About this Tour
Sailing downstream from Chongqing to Yichang, this four-day Yangtze River voyage unfolds in the river’s most dramatic natural sequence.
From hidden Cold War-era chambers carved deep within mountains to the sheer limestone cliffs of Qutang Gorge, and from mist-veiled peaks in Wu Gorge to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, each day reveals a new dimension of China’s most legendary waterway.
Designed for travelers seeking depth without excess duration, this itinerary delivers maximum scenic impact and cultural immersion within a beautifully paced four days.
Start City: Chongqing, China
End City: Yichang, China
Departure Date:
April 18 to December 12 2026 Every Saturday;
July 14 to December 8 2026 Every Tuesday
Tour Highlights
Cruise the Legendary Three Gorges
Sail in dramatic sequence through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Western Xiling Gorge — the most spectacular stretches of the Yangtze River.
Transit the Three Gorges Dam Complex
Experience one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements as your vessel passes through the Three Gorges Dam area, including the remarkable Ship Lift (subject to operation) and the historic Gezhou Dam Ship Lock.
Explore Poetic Riverside Heritage
Discover the storied White Emperor City or ascend to the Three Gorges Summit for sweeping panoramic views over the entrance to Qutang Gorge.
Choose Distinct Cultural Encounters in Fuling
Visit the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and Zhacai Memory Hall, or explore the vast 816 Underground Project — a hidden Cold War-era complex carved inside a mountain.
Refined River Cruising Experience
Relax in private balcony staterooms, enjoy curated dining, onboard cultural programs, and seamless service throughout your journey.
Seamless Transfers
Complimentary airport and railway station transfers in Chongqing and Yichang ensure a smooth beginning and conclusion to your voyage.
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
- 3 nights onboard in a private balcony stateroom
- Meals on board: dinner on Embarkation Day; breakfast, lunch, dinner on Day 2 and Day 3; breakfast on Disembarkation Day;
- Unlimited selected beverages at lunch & dinner
- Guided shore excursions (choice-based in Fengjie & Fuling)
- Complimentary airport & railway transfers (arrival/departure days)
- For Chongqing Embarkation: Guests arriving at major transportation hubs between 09:00–15:00 will be transferred to Raffles, Chongqing; Those arriving between 15:00–20:00 will be transferred to Chaotianmen Dock for boarding the Yangtze Cruise;
- For Yichang 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
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic airfare or train tickets to/from Yichang and Chongqing
- China visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional shore excursions or premium experience upgrades
- 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 & Xiling Gorge
Complimentary transfer services are available between 08:00 and 20:00 from Yichang Sanxia Airport, Yichang East Railway Station, and Yichang North Railway Station.
Guests are kindly recommended to arrive at the Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center (Yichang Port Pier No. 9) before 16:00.
Arrivals before 16:00
Guests will be transferred to the Three Gorges Tourist Center to enjoy a complimentary sightseeing cruise through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock and the Eastern Section of Xiling Gorge. Passing through the historic Gezhou Dam—the first large-scale hydropower project on the Yangtze River—offers a fascinating introduction to China’s remarkable river engineering. The journey then continues along the scenic eastern section of Xiling Gorge, a beautiful 37‑kilometer stretch known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine landscapes, and historic landmarks along the Yangtze.
Arrivals after 16:00
Guests will be transferred directly to Zigui Port for cruise embarkation. The complimentary sightseeing cruise is not available for arrivals after 16:00.
Embarkation takes place at Zigui Port between 16:00 and 20:00.
In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Buffet Dinner (18:30–21:30) followed by the Cruise Safety Briefing (21:00–21:45) as your Yangtze River journey begins.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 2 – Three Gorges Dam & Xiling Gorge
Morning activities begin with coffee and light exercise on deck before breakfast.
After breakfast, explore the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station.
Guests will also experience the remarkable Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator, lifting cruise vessels from Sandouping to Zigui Port.
Important Note: If the ship elevator is unavailable due to weather or operational conditions, the visit will include the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum and the TGD River Closure Memorial Park before returning to the ship.
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 and dinner.
Guests may join a night excursion to Mistvale Haven (Wuyuan Cave).
Seasonal Note:
April–October: Visit Mistvale Haven.
November–March: Visit Goddess Stream the following morning instead.
Late‑night snacks and an outdoor movie on the Sky Observation Deck conclude the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 3 – Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge | 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.
Afternoon shore excursion in Fengjie – choose one of the following:
Option A – White Emperor City
Explore this historic hilltop site overlooking the Yangtze, long celebrated in Chinese poetry and known as the “Gateway to the Three Gorges.”
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.
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 excursions:
Option A – White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum
Discover ancient hydrological inscriptions preserved beneath the Yangtze River.
Option B – 816 Underground Project
Visit a once‑secret Cold War‑era military complex, one of the largest underground man‑made structures in the world.
Important Note: If the ship docks at Fengdu due to weather or navigational conditions, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to Fengdu Ghost City.
Evening highlights include the Disembarkation Briefing, Captain’s Farewell Dinner, and lively deckside entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 5 – Chongqing | Disembarkation
After breakfast, the cruise arrives in Chongqing at around 08:30 AM.
Complimentary Transfer Service to Chaotianmen Dock and conclude your cruise journey.
Complimentary transfers are available to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and major railway stations, including Chongqing East, North, West, and Shapingba stations.
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 Chongqing, pick-up and drop-off are available at Jiangbei International Airport and four major railway stations.
In Yichang, transfers are available at Sanxia Airport and two major railway stations.
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.
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.
Suite guests enjoy exclusive private business vehicle transfers for immediate departure.
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.