About this Tour
Sail upstream along the legendary Yangtze River on a 5-day journey from Yichang to Chongqing, discovering the breathtaking landscapes of the Three Gorges and some of China’s greatest engineering achievements. Cruise through the dramatic scenery of Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge, while exploring iconic sites such as the Three Gorges Dam and its remarkable ship lift.
Along the way, step ashore to visit historic and cultural landmarks, with a choice of White Emperor City or the Three Gorges Summit in Fengjie, followed by distinctive attractions in Fuling. Combined with comfortable balcony staterooms, gourmet dining, and enriching onboard experiences, this cruise offers an unforgettable introduction to China’s most iconic river.
Start City: Yichang, China
End City: Chongqing, China
Departure Date:
2026 Regular Sailings
Every Tuesday: April 21–December 8, 2026
Every Friday: July 24–December 11, 2026
2026–2027 Winter Sailings
December 22, 2026
January 5, 12 & 19, 2027
2027 Regular Sailings
Every Tuesday: March 16–December 14, 2027
Every Friday: March 12–December 10, 2027
Tour Highlights
Sail Through the Legendary Three Gorges
Experience the dramatic beauty of Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge, three of the most spectacular river landscapes in China.
Experience the Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator
Enjoy a complimentary sightseeing boat excursion through the eastern section of Xiling Gorge and experience the impressive Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator (subject to operating conditions).
Explore China’s Largest Hydropower Project
Visit the Three Gorges Dam Interception Memorial Park (Closure Memorial Park) to learn about the dam’s construction and China’s remarkable river engineering.
Discover Historic and Cultural Treasures
Visit White Emperor City or ascend to the Three Gorges Summit for panoramic views of the Yangtze’s most dramatic scenery.
Unique Cultural Experiences in Fuling
Choose between Baiheliang Underwater Museum, with its centuries-old hydrological inscriptions, and the massive 816 Underground Project, each revealing a different chapter of China’s history.
Comfortable and Modern River Cruising
Relax in spacious balcony staterooms, enjoy gourmet dining and themed onboard activities, and stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the cruise.
Seamless Travel Experience
Enjoy complimentary scheduled airport and railway station transfers in Yichang and Chongqing for a smooth journey.
About Yangtze River
As China’s greatest waterway and the world’s third longest river, the Yangtze flows through 11 provinces. Its vast transportation network is a lifeline for global trade hubs like Shanghai.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- 4 nights onboard in a private balcony stateroom
- Quoted rates are per person, based on double occupancy in the confirmed Standard-cabin category, except for Family Suite and Family Suite Pro.
- For Family Suite and Family Suite Pro bookings, please contact us for pricing based on your occupancy requirements.
- Meals on board: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, beginning with dinner on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day. Early morning coffee and light late-night snacks are served according to the daily program.
- Unlimited selected wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, plus bottled drinking water throughout the cruise.
- Guided shore excursions (choice-based in Fengjie & Fuling) as described in the itinerary.
- A complimentary sightseeing boat excursion through Eastern Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator on embarkation day, subject to arrival time and operating conditions.
- Complimentary airport & railway transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days (Chongqing airport/ Chongqing North, Chongqing East, Chongqing West, and Shapingba railway station, Yichang airport / Yichang East, Yichang North railway station) . Transfers operate within confirmed service hours and must be reserved at least 7 business days in advance.
- For Yichang Embarkation: Guests arriving at major transportation hubs between 08:00–14:30 (Departure time) will be transferred to the Three Gorges International Cruises Center (Yemingzhu Port); Those arriving between 14:30–20:00 (Departure time, airport transfer service closes one hour before the stated cut-off time) will be transferred to Zigui Port (Maoping Port) for boarding the Yangtze Cruise;
- For Chongqing Disembarkation: On the day of disembarkation, a unified shuttle service will operate, providing centralized transportation to designated drop-off points;
- Onboard lectures & cultural performances.
- Wi-Fi throughout the vessel.
- Portage service at embarkation & disembarkation, with luggage delivery to the cabin available for eligible suite categories.
- Laundry: Complimentary self-service washing and drying facilities.
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic airfare or train tickets to/from Yichang and Chongqing.
