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:
2026 Regular Sailings
Every Saturday: Apr 18 – Dec 12, 2026
Every Tuesday: Jul 28 – Dec 8, 2026
2026/27 Winter Sailings
Dec 19 & 26, 2026
Jan 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2027
2027 Regular Sailings
Every Tuesday: Mar 16 – Dec 14, 2027
Every Saturday: Mar 20 – Dec 18, 2027
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
Enjoy a complimentary sightseeing boat excursion through the remarkable Three Gorges Ship Elevator and Eastern Xiling Gorge (subject to operating conditions).
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, 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.
Convenient Arrival and Departure 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
- Quoted rates are per person, based on double occupancy in the confirmed 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: dinner on Embarkation Day; breakfast, lunch, dinner on Day 2 and Day 3; breakfast on Disembarkation Day; Early morning tea and coffee and late-night snacks are provided according to the onboard program.
- Unlimited selected wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks during lunch and dinner, plus complimentary bottled water throughout the cruise.
- Guided shore excursions (choice-based in Fengjie & Fuling) as described in the itinerary
- Complimentary Sightseeing Boat Excursion: The Three Gorges Ship Elevator and Eastern Xiling Gorge experience, subject to operating conditions and itinerary schedule. No refund for non-participation or cancellation.
- 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 Chongqing Embarkation: Guests arriving at major transportation hubs between 09:00–15:00 will be transferred to Raffles City, Chongqing; Those arriving between 15:00–20:00 (airport transfer service closes one hour before the stated cut-off time) will be transferred to Chongqing Port (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, with luggage delivery to the cabin available for eligible suite categories. Upon disembarking at Yemingzhu Port, luggage transfer to the designated Yichang airport or railway station is provided for collection upon arrival.
- 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 – Chongqing | Embarkation
Arrive in Chongqing, a vibrant mountain metropolis at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.
Complimentary scheduled transfers from the airport or major railway stations bring you smoothly to the pier.
Transfer Arrangement:
Guests arriving at major transportation hubs between 09:00 and 15:00 will be transferred to Raffles City, Chongqing.
Guests arriving between 15:00 and 20:00 will be transferred to Chongqing Port (Chaotianmen Dock) for boarding the Yangtze Cruise. For airport arrivals, transfer service closes one hour before the stated cut-off time.
Recommended arrival schedule: please book trains and flights arriving before 14:00.
Alternative Embarkation Port
If the cruise is unable to dock at Chongqing Port due to weather, water levels, navigation restrictions or other force majeure circumstances, guests will be asked to meet at a designated meeting point in the city between 14:30 and 17:00. Arrival at this meeting point before 16:00 is recommended. The final transfer coach departs at 17:00.
The alternative embarkation port is expected to be Fuling No. 5 Pier, but is subject to final confirmation based on river and operational conditions. Guests who miss the final coach must arrange their own transportation to the confirmed embarkation port for boarding.
Embarkation is generally scheduled between 16:00 and 20:00. After settling into your balcony stateroom, enjoy a welcome buffet dinner featuring regional flavors and international selections, and attend the cruise safety briefing.
As evening falls, relax onboard as your downstream Yangtze journey begins.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 2 – Fuling | Hidden Histories Beneath the River
Morning Shore Excursion – choose one of the following:
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.
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 docking at Fengdu Port due to weather, hydrological conditions, or navigation restrictions, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to Fengdu Ghost City.
In the afternoon, return to the ship for leisure time and onboard activities as the cruise continues downstream.
Before dinner, you are invited to the Captain’s Welcome Reception according to the onboard program.
On departures where it is scheduled, you may attend the large-scale live performance War Fire of The Three Kingdoms Show.
Important Note: If the performance is canceled or not scheduled, a small-boat excursion to Wushan Goddess Stream will be arranged the following afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 3 – Fengjie | The Heart of the Three Gorges
Morning Shore Excursion – choose one of the following:
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
Visit a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Qutang Gorge and the winding Yangtze River.
In the afternoon, scenic cruising becomes the highlight of the day.
Sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most dramatic of the Three Gorges, where towering cliffs rise sharply from the riverbanks. Continue into Wu Gorge, known for its misty peaks and the legendary Twelve Peaks of Wushan.
Winter sailings include a small-boat excursion to Wushan Goddess Stream, where steep canyon walls and quiet waterways reveal a more intimate side of the gorge landscape. On other departures, this excursion is arranged when the previous evening’s War Fire of The Three Kingdoms Show is canceled or not scheduled.
The journey continues through Western Xiling Gorge, where layered mountains and tranquil waters create a sweeping panorama.
In the evening, enjoy an onboard cabaret performance presented by the crew.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard
Day 4 – Three Gorges Dam | Yichang
After breakfast, disembark from the main cruise ship at Zigui Port (Maoping) and transfer to a sightseeing boat for the complimentary Three Gorges Ship Elevator experience.
The sightseeing boat passes through the Ship Elevator and continues along Eastern Xiling Gorge, offering views of steep riverbanks and the surrounding mountain landscape on the final stretch toward Yichang.
Important Note:
1. Under the standard itinerary, the Three Gorges Dam is viewed from the sightseeing boat, with no shore visit within the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the dam from the deck during the passage from Maoping Port through the Three Gorges Ship Elevator toward Eastern Xiling Gorge.
2. This complimentary sightseeing program is subject to weather and operating conditions. Should the Three Gorges Ship Elevator be unavailable, the cruise operator will arrange a replacement program according to local circumstances. No refund is payable if the complimentary program cannot be delivered.
On 2027 regular sailings, the replacement will comprise a visit to either the Three Gorges Dam Interception Memorial Park or the Qu Yuan Hometown Scenic Area, together with sightseeing by boat through Eastern Xiling Gorge. The selection of the replacement program rests with the cruise operator and will depend on conditions and operational arrangements on the day.
Disembark at the Three Gorges International Cruises Center (Yemingzhu Port) around 13:00–14:00.
Complimentary scheduled transfers then take guests to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH), Yichang East Railway Station or Yichang North Railway Station.
Complimentary Luggage Transfer
Luggage is transferred from Yemingzhu Port directly to the designated airport or railway station for collection when guests arrive at their departure point. If an alternative port is used, the cruise operator’s confirmed luggage arrangements will apply.
Important Note: Recommended onward departure: trains after 16:00 and flights after 17:30.
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.
Selected cabin categories can accommodate three or four guests. Occupancy limits and bedding arrangements vary by category. For clients requiring a shared cabin for three or four people, please contact our team to confirm suitable options and availability.
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. Beverages outside the designated selection are charged separately.
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.
To request transfer services, please provide your clients’ arrival and departure details at least 7 business days before boarding. Guests should follow the final pickup and drop-off instructions issued before travel.
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.