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THREE GORGES HIGHLIGHTS CRUISE

4 days / 3 nights, chongqing to yichang.

The quintessential Yangtze River itinerary! See the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges, with excursions and optional tours to spots of historic and cultural interest, a scenic Yangtze tributary, evening performance, and the monumental Three Gorges Dam project.

Depart Chongqing – 9:00 pm: Sail from picturesque Chongqing, the “Mountain City.”

Mountain Shuanggui – Take a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui near Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda. (B, L, D)

Additional optional shore excursions (river conditions permitting) to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” (daytime), and the elaborate Fengyan Sanguo “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” show (evening).

Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges” – Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and deepest of the Three Gorges. (B, L, D)

Additional optional shore excursion (available in the morning, river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.

Additional optional shore excursion (available in the morning) to Peak of the Three Gorges

Three Gorges Dam/Yichang – Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. It is the world’s largest power station.

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift , the world’s largest. After morning sightseeing, Victoria Cruise Lines will provide a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang. (B)

Additional optional shore excursion to hometown of Qu Yuan (B)

Shore Excursions

• Mountain Shuanggui or Shibaozhai: $45.00 p.p.
• Small Gorges: $60.00 p.p.
• Three Gorges Dam: $50.00 p.p.
• Combo package of above 3 programs: $100.00 p.p.

Additional Optional Shore Excursions

Available for purchase on board, river conditions permitting

• Fengdu’s “Ghost City”: $45.00 p.p.
• White Emperor City: $60.00 p.p.
• Fengyan Sanguo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show: $45.00 p.p.
• Ship Lift at the Three Gorges Dam: $45.00 p.p.

Itineraries and times are subject to change according to river conditions. Viewing of Xiling Gorge from the vessel may not always be available in daylight hours, depending on river and traffic conditions, and time of the year. Included meals as noted in itinerary: (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner

High season sailing days / rates

CRUISES DEPART DAILY FROM MARCH 15 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26

Victoria Sabrina Coming Spring 2020!

All prices are per person in U.S. Dollars based on double occupancy in each cabin. Cruise prices include meals on board, but shore excursions are extra. For cruises departing in the evening, dinner is not provided the first night.

SUPERIOR CABIN

Promenade Deck

Bridge Deck

Observation With Amenities Program*

Executive Suite

Shangri La Suite

*On the Victoria Sabrina Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Observation Deck only.

VICTORIA LIANNA

With Amenities Program*

Deluxe Suite

*On the Victoria Lianna Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade, Bridge or Observation Decks

VICTORIA JENNA

*On the Victoria Jenna, Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade or Bridge Decks.

VICTORIA ANNA

* On the Victoria Anna Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade or Bridge Decks.

VICTORIA KATARINA

* On the Victoria Katarina Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade, Bridge or Observation Decks

VICTORIA SELINA

*On the Victoria Selina Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade, Bridge or Observation Decks

VICTORIA GRACE

* On the Victoria Grace Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade or Bridge Decks.

VICTORIA SOPHIA

*On the Victoria Sophia Superior Cabins receiving Enhanced Amenities are located on the Promenade, Bridge or Observation Decks

BEGINNING MARCH 1, 2024

THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2024

†Add $200 per person supplement for Chinese New Year sailing. Yangtze Cruise Inquiry Contact us

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Yangtze Three Gorges & Dam Cruise - Family with Kids

Whether you’re onboard or onshore, family time is bound to be a fantastic time! Games, shows and activities are going on all over the ship throughout the day and into the evening hours.

Kids to enjoy their interesting time

Enjoy the family together time with your loved ones

Family Fun – bring the whole family out to play

Hey, it's not every day you take the gang on vacation. So it has to be super-fun. Not just for you, not just for the kids, but for everyone. Right? What's more, it needs to be a great value too. You need a family vacation with all sorts of stuff included in the price - from dining and accommodations to entertainment.

Well, on Yangtze cruise, we've got your whole family totally covered. Our ships are packed with tons of activities for adults, and supervised activities for the kids. And everything in between. Our family cruises are the easy, hassle-free way to visit a bunch of amazing land excursions. To try new and delicious food. And catch all sorts of eye-popping entertainment. And the really good news is that all of that fun stuff is included with your fare. Sounds like a pretty awesome value to us. Actually, it sounds pretty awesome... period.