- China visa fees (if applicable).
- Meals not listed as included in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Optional shore excursions or premium experience upgrades, such as the cable car at Three Gorges Summit.
- Specialty beverages beyond the designated complimentary selection.
- Spa treatments, private photography, and personal services.
- Onboard entertainment venues with separate charges (e.g., private karaoke rooms, game rooms).
- Personal purchases and boutique shopping onboard or ashore.
- Gratuities (unless otherwise specified in your booking agreement).
- Single supplement for solo occupancy.
- Any services not explicitly listed under “What’s Included”.
Itinerary
Day 1 Yichang Embarkation and Eastern Xiling Gorge
Complimentary scheduled transfers are available from Yichang Sanxia Airport, Yichang East Railway Station, and Yichang North Railway Station. Please reserve your transfer at least 7 business days before boarding and follow the confirmed pick-up instructions.
During the Gezhouba Navigation Capacity Expansion Project, transfers are arranged according to the time guests exit the airport or railway station:
08:00–14:30: Transfer to the Three Gorges International Cruises Center (Yemingzhu Port).
14:30–20:00: Transfer directly to Zigui Port (Maoping Port) to board the Yangtze cruise ship.
Recommended Arrival Times
To allow time for the complimentary sightseeing excursion, we recommend booking trains arriving in Yichang before 14:00 and flights arriving before 13:30.
Early Arrivals | Complimentary Sightseeing Excursion
Board the sightseeing boat at the Three Gorges International Cruises Center (Yemingzhu Port), No. 53 Yemingzhu Road, Xiling District, Yichang. Boarding takes place between 14:30 and 15:30, with departure promptly at 15:30. Please arrive before departure to complete check-in and boarding.
Enjoy a complimentary sightseeing boat excursion through the eastern section of Xiling Gorge and experience the impressive Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator. On arrival at Zigui Port (Maoping Port), transfer at the same port to your Yangtze cruise ship for the upstream voyage.
Later Arrivals | Direct Transfer to Zigui Port
Guests exiting the airport or railway station during the later transfer period will travel directly to Zigui Port (Maoping Port) for cruise embarkation. The complimentary sightseeing boat excursion is not available for these guests.
Embarkation at Zigui Port (Maoping Port) takes place between 16:00 and 20:00.
In the evening, settle into your balcony stateroom, enjoy the Welcome Buffet Dinner, and attend the Cruise Safety Briefing according to the onboard schedule.
Important Note: The complimentary sightseeing excursion is subject to arrival time and operating conditions. It may be adjusted, replaced or canceled due to shipping-channel construction, ship elevator maintenance, navigation restrictions or other operational reasons, with no separate refund if missed or canceled.
During scheduled maintenance of the Three Gorges Ship Elevator, guests cruise through Eastern Xiling Gorge, then transfer by coach from Sandouping Port to Zigui Port to board the main cruise ship.
Final meeting points, check-in times and transfer arrangements will be confirmed before departure. All times are local to China.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 2 Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge
Morning activities begin with coffee and light exercise on deck before breakfast.
After breakfast, go ashore to visit the Three Gorges Dam Interception Memorial Park (Closure Memorial Park), which introduces the construction and engineering achievements of this landmark hydropower project.
For 2027 regular sailings, Qu Yuan Hometown Scenic Area will be added to the morning program only if the Three Gorges Ship Elevator excursion on Day 1 is canceled.
In the afternoon, the cruise sails through the western section of Xiling Gorge, where dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters reveal the natural beauty of the Yangtze.
Evening highlights include the Captain’s Welcome Reception before dinner.
Guests may join an included night excursion to Mistvale Haven (Wuyuan Cave) in Badong County.
Winter Sailing Adjustment:
The morning visit covers the Three Gorges Dam Interception Memorial Park only. Afternoon cruising includes both Western Xiling Gorge and Wu Gorge, bringing the Wu Gorge passage forward from Day 3.
The evening program features “The Glory of Sanxia (Three Gorges)” night cruise in Wushan County in place of Mistvale Haven.
Note: Seasonal and operational changes, including the evening excursion, are governed by the cruise operator’s latest notices.
