English: M.V. Splendid China on the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang).

Photo and annotated image by User:Leonard G.

Photo taken late September 2002.

Picture taken from the Jade Chop Pagoda (A.K.A Precious Stone Fortress).

The MV Splendid Chinais an older luxury riverboat (one of the first on this river) but well kept and operated. Serving mostly North American and European tourists, it is propelled by two 3000 horsepower engines. Tourist boats such as these meet all current official "four star" requirements for Hotels except for the necessarily smaller size of the staterooms. An older craft such as this can provide a high value for modest cost for the tourist. Unlike most boats which provide showers in the staterooms this craft had bathtubs with showers.

Breakfasts are served "cafeteria" style, while lunch and dinner are served "family" style, with wait staff bringing serving dishes to a lazy susan in the center the table, which seats eight persons. The meal service is proud to serve "no repeats" in the evening meal, with a unique menu each night. During a cruise from Wuhan to Chongqing there were two costumed "night shows", where ship's staff demonstrated both ethnic peasant and dynastic court dances, and other entertainments such as the martial arts "Drunken Boxing".

Before the closing of the Three Gorges Dam Splendid China cruised between Wuhan and Chongqing via the Ghezouba dam and Three Gorges Dam site but now operates only above the latter dam, with tourists traveling by motor coach from Wuhan.