Visitors disembark from the Yangtze Gold Cruise No 6 for a sightseeing during the cruise.[Photo by Yang Feiyue/ China Daily]

Leisure abounds aboard Yangtze cruises departing from Chongqing for Hubei's Three Gorges locks. Yang Feiyue hops on deck for recreation, hops off for excursions and kicks back for relaxation.

Emerald mountains, rustic farmhouses and sparkling night views emerged from the Yangtze River's banks as we drifted along.

We enjoyed four days of wining and dining among incredible views aboard the Yangtze Gold Cruise No 6. The ship departed from Chongqing and we disembarked for good in Hubei province's Yichang.

Days on deck were spent playing mahjong with friends, and nighttime offered banquets and barbeques.

We also stopped to explore several destinations.

Yangtze Gold Cruise No 6 is acclaimed as the Yangtze River's most luxurious liner. The six-story craft offers theater, spa, fitness, mini-golf, poker and shopping experiences.

Guests must often book ahead, says Wang Yi, vice-general manager of marketing of Chongqing Yangtze Gold Cruises Co. The company is the biggest operator along the route.

Cruises along the river are among China's first travel attractions marketed to inbound tourists. About a third of guests hail from North America, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia, Wang says.

Most are older than 40.

"We've found patrons like to spend time just reading and resting on board," Wang says.

"They also enjoy arranged activities."

They can practice tai chi, make jiaozi (dumplings) or listen to lectures on traditional Chinese culture.

Explanations are bilingual.

Our first stop was Fengdu Ghost City.

It did truly look spectral, as mist wafted atop the mountains and banks.