Luxury family cabins on Yangtze cruise

enjoy your own relaxing time while kids are doing theirs

Cabins for Family – your floating home away from home

After a long day’s fun and generally having the time of your life, it's nice to come back to a cozy cabin. With our spacious suites, we have just the place to do it. Staterooms on our cruise ships with large space can provide an extra bed for children. So come on in, and make yourself (not) at home.

Want to learn more about our swanky staterooms? Right this way!

enjoy your gym time while your family are doing theirs

Pamper yourself with a Chinese massage

Family Meals – funnified

When it comes to dining, we cater to all ages. Even the pickiest eater will savor the flavor of our cruise vacation. You’ll choose the Chinese or western buffet, and we also offer the 24-hour stateroom service, so finding the perfect time for the family to chow down is just as simple.

Want to learn more about our super-tasty dining? Click here!

Family Programs - keep kids smiling and teens from rolling their eyes

At this point, you're probably asking yourself "do I have any chance of ‘me time' on this cruise?" Well, we're glad you asked, because the answer is a big, giant YES. We offer a huge range of youth programs on board for families of all sizes. So you can relax knowing that the kids will have all sorts of supervised fun to keep them occupied when you need a quiet moment.

For the young ones - between 2 and 11- we offer many cultural classes, where toddlers listen to story time, draw Chinese painting, and take part in talent shows. Meanwhile, juniors finger paint or enjoy a puppet show.

And if you're ready to have your own time or take a shore excursion, we offer babysitting services for kids of all ages. Sounds to us like the perfect recipe for a family cruise with plenty of "me time."

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Your can rely on our expert knowledge and endless enthusiasm!

Have a question get answers from our travel experts or guests, why cruise with yangtze-river-cruises.com, the local cruise agency.

Located in Chongqing, the significant Yangtze pier, we are the leading local travel agency for traveling to the Yangtze River and China.

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Specialized in the Yangtze River cruise booking for several years, we have great relationships with all ship companies.

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With one-on-one service, our cruise experts provide 24-hour support and are always patient and friendly to make your travel as easy as possible.

Any questions? email us at [email protected] call us at: +86-28-85227275 / 86-28-85223685 / 86-28-85223672 (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8) 86-19138970032 (6 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily GMT+8) Or contact us here . Our office address in Chongqing: Block B, Hengtong Yunding, No.260, Bayi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, P.R. China. Our office address in Chengdu: Room 307, Unit 3, Building 4, No. 818, Xingshi Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, P.R. China. All rights reserved Yangtze River Cruises, professional Chongqing local travel agency and China tour operator. Copyright © 2009 - 2024. Yangtze-river-cruises.com is affiliated to Chengdu Bamboo International Tours Co. Ltd, a trustworthy China travel agency heardquartered in Chengdu, China, with other two sister websites: www.chinadiscovery.com and www.tibetdiscovery.com .

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Routes, Lines & Itineraries

Yangtze River Cruise Routes, Itineraries & Lines 2024/2025

In the year of 2024/2025, we China Discovery offer the  Yangtze River cruise sailing between Chongqing and Yichang , which is the best and golden section  along the Yangtze River, both for Yangtze cruise new travellers and people visiting for the second or more time.

For travellers to enjoy the fantastic view of the Yangtze, highlights of the Three Gorges and poetic outstanding shore excursion attractions, there are:

• ♦ 4 days & 3 nights Chongqing to Yichang Downstream Cruise
• ♦ 5 days & 4 nights Yichang to Chongqing Upstream Cruise
• Click and Jump to detailed itinerary >>

Also, there are cruise routes between Chongqing and Shanghai  offered by Century Legend  in 2024, providing guides with the most complete and comfortable way to explore landscapes, history and culture of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River :

• ♦ 11 days & 10 nights Chongqing Shanghai Downstream Cruise
• ♦ 12 days & 11 nights Shanghai Chongqing Upstream Cruise

Sepcial Treats: Yangtze 2 from Changjiang Cruises has finished its upgrading and reconstruction, will be available to the 4 Days 3 Nights Wuhan-Nanjing Line from 6 June 2024 to 16 October 2024, and operating 4 runs of 10 Days 9 Nights Chongqing-Nanjing Line (Chongqing to Nanjing on 27 June 2024 and 25 October 2024; Nanjing to Chongqing on 16 October 2024 and 03 November 2024):

Notice : Due to rising water levels, all cruises between Wuhan and Nanjing, and several Chongqing and Nanjing cruises were canceled in 2024. For more information, please feel free to contact our travel consultants .

