A cruise along the mighty and mysterious rivers of China and Asia – for centuries, they've served as a lifeline between multiple countries and millions of people – is truly an amazing journey.

Whether you're cruising on the Yangtze River (the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world) or cruising on the Mekong River (which courses through six separate nations including China, Thailand, and Vietnam), a China/Asia river cruise is the most convenient and economical way to experience the region's astonishing blend of ancient cultures and extraordinary physical beauty.

The Mekong (or "Lancang" as it's known in China) is the heart and soul of mainland Southeast Asia: over 60 million people depend on the river and its tributaries for transport and the resources that shape their daily lives. Its basin is also home to a staggering number of species (only the Amazon can lay claim to a greater amount of aquatic biodiversity) including giant carp and catfish, freshwater stingrays, and soft-shell turtles. An estimated 2,700-plus miles in length, the Mekong originates in the Tibetan Plateau and runs through China's Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand (keep an eye out for the legendary but unconfirmed Naga fireballs), Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Earth's third-longest river is a marvel. Its waters, nearly 4,000 miles long, wind west to east through eleven provinces and cities and it has shaped much of China's history, culture, and economy.

For many, a river cruise along "the Golden Watercourse" will truly be the adventure of a lifetime. The country's top destinations (including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian) and an astonishing number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites are all accessible via the Yangtze. Depending on the itinerary you select, you can expect to experience China's Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terra Cotta Warriors, scenic Three Gorges, and massive Tiananmen Square firsthand.