Set sail on an unforgettable 5-day upstream voyage from Yichang to Chongqing. This cruise offers a front-row seat to the most dramatic scenery along the Yangtze River, where emerald waters meet soaring limestone cliffs. Between relaxing on your private balcony, you will explore ancient temples, engineering marvels, and hidden tributaries.
Yichang - Three Gorges Dam - Lesser Three Gorges - Three Gorges - Shibaozhai Pagoda / Fengdu Ghost City - Chongqing 
Departure:
Available All Year Round 
Category:
China Tours, Yangtze River Cruise Tours 
Theme:
Culture, History, Nature 
Suitable:
Families, Couples, Solo Adventurers, and Seniors
Private TourYour Yangtze River adventure starts in the historic city of Yichang. In the evening, you will be transferred to Maoping Port to begin your embarkation. As you step on board your luxury cruise ship, you will be welcomed by the hospitable crew and checked into your comfortable cabin.
Take a moment to step out onto your private balcony and feel the gentle river breeze. This evening is yours to settle in, explore the ship's amenities, and enjoy the glittering lights reflecting off the water as you prepare for the spectacular journey upstream through the heart of China.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals: /
Professional Suggestions:
Yichang has two main ports, but most luxury cruises now depart from Maoping Port, which is about an hour's drive from the city center or Yichang East Railway Station. We recommend arriving at the meeting point designated by the cruise line before 6:00 PM to ensure a smooth shuttle transfer. Once on board, keep an eye on the "Daily Itinerary" delivered to your cabin or displayed in the lobby—it will be your bible for all meal times and shore excursion schedules for the coming days.
After your first breakfast on the river, you will disembark for a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest and most sophisticated hydropower project in the world. From the elevated viewing platforms, you can witness the sheer scale of this engineering giant and learn how it serves as a vital tool for flood control, power generation, and navigation.
In the late afternoon, retreat to the ship's sun deck as you sail through the western section of Xiling Gorge. As the longest of the three gorges, Xiling is legendary for its dramatic zigzag channels, jagged rock formations, and the swirling waters that have inspired poets for centuries. Enjoy the Captain's Welcome Reception this evening as the sun sets behind the towering cliffs.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Professional Suggestions:
As the Three Gorges Dam is a high-security site, please remember to carry your original passport for security checks at the entrance. To get the best panoramic view of the entire ship lock system, head to Tanzi Ridge, the highest point in the scenic area. If the weather is clear, this is a prime spot for photography. Also, keep your camera ready during the transit through Xiling Gorge, as the lighting in the late afternoon creates beautiful shadows against the "strange rocks" along the riverbanks.
Today marks the most scenic highlight of your Yangtze journey. In the morning, you will board a smaller boat to explore the hidden wonders of the Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream/Goddess Stream, depending on your ship's route). These narrow tributaries offer a more intimate look at the river's beauty, featuring sheer cliffs, emerald waters, and the chance to spot ancient hanging coffins nestled high in the limestone caves.
Back on the main ship, prepare for the grand transit through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Wu Gorge is celebrated for its deep, serene beauty and the "Twelve Peaks" that often disappear into the rising mists. Finally, you will enter the dramatic Qutang Gorge. Though only 8 kilometers long, it is the narrowest and most awe-inspiring stretch, where the mountains seem to squeeze the river, creating the famous "Kui Gate" scene featured on the 10-yuan Chinese banknote.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Professional Suggestions:
For the best viewing experience today, we recommend spending your time on the Sun Deck with a pair of binoculars. As the ship enters Qutang Gorge, have a 10-yuan note ready in your hand—matching the real-life "Kui Gate" with the image on the bill is a classic Yangtze photo opportunity! Also, the weather in the gorges can change quickly; even on a sunny day, the wind on the deck can be quite chilly, so keeping a light windbreaker or scarf with you is a smart move.
Today's adventure takes you to one of the Yangtze's legendary cultural landmarks. Depending on your specific cruise line, you will visit either the architectural marvel of Shibaozhai or the mystical realm of Fengdu.
Shibaozhai Pagoda is a stunning 12-story crimson pavilion built against a sheer rectangular cliff. This 400-year-old masterpiece was constructed without the use of nails and is celebrated as one of the "World's Eight Strangest Buildings." Climbing its internal staircase offers a unique perspective on ancient Chinese engineering and rewarded with a panoramic view of the river.
Alternatively, you may explore Fengdu Ghost City, a sprawling temple complex on Ming Hill. This site offers a fascinating window into the Chinese concept of the afterlife, blending the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Through its intricate statues and vivid frescoes, you will learn about the legends of the "Trial of the Dead" and the cultural traditions of ancient China.
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Professional Suggestions:
If your excursion is to Shibaozhai, please wear sturdy walking shoes, as the climb up the wooden stairs inside the pagoda can be steep and narrow. For those visiting Fengdu Ghost City, be prepared for a bit of a hike up the hill; there is an optional cable car available for a small fee if you prefer to save your energy. Also, this is your last full day on the ship—we recommend checking your onboard account and settling any incidental bills (like drinks or spa services) this evening to avoid long queues during tomorrow's disembarkation.
Your Yangtze journey concludes as the ship glides into the spectacular port of Chongqing in the morning. After a final breakfast on board, you will witness the dramatic skyline of this "Mountain City," where skyscrapers cling to steep hillsides. Around 9:00 AM, you will disembark at Chaotianmen Dock, the majestic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
From here, you can continue your exploration of Chongqing's famous "cyberpunk" architecture and spicy cuisine, or head to the airport or railway station for your onward travel. Though the cruise has ended, the memories of the misty gorges and ancient temples will remain with you.
Accommodation: /
Meals: Breakfast
Professional Suggestions:
Chongqing is famously known as a "3D city" where your GPS might get confused due to the multi-layered roads and buildings. If you are heading to the airport or train station, we recommend booking a private transfer or using the Metro, as finding a taxi at the busy Chaotianmen Dock can be challenging with luggage. If you have a few hours before your departure, don't miss the nearby Hongya Cave or a ride on the Liziba "Train through the building" Metro line for a quintessential Chongqing experience!
1. Flexibility: Itineraries and schedules may be adjusted based on local conditions to ensure the best possible experience. We appreciate your understanding. In the event of force majeure or sudden policy adjustments—such as ticket unavailability at certain attractions—our agency will either issue a full refund for the admission tickets or arrange an alternative attraction of equal value.
2. Special Dietary Needs: Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan) or food allergies. We will coordinate with our restaurants and guides to cater to your needs.
3. Hotel Hours: Standard check-in is after 14:00, and check-out is before 12:00. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge.
4. Price Inclusions: Our comprehensive tour package includes hand-picked hotel stays as specified in the itinerary, alongside private transfers in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated professional driver. Throughout your journey, expert, English-speaking local guides will provide insightful commentary, and all admission tickets for scheduled sightseeing spots and activities are fully covered. Additionally, the price encompasses daily breakfasts at your hotels, specially arranged lunches on all guided touring days, and all applicable local governmental taxes and service charges.
5. Price Exclusions: Please note that the tour price excludes international airfare, unmentioned domestic flights, visa processing fees, stamping fees, and related embassy charges. It also does not cover personal travel insurance, laundry, telephone calls, or other expenses of a personal nature, as well as any meals, snacks, beverages, activities, or services not explicitly stated in the tour program. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel porters, and restaurant staff are left to your discretion. Furthermore, tour prices are based on twin-sharing occupancy; if you are traveling solo, we will arrange for you to share a twin room with another traveler of the same sex in most cases, but should you prefer a private room, a Single Room Supplement will apply based on your specific travel dates.
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