• ♦ 4 days & 3 nights Wuhan Nanjing Downstream Cruise
• ♦ 4 days & 3 nights Nanjing Wuhan Upstream Cruise
• ♦ 10 days & 9 nights Chongqing Nanjing Downstream Cruise
• ♦ 10 days & 9 nights Nanjing Chongqing Upstream Cruise

Chosen by most Yangtze River cruise travellers and received good reviews and feedback about the sightseeing, enjoyment, cruise onboard experience and other aspects. All luxury river cruise companies  have been sailing their ships on the Yangtze River for so many years. Now, they all become professional, luxurious, and reputable for your selection.

2024 Recommended Yangtze River Cruise Ships:

Chongqing to Yichang Classic Three Gorges Line:

Century Oasis

2023 best Yangtze River cruise ship choice

From $526-$571

Century Victory

hot 5-star centurycruises

2022 brand new sister ship of Century Glory

Victoria Sabrina

Largest & 2020 newly built eco-friendly luxury cruise

From $504-$593

Century Glory

2019 built popular luxury cruise

Century Paragon

Classic leading luxury Yangtze River vessel

From $429-$474

Victoria Jenna

Star Flagship of American managed Yangtze cruise

From $385-$474

All-inclusive package & 2023 newly built

Yangtze Gold 8

Renowned luxurious decor & spacious cabins

From $422-$459

Special Routes of Yangtze River Cruises:

Century Legend

12 & 11 Days Shanghai-Chongqing

From request

Yangtze Explorer

Upstream special treats to Shennongjia or Wuyuan Cave in Badong

From $1,453-$3,337

4 Days Wuhan-Nanjing 10 Days Chongqing-Nanjing

Other Yangtze River Cruise Routes, Destinations & Itininerary

— may not be avaliable in 2024

In the past, Yangtze River Cruises occasionally offered special cruise itineraries, including the Chongqing-Wuhan , Wuhan-Shanghai , etc. However, there are no plans for operating these in 2024. We are currently following up on the specifics for 2025. Feel free to contact our travel consultant if you want the latest information about the relevant lines. Lengths and destinations of several special cruise itineraries for your reference:

Nanjing - Shanghai

• 4 days & 3 nights Nanjing Shanghai Downstream Cruises
• 4 days & 3 nights Shanghai Nanjing Upstream Cruises

Wuhan - Nanjing

• 4 days & 3 nights Wuhan Nanjing Downstream Cruises
• 4 days & 3 nights Nanjing Wuhan Upstream Cruises

Notice: In the second half of 2024 (6th July to 16th October), the new refurbished Yangtze 2 Cruise will sail on the Wuhan-Nanjing Line, if you are interested, please get in touch with our travel consultants for prices and detailed itineraries >>

Chongqing - Wuhan

• 8 days & 7 nights Chongqing Wuhan Downstream Cruises
• 8 days & 7 nights Wuhan Chongqing Upstream Cruises

Chongqing - Nanjing

• 10 days & 9 nights Chongqing Nanjing Downstream Cruises
• 10 days & 9 nights Nanjing Chongqing Upstream Cruises

In the second half of 2024 (between 27th June to 12th November), newly refurbished Yangtze 2 Cruise will sail 4 runs between Chongqing and Nanjing, please feel free to contact our staff for prices and specific itineraries >>

Chongqing Yichang | 4 & 5 Days Three Gorges Cruise Lines

Yangtze River Chongqing Yichang Cruise Route Map

4 Days & 3 Nights Chongqing to Yichang Downstream Cruise | Itinerary & Destination

The downstream cruise from Chongqing takes 3 nights and 4 days to give travellers an essence tour to the Yangtze River in China. On this cruise trip, traveller guests would get on the cruise ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port, and leave the ship at Maoping Port to visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, and take the arranged bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal to end the cruise tour.

