I’ve always liked the idea of going further, exploring beyond the well-trodden paths, and so when I had the opportunity to travel much further on the Yangtze, a whole 2400km further, I jumped at it. I already knew the Century Sky ship with her gloriously comfy cabins and superb cuisine so was delighted to be back on board for this exceptional journey which began in Chongqing. The first morning featured a trip to Fengdu, the Ghost city, and its innumerable shrines and temples depict demons and visions of hell and where a Ming dynasty bridge connects our world to the underworld and over which we were encouraged to pass to bring good fortune – it was a bit spooky but quite unlike anywhere else I’ve been to!

We greeted the following morning cruising through the majestic Three Gorges before joining smaller vessels to sail through the newly-created canyon of Shennv Stream, or the Goddess Stream, with its sheer wooded cliffs and fast-flowing water. A couple of mornings later we were in Jingzhou, one of the most significant cities of the ancient Three Kingdoms period, with immense fortifications that resemble the Great Wall itself.

More ancient treasures were on display at Wuhan Provincial Museum – bronzes, lacquerware, swords, calligraphy and some extraordinary bells that are actually the largest bronze musical instrument ever seen. Not far from the museum is riverside Han Street, the longest commercial pedestrian street in China and absolutely crammed with shops, cinemas and restaurants, and, by way of contrast, East Lake, the largest urban lake in China surrounded by cherry and plum blossom parks, botanical gardens and other scenic spots.

We also visited Mount Lushan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where most tourists visit the quaintly-named White Deer Cave Academy, and admire the mountain peaks wreathed in mist, the ponds, streams and waterfalls. However, I was fascinated to learn that this spot was the official summer capital of Mao and other Communist leaders for much of the 20th century.

Xinghuacun was once a picturesque village whose apricot trees produced a heady liquor which inspired an ancient poet to compose a poem that became a classic – although the original charm of the place has long been swallowed by giant breweries, it’s nice to know their origins were so celebrated.

Our final visit was to Yangzhuo to see the delightful Geyuan garden of bamboo and rockeries and to stroll along a historic Tang dynasty thoroughfare over 1km long, sampling some of its tasty street food and snacks. The next morning, we arrived in Shanghai, and a whole new shopping experience was waiting…. more of that another time!

The signature style of all Century Cruise ships is one of comfort and indulgence at exceptionally good value for money, all elegantly blended with Western standards and Chinese authenticity.

Set sail on the long cruise along the Yangtze River on the 22nd March from Chongqing. We have limited availability and for more information please email sales sales@centuryrivercruises.com or visit www.centuryrivercruises.com

Alternatively you can book a long cruise along the Yangtze River with the award winning tour operator from the  UK Voyages Jules Verne.