Late-night snacks and an outdoor movie on the Sky Observation Deck round off the evening, as scheduled onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 3 Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge in Fengjie
The morning cruise passes through the enchanting Wu Gorge, famous for its misty peaks and the legendary Twelve Peaks of Wushan.
Later, the ship enters Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most dramatic of the Three Gorges, framed by the iconic Kui Gate.
In the afternoon, choose one of the following included shore excursions in Fengjie:
Option A – White Emperor City (Default)
Explore a historic riverside site associated with classical Chinese poetry and the history of the Three Kingdoms, with views toward the entrance to Qutang Gorge.
Option B – Three Gorges Summit
Ascend to panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of Qutang Gorge, White Salt Mountain, and White Emperor City.
In the evening, enjoy the Crew’s Artistic Showcase, followed by movies and late-night snacks on the observation deck according to the onboard program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 4 Fuling Hidden Histories
Enjoy onboard activities during the morning as the ship continues upstream.
In the afternoon, choose one of the following included excursions:
Option A – White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum (Default)
Explore this remarkable underwater museum, where ancient hydrological inscriptions are preserved beneath the Yangtze River, offering a rare glimpse into the river’s history and cultural heritage.
On 2026 regular sailings, Option A also includes a visit to Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall. This additional visit is not included on winter sailings or 2027 regular sailings.
Option B – 816 Underground Project
Explore a vast Cold War-era subterranean military complex carved deep into the mountainside, one of the largest man-made cave structures in the world.
Important Note:
If the ship docks at Fengdu due to weather, water levels or navigational conditions, the Fuling excursion will be replaced with a visit to Fengdu Ghost City.
Return to the ship for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and evening entertainment. A disembarkation briefing will also be held onboard to help you prepare for the following morning’s departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 5 Chongqing Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing and conclude your Yangtze River cruise journey.
Complimentary scheduled transfers are available to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and major railway stations, including Chongqing East, North, West, and Shapingba stations.
We recommend booking trains departing after 11:00 and flights departing after 13:00.
Important Note: If Chongqing Port is unavailable due to weather, water levels, navigation restrictions or other operational conditions, the cruise may dock at an alternative port. Guests will be transferred to designated drop-off points in Chongqing according to the operator’s arrangements on the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Not included
Staterooms at a Glance
Deluxe Cabin
Superior Deluxe Cabin
Executive Suite
Family Suite
Family Suite Pro
Vista Suite
Presidential Suite
Good to Know
Guests enjoy private balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and thoughtfully curated amenities to ensure a comfortable and refined onboard stay.
Guests enjoy unlimited designated wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Menus feature a selection of Chinese and Western cuisine crafted under the guidance of a disciple of Hong Kong’s renowned culinary master.
A complimentary welcome buffet dinner is served on embarkation evening.
In Yichang, pick-up is available at Sanxia Airport, Yichang East Railway Station, and Yichang North Railway Station.
In Chongqing, drop-off is available at Jiangbei International Airport and Chongqing East, North, West, and Shapingba railway stations.
Transfers must be reserved at least 7 business days before boarding and operate within confirmed service hours. Please follow the pick-up time, meeting point and final boarding details provided for your sailing.
Foreign currency exchange services are available at the Front Desk. All onboard purchases can be charged to your cabin account and settled prior to disembarkation.
Age Requirements
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the tour. All travelers should be able to safely and comfortably participate in the itinerary.
Important Notes
If no selection is made, Option A will be arranged by default.
For guests in standard cabins, waiting time will not exceed 30 minutes and is arranged according to arrival schedules. The Yangtze Cruise Lounge is available during the waiting period.
For groups of more than 30 guests, a dedicated coach may be arranged for direct transfer.
Presidential Suite guests receive a private vehicle transfer on embarkation day.
If a guest chooses not to participate, excursion fees are non-refundable. Guests may remain onboard to enjoy leisure time. For safety and port regulations, independent disembarkation is not permitted.
If the embarkation pier changes at short notice, please follow the updated notification and arrive at the designated transfer point on time to board the arranged shuttle. Late arrival at the transfer point may affect your ability to board the cruise as scheduled.