Cruise Itinerary (Chongqing to Yichang)

— 4 days & 3 nights at a quick glance

Day 1: Chongqing Embarkation — Chaotianmen Dock……

Day 2: Fengdu County - Zhongxian — Fengdu Ghost City, Feng Yan San Guo Show……

Day 3: Fengjie - Wushan — Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennv Stream……

Day 4: Zigui - Yichang Disembarkation — Three Gorges Dam Site, Ship Lift……

On day 1 , arrive in  Chongqing , reach Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock (重庆朝天门码头) and get on your cruise ship after about 18:00 at the correct dock informed by your Travel Consultant. The ship would depart from Chongqing at 21:00~23:00 at night.

On day 2 , take shore excursion visits in Fengdu County (Fengdu Ghost City 丰都鬼城, Mount Shuanggui 双桂山…) or Zhongxian (Shibaozhai Pagoda 石宝寨, Feng Yan San Guo Show 烽烟三国…). During the day, enjoy the multiple interesting cultural activities and lectures onboard the ship.

On day 3 , sail through the Three Gorges (三峡), appreciate the magnificent and amazing sightseeing of the Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡) and Wu Gorge (巫峡), and pay a visit to the poetry-famous White Emperor City (白帝城) and ride a small boat on the pristine tributaries, for instance, Shennv Stream (神女溪), Shennong Stream (神农溪), Lesser Three Gorges (小三峡), etc. to explore authentic local culture and sceneries. Have fun with the night’s entertainment and shows.

On day 4 , after breakfast, there are two kinds of arrangements. Arrangement A , take an optional experience of the Ship Lift (升船机) and visit the great Three Gorges Dam Site (三峡大坝) to marvel at the unbelievable skills and wisdom of Chinese people. After the sightseeing, take the arranged bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (宜昌三峡游客中心). Cruise tour ends; Arrangement B , visit the Three Gorges Dam Site and take the arranged bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. Cruise tour ends.

Check the detailed itinerary of the 4 Days & 3 Nights Downstream Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang .

Recommended cruise lines/companies

• Century Cruises: is dedicated to improving the quality of its ships' facilities and services with European-style management, establishing itself as a benchmark in China's river cruise tourism industry.
• Victoria Cruises:  the American-style managed cruise company on the Yangtze River. With superior services onboard and well-arranged shore excursions, Victoria Cruises would definitely be a good value for the money.
• Yangtze Explorer: the most luxury cruise under Sanctuary Retreats with deluxe one-on-one service sailing on the Yangtze River!
• Changjiang Cruises: all-in-one cruise tour packages with newly launched/refurbished ships and newly developed shore excursions to savour the panoramic scenery of the Three Gorges.
• Yangtze Gold Cruises: a well-publicized cruise company on the Yangtze River, winning itself a reputation overseas.
• President Cruises: the only downstream cruise company offering shore excursions to Shibaozhai Pagoda.

Besides,  all Yangtze River cruise ships  (except Century Legend) serve with such 3 nights and 4 days cruise route, you can find your favorite cruise to enjoy the most.

5 Days & 4 Nights Yichang to Chongqing Upstream Cruise

Since this upstream Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing needs 5 days and 4 nights to enjoy, it has a relatively relaxing pace, and it is a better choice for visitors who expect a special vacation at a leisurely pace during a long journey. On this cruise tour, you gather at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal / Yichang East Railway Station for the shuttle bus to Maoping Port for embarkation and end the tour by leaving the cruise at Chaotianmen Port in Chongqing City.

Cruise Itinerary (Yichang to Chongqing)

— 5 days & 4 nights at a quick glance

Day 1: Yichang Embarkation — Board your ship at Maoping Port, except Yangtze 1

Day 2: Yichang — Tribe of Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam…… — (Yangtze Explorer) Wuyuan Cave or Shennongjia National Nature Reserve…… -->

Day 3: Wushan - Fengjie — Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream……

Day 4: Fengdu or Zhongxian — Fengdu Ghost City……

Day 5: Chongqing Disembarkation — Chaotianmen Dock, around 9:00 a.m.

On day 1 , from about 16:00 to 21:00, gather at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (宜昌三峡游客中心) or Yichang East Railway Station (宜昌东站) and take the arranged bus to Maoping Port (茅坪港) to board the ship.

