemblance to Afghanistan but because of the obsession with kites! Did you know that China has a Kite Festival which takes place every year in April at the Kite Capital of the World ?C Weifang潍坊 in Shandong Province?

Considering the flying of kites is a Chinese national obsession, it’s only fair that it’s included on board while cruising on the majestic Yangtze River. While admiring magical Wu Gorge you could try your hand at flying kites of all shapes and sizes, modern or traditional, free of charge aboard all our luxury ships.

If you think flying kites is too challenging you can always learn to cook authentic Chinese cuisine, and impress your friends back home! We organise dumpling and hotpot making demonstrations. Those two dishes represent the real China and its unique cooking traditions, especially dumplings where both shape and filling have a cultural meaning. Cabbage stuffing represents a rich life while celery represents persistence bringing wealth.? If you think you need some good luck you should eat mushroom-stuffed dumplings. Hotpot is another favourite meal and used to be served only during the winter time and in the northern part of China, but nowadays it’s served across the country throughout the whole year. Learning how to cook hotpot on board a Century Cruise ship is food therapy as it’s a great way to get to know your fellow passengers and have a “healthy meal” as boiling food is much healthier than frying!

If kite running and food demonstrations are not for you then you can learn traditional Chinese Calligraphy which combines art and writing. It looks complicated but under the watchful guidance of our professional calligraphy teacher you would be very proud to show the art you made back home!? Or maybe you can enjoy Line Dancing organised by experienced line dance teachers. We also organise regular lectures on Chinese history along with daily Yangtze River briefings.

After any of the on board activities you are welcome to relax in the largest indoor swimming pool (244 m2)*on the Yangtze River, try Tai Chi or book a massage in the Spa Centre. We at Century River Cruises always make sure life on board is full of engaging activities and memorable experiences.? Try it for yourself by emailing us at?sales@centuryrivercruises.com?or check our website at www.centuryrivercruises.com