China is a country as large as the continental United States of America, and as such, getting around would be a bit of a nightmare, were it not for the fact that there is an excellent network of internal flights that connect all of the major cities. This is coupled with efficient and generally modern rail links that also serve some of the more out of the way destinations.
Cruising on the Yangtze River is a popular way of seeing the China, and many boats ranging from little more than a raft all the way through to luxurious cruise ships.
Hiring a car is not really an option in China, but local drivers will be more than happy to service your needs for a few days, and act as a guide.
Another option is to get on a tour that takes in the main attractions, and there are many itineraries available to suit every interest.