On day 2 , take a shore excursion to the Tribe of Three Gorges (三峡人家), usually as an optional shore excursion site, and visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam site.

On day 3 , sail through the Wu Gorge (巫峡) and Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡) to appreciate the super primitive natural sightseeing, ride a small boat on the Shennv Stream (神女溪)/Shennong Stream (神农溪)/Lesser Three Gorges (小三峡), etc., to enjoy the serene landscape and take a shore excursion to the White Emperor City (白帝城) or Three Gorges Summit (三峡之巅) to look out the iconic/panoramic views of the Three Gorges.

On day 4 , visit Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城) or Snow Jade Cave (雪玉洞) in Fengdu County. Have fun with the various activities and entertainments onboard. Enjoy a great time on the Captain’s Farewell Party at night.

On day 5 , arrive in Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing (重庆朝天门码头). After breakfast, leave the ship at about 09:00. Your cruise comes to a perfect end.

Check the detailed itinerary of the 5 Days & 4 Nights Upstream Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing .

All  Century Cruises  (except Century Legend),  Victoria Cruises ,  President Cruises ,  Yangtze Gold Cruises , and Changjiang Cruises (except Yangtze 2) have been offering upstream Yichang to Chongqing cruises for many years. Choose your ideal ship to start the wonderful trip on the Yangtze River. Top Yichang to Chongqing Cruises >>

Notice: The 3 ships offer all-in-one cruise packages: Yangtze Explorer, Yangtze 3 and Yangtze 1 share the same destinations with classic Three Gorges cruises but have different shore excursions arrangement in some day, for instance, Yangtze Explorer ’s Day 2 to Shennongjia or Badong, Yangtze 3 ’s Day 3 to Goddess Sky Road, Yangtze 1 ’s Day 1 board the ship at Yichang No.9 Pier, etc., so if you have a preference to a specific cruise, please refer directly to the cruise itinerary page for specific information. 2024 Yangtze River Cruises >>

Chongqing Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Route Comparison

Since the Yangtze River upstream and downstream cruise routes between Chongqing and Yichang are different, here below are some major differences between the 5 days route and 4 days route to have a more precise comparison of each one when planning your own Yangtze River cruise tour in China.

Shanghai Chongqing | 11 & 12 Days Yangtze River Panoramic Lines

Yangtze River Shanghai Chongqing Cruise Route Map

Compared to the 4-5 days Chongqing Yichang cruise, the Chongqing Shanghai cruise is the most relaxing cruise route, with the whole journey covering 2,644 kilometers. For upstream cruise from Shanghai and downstream from Chongqing, it needs 12 days and 11 nights to offer you a real laid-back sailing (1 less day for downstream). In 2024, only Century Legend sails on this route, if you are interested, feel free to check more details at Century Legend Cruise Overview, Cabin, Itinerary and Services >>

Cruise Itinerary (Shanghai Chongqing)

— 12 days & 11 nights at a quick glance

Day 1: Shanghai Embarkation Day 2: Yangzhou | Slender West Lake Day 3: Nanjing | Niushou Mountain Day 4: Chizhou | Mount Jiuhua Day 5: Jiujiang | Lushan Mountain Day 6: Wuhan | Yellow Crane Tower Day 7: Yueyang | Yueyang Tower Day 8: Jingzhou | Jingzhou Museum Day 9: Yichang | Three Gorges Dam Day 10: Fengjie | Three Gorges Summit Day 11: Fengdu | Fengdu Ghost City Day 12: Chongqing Disembarkation

During this leisure cruise trip, you will not only visit the ordinary shore excursion sites in the Three Gorges area, but also enjoy the awesome city appearance of Shanghai and Chongqing municipalities, pay a visit to the notable Jingdezhen (景德镇) that is the City of Ceramics in China, Museum and picturesque lake in Wuhan city (武汉), famous cultural and historical sites in Nanjing (南京), best preserved ancient city wall in Jingzhou city, national renowned Mount Jiuhua in Chizhou city, and so on, to enjoy more highlights of culture, history, sceneries, and folk charms along the Yangtze River.

