Best Time To Visit
Between February and April is the best season to travel along the river routes, when the river is neither too dry nor onrushing. Outside this period, the Yangtze is either fairly dry, (some spots cannot be reached in Daning River at all) or the current is too fast and powerful to be navigated well. Of course, the main point of traveling the river is the scenic sites along the way, so cloudy or overcast days are discouraging.

Shopping Overview
Numerous shopping specialties enriched with characteristics of the local cities or towns along the Three Gorges are easily available through the tour. Xiling Pottery-----In Yichang, elegant Xiling Painted Pottery, being amongst the most famous pottery in China, enjoys a big purchase. In addition, fans of Chinese ancient culture will appreciate the four treasures of the study, i.e. the writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper). Three Gorges Stone-----A special type of stone, featured in fabulous natural patterns of beauty, which local people believe bear different symbols in nature. Sanxia citrus, wine and gold-headed centipede (for medicinal purposes) are all fun things to buy in this area. In the historical and cultural stronghold of Jingzhou, ancient lacquerwork, embroidery and replicas of various cultural relics can all be easily found. Other Sichuan specialties such as Chongqing osmanthus garlic are popular with locals and visitors.