Wuhan Nanjing | 4 Days & 3 Nights Elegant Lower Reaches Cruise Vacation

Good news has come up recently! Yangtze 2 from Changjiang Cruises has finished its upgrading and reconstruction and will be available for the 4 Days Wuhan-Nanjing and 10 Days Nanjing-Chongqing routes in the second half of 2024, visiting highlights like Mount Lu (庐山, World Culture Heritage site and World Geopark for profound cultural significance and breathtaking scenery), Mount Jiuhua (九华山, dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China), Jingdezhen (景德镇, the Porcelain Capital of China)……

Cruise Itinerary (Wuhan Nanjing)

Day 1: Wuhan Embarkation — Board your ship at No. 23 Wuhan Port

Day 2: Chizhou — Mount Lu or Jingdezhen…… — (Yangtze Explorer) Wuyuan Cave or Shennongjia National Nature Reserve…… -->

Day 3: Jiujiang — Mount Jiuhua or Dayuan Buddhist Culture Park……

Day 4: Nanjing — Disembark your ship at Wumadu Dock, Nanjing, around 8:00……

If you have any questions or haven't decided which routes to choose, or if you are interested in the 4 runs of 10 days 9 nights Chongqing to Nanjing (vice versa) cruise in 2024, just tell our  travel consultants  who will help to customize your special Yangtze River tour sincerely!

How to Plan a China Yangtze Tour?

• 4 Days Chongqing to Yichang; 5 Days Yichang to Chongqing;
• 4 Days Wuhan to Nanjing; 4 Days Nanjing to Wuhan;
• 10 Days Chongqing to Nanjing; 10 Days Nanjing to Chongqing;
• 11 Days Chongqing to Shanghai; 12 Days Shanghai to Chongqing. More about 2024 all yangtze river cruise routes & itineraries >>
• Spring and Autumn are two peak seasons for the comfortable weather and best splendid sceneries of the Yangtze River. More about Yangtze River Weather & Best Time to Visit >>
• Flight to Chongqing/Yichang from Beijing/Guangzhou/Shanghai/Hong Kong……
• High Speed Train to Chongqing from Xian/Chengdu/Guilin/Guiyang/Beijing……; High Speed Train to Yichang from Wuhan/Changsha/Beijing/Shanghai……
• Drive from Yichang to Zhangjiajie/Shennongjia/Enshi…… More about How to Get to Yangtze River Cruise Ports >>

♦ Map of Yangtze River Travel Destinations:

Over 90% cruiser would choose the classic Chongqing-Yichang Three Gorges Itinerary, which only takes 4 to 5 days, as their first encounter with the Yangtze River. Then, they will leave some time to visit surrounding highlights or explore famous landing cities. So, a China Yangtze tour can extend from 4 days to a month, or even more.

Yangtze River Travel Destination Map (Click to Enlarge)

To/From nearby Hot China Destinations (Chongqing, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin…)

— Chongqing (重庆) is known as the most essential starting point for a classic Yangtze River cruise. The city has gained international recognition in recent years for its unique tridimensional cityscape, 8D transportation system, and cyberpunk-style buildings and architecture, which have attracted a growing number of tourists to the city. Usually, a leisure landscape tour in Chongqing city requires 2~3 days . It’s recommended that you extend your journey to the surrounding UNESCO heritage sites like Wulong - the famous Karst Landscape in blockbuster Transformers (1-2 days) and Dazu - the last monumental works in the history of world grottoes art (1 day).

☛ 4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Useful Links: 1~3 Days Chongqing Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Chongqing Tour >>

— Chengdu (成都), a 1~1.5-hour high-speed train from Chongqing, is known as the hometown of the Giant Pandas and  UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy. Take 1~2 days to meet these cuties and keep yourself in the “laid-back” living pace like a local while wandering around parks, museums, ancient pedestrian streets, and temples in the downtown area, you will probably understand why people say Chengdu is a city you don't want to leave. Moreover, Chengdu is the gateway to so many UNESCO world heritage sites, including Jiuzhaigou (3 days), Mount Emei (2 days), Leshan Giant Buddha (1 day), Dujiangyan (0.5-1 day), etc., and astonishing hidden plateau - Western Sichuan (3~7 days).

☛ 8 Days Best of Sichuan with Yangtze Cruise Tour (with Chengdu/Emeishan/Leshan) ☛ 8 Days Beauty Tour to Jiuzhaigou & Yangtze River

Useful Links: 1~7 Days Chengdu Tours 2024 | Top Sichuan Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Chengdu Tour >>

— Zhangjiajie (张家界), a 4.5-hour two-train transfer from Yichang, offers the most distinct and iconic landscape of the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar . Let along adrenalin-pumping Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and frightening skywalks and sharp zigzag driving roads at  Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park , the uncanny natural wonders in Zhangjiajie (3~5 Days) attracting countless adventurers and travel addicts from all over the world!

☛ 7 Days Nature Tour to Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie

Useful Links: 3~5 Days Zhangjiajie Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour >>

— Guilin (桂林), located 4-5 hours away by high-speed train from Chongqing, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit destination in China. Generally, Li River, Yangshuo County, and Longji Rice Terraces are the three most popular and separate destinations.  For most travelers to Guilin , 3-5 days is enough to cover the highlights by using a private car. 

☛ 7 Days Idyllic Guilin & Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Useful Links: 3~5 Days Guilin Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Guilin Tour >>

From/To Classic China Destinations (Beijing/Shanghai/Xian/Hong Kong/Guangzhou…)

Guests who are visiting China for the first time probably would choose  Beijing  (the capital of China, recommended travel days: 3~4 days),  Shanghai  (the largest and most developed and populated city of China, recommended travel days: 2~4 days),  Guangzhou  (the third biggest city in China, recommended travel days: 2~3 days) or  Hong Kong  (a convenient transit hub with mainland China, recommended travel days: 2~3 days) as their first stop, as all these four destinations process excellent infrastructure and multi-dimensional transportation networks connecting the whole of China. How to arrange your travel route? Our  top-pick China Yangtze Tour itineraries  may bring you some inspiration!

☛ (Beijing/Xian/Chongqing/Yangtze Cruise/Yichang/Shanghai) 11 Days China Golden Triangle Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

☛ (Beijing/Xian/Chengdu/Yangtze Cruise/Zhangjiajie/Shanghai) 15 Days China Best Treasure Tour with Yangtze Cruise & Zhangjiajie Landscape

☛ (Hong Kong/Guilin/Chengdu/Chongqing/Yangtze Cruise/Yichang/Shanghai) 12 Days China Splendid Tour from Hong Kong

☛ (Shanghai/Yichang/Yangtze Cruise/Chongqing/Chengdu/Lhasa/Xian/Beijing) 17 Days China Yangtze Tour with Tibet & Giant Panda Visit

☛ (Hong Kong/Guilin/Chengdu/Yangtze Cruise/Zhangjiajie/Shanghai/Xian/Beijing) 21 Days China Holiday with Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Useful Links: Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Beijing | Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Shanghai | Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Hong Kong >>

Check more details about 2024 Top China Yangtze Tours >>

Travel Yangtze River with China Discovery

Have your own ideas of where and what to discover before, during and after the Yangtze River cruise tour? We China Discovery offers many popular and valuable private China tour packages with Yangtze River Cruise vacation taking you to enjoy wonderful exploration of the best highlights of Three Gorges, Chongqing, Yichang, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Wuhan, etc. And our professional travel team with experienced travel expert, local English-speaking travel guide and driver and non-smoking comfortable licensed private vehicle will help you throughout the trip from the planning, navigation, hotel arrangement and scenic spot visiting. So you will have the much better travel experience on and around the extensive Yangtze River. You can check our tour packages to get some inspiration. All tours can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interests, budget and any other special need! Please feel free to contact us to customize your own China Yangtze River Cruise trip or if you need any help !

See Our Delighted Customers on Their Yangtze Cruise Trips

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Recommended Yangtze River Tours

Top 3 Yangtze River tours chosen by most customers to explore Yangtze River in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

7 Days Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise Tour (Upstream)

Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing

11 Days China Golden Triangle Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Beijing / Xian / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai

13 Days Classic China Vacation Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

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• 3 Nights Cruises
• 4 Nights Cruises
• Sailing Dates
• Food Onboard
• Cruise Service
• Onboard Activites
• Qutang Gorge
• Xiling Gorge

Snow Jade Cave

White emperor city, three gorges dam.

• Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
• Tribe of the Three Gorges

Lesser Three Gorges

• “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” Live Show

Mt. Wuling Great Rift Valley

• Duration about 2.5 hours
• Description

Take a guided excursion to the world’s largest hydropower station – Three Gorges Dam , including visits to Tanziling Ridge, and 185 Platform. This excursion is available in both 3 nights and 4 nights Yangtze River cruises.

The Dam is about 7,660 feet (2,335 meters) in length, and about 607 feet (185 meters) in height. The width on the top is about 59 feet (18 meters), while 427 feet (130 meters) at the bottom. The investment for the project is about 25 billion US dollars. The construction of this massive dam was for the purpose of flood control, electricity, navigation, and irrigation.

At the top of Tanziling Ridge, travelers could have a panoramic view of the Dam, ship locks, ship lift and Yangtze River. The 185 Platform, which is 185 meters above the sea level, is the nearest place that travelers could go to enjoy the view of the main structure of the Dam.

Shore Excursions List

"romance of three kingdoms", three gorges dam ship-lift, three gorges tribe, privacy overview.

• Attractions
• Three Gorges
• Qutang Gorge
• Xiling Gorge

Three Gorges Dam

Three gorges chongqing: touring route, sightseeing & fun, recommended routes for touring three gorges chongqing.

There are 2 most popular Yangtze cruise routes – Chongqing to Yichang , and Yichang to Chongqing. More tourists choose the route from Chongqing to Yichang, which travels downstream and provides a better tour experience than upstream route. It generally takes 4 days and 3 nights for a downstream Chongqing Three Gorges tour.  

Starting Place of Yangtze Cruise – Chaotianmen Dock , Chongqing

When is the best Time to visit Three Gorges Chongqing?

Anytime from March to November is great to visit Three Gorges Chongqing, including three seasons of spring, summer and autumn. In spring, Three Gorges is thriving as plants sprout and flowers are blooming. In summer, Three Gorges tour is popular with lush forests on banks and exciting drifting in Little Three Gorges on the tributary Madu River . In autumn, the tree leaves all over the mountains turn to be red, which is absolutely attractive. In winter from December to February, the weather is cold in Chongqing with less river water, so that only a few ships sail and they won’t berth in some interesting scenic spots.  

What are the highlights of Three Gorges Chongqing?

Qutang Gorge : Magnificent and Precipitous

Qutang Gorge is the shortest of the Three Gorges, but it has been known as the most majestic gorge since ancient times, especially its western end Kui Gate, where is the place of the background of current 10 yuan banknote.  

Wu Gorge : Delicate Beauty, the Best of Three Gorges

Xiling gorge : the most dangerous in three gorges.

Xiling Gorge is the longest in Three Gorges Chongqing with a length of 120 kilometers (75 miles). In ancient times, it was well known for winding river way, jagged rock peak forest and multiple shoals of rapid water, thus drafting there was very dangerous. Now, the river water becomes slower and gentler, and Xiling Gorge becomes a popular section of Chongqing Three Gorges tour with beautiful natural scenery.  

When the ship arrives in Yichang during the Chongqing Yangtze cruise, you can go ashore to visit Three Gorges Dam. Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project all over the world, playing vital roles in flood control, shipping, power generation, etc. Taking the scenic lift to the top of Tanzi Mountain, the highest point of dam area, you can see the full view of the Three Gorges Dam and the five-level ship lock, which would show you a grand image of majestic dam rise over the wide peaceful water.  

Have Fun in Chongqing

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Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift

Homepage > Cruise Guide > Shore Excursions > Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift

Model of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift on the Yangtze River

The Three Gorges Dam ship lift is the world’s largest one of its kind. It features an impressive capacity capable of elevating ships up to 3,000 tons along with a volume of water roughly equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools. Its introduction allows passengers to bypass the slow and arduous 5-stage ship locks while experiencing the full scope of China’s engineering prowess.

The ship lift features a ship basin nearly 400-feet long by 60-feet wide and climbs a vertical distance of 370 feet—the height of a 40-story building. Its first operational use took place in September 2016. Observe CCTV footage of the new ship lift below.

Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift As Optional Shore Excursion

Passengers experience the new ship lift will board a specially-designed sightseeing boat followed by an insightful tour of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam — another feat of modern engineering. The excursion takes place on day 2 of upstream Yangtze River cruises and on day 4 for passengers sailing downstream . The new feature can be experienced as an optional excursion for CNY 290~295 (about $42~43) per person, please book your optional tour onboard.

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