5-Day Yangtze River Luxury Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing

Day 1: Arrival in Yichang, Embarkation and Xiling Gorge

1. Yichang
   3h
   Arrive in Yichang and begin your Yangtze River cruise journey.
   
   Complimentary scheduled transfer service is available for guests arriving at Yichang Airport, Yichang East Railway Station, or Yichang North Railway Station between 08:00 and 20:00. Guests arriving between 08:00 and 15:00 will be transferred to the Three Gorges Tourist Center. Those arriving between 15:00 and 20:00 will be transferred directly to Zigui Port (Maoping Port) for embarkation. Please note that airport transfer service closes one hour earlier than the stated arrival cut-off time.
   
   Guests arriving before 16:00 may join a complimentary sightseeing excursion through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock and the eastern section of Xiling Gorge, subject to arrival time and cruise arrangements. Guests arriving after 16:00 will proceed directly to embarkation.
   
   Important Note: For a smoother embarkation experience, we recommend booking trains arriving before 14:30 and flights arriving before 14:00.
2. Yichang
   2h
   In the evening, settle into your cabin and attend the Cruise Safety Briefing followed by a Welcome Dinner onboard. As the vessel begins its upstream journey, the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains introduce the scale and atmosphere of the Yangtze.

Day 2: Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator, Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge

1. Three Gorges
   4h · Admission ticket included
   This morning, you will experience the Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator, the world’s largest and most powerful vertical ship elevator. Using Archimedes’ principle of buoyancy, it offers a unique elevated passage across the dam.
   Next, you will explore the Three Gorges Dam, a landmark project that has reshaped navigation and hydropower development along the Yangtze River. The visit provides insight into the dam’s engineering design and regional impact.
2. Xiling
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After rejoining the ship, enjoy lunch onboard as the vessel continues upstream. In the afternoon, sail through the western section of Xiling Gorge, where steep cliffs and layered rock formations create some of the most dramatic scenery along the Yangtze. Later, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception before dinner onboard.
3. Badong County
   3h
   In the evening, arrive in Badong for a shore excursion to Mistvale Haven (Wuyuan Cave). During certain seasons, this excursion may be replaced by Shennv Stream, depending on water level and navigation conditions.
   Important Note: Apr-Oct: Visit Wuyuan Cave. Nov-Mar next year: Visit Wushan Shennv Stream in the following morning.

Day 3: Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge and Fengjie Excursion

1. Wushan County
   1h
   After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning onboard with scenic cruising and onboard activities as the ship enters Wu Gorge, known for its misty peaks, steep cliffs, and elegant river scenery.
2. Chongqing Qutang Gorge
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Around midday, lunch is served onboard before the vessel continues into Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges, celebrated for its towering rock walls and narrow river passage.
3. Fengjie County
   3h
   In the afternoon, arrive in Fengjie and choose one of the following included shore excursions:
   
   Option A: White Emperor City
   Visit a historic riverside site closely associated with classical Chinese poetry and the cultural heritage of the Yangtze.
   
   Option B: Three Gorges Summit
   Take in panoramic views over Qutang Gorge and the surrounding mountains from one of the region’s most impressive viewpoints.
   
   Return to the ship in the evening for dinner, followed by onboard entertainment, including a crew performance. Later in the evening, guests may also enjoy movie time on the observation deck.

Day 4: Fuling Excursion and Final Evening Onboard

1. Baiheliang Carved Museum
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning onboard with leisure time and onboard activities as the cruise continues toward Fuling.
   
   In the afternoon, choose one of the following included excursions in Fuling:
   
   Option A: White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum & Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall
   Explore a remarkable underwater museum preserving ancient hydrological inscriptions carved into the river rock. Then learn about Fuling’s century-old pickled vegetable heritage.
   
   Option B: 816 Underground Project
   Visit a vast underground complex constructed in the 1960s, offering insight into a unique chapter of modern Chinese history.
2. Chongqing
   5m
   If docking arrangements are adjusted to Fengdu Port due to water level, hydrological conditions, or navigation restrictions, the excursion will be replaced with a visit to Fengdu Ghost City.
   
   After the afternoon excursion, attend the disembarkation briefing for the following day’s arrival arrangements.
   
   Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner, followed by evening entertainment and time to relax before arriving in Chongqing.

Day 5: Chongqing Disembarkation

1. Chongqing
   1h
   After breakfast and check-out, arrive in Chongqing and conclude your Yangtze River cruise.
   
   Complimentary transfer service is available after disembarkation to Chongqing Airport and Chongqing East, North, West, and Shapingba Railway Stations for your onward journey.
   
   Important Notes: Recommended onward departure: trains after 11:00 and flights after 13:00.

Pickup details

1. Complimentary Transfer Services: Guests arriving between 08:00-20:00 designated times are provided with coordinated transfer services from Yichang Airport or Yichang East, North Railway Station.
2. Complimentary Activity: Guests arriving Three Gorges Tourist Center before 16:00 may join a sightseeing excursion through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock and the eastern section of Xiling Gorge (subject to arrival time; non-refundable if missed).
Guests arriving after 16:00 will transfer directly to Zigui Port (Maoping Port) for embarkation.
*Important Note: Guests are kindly recommend to arrive at Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center (Yichang Port Pier No. 9) before 16:00.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Subject to Change: All times are provisional and subject to change due to weather or navigational conditions.Shore excursion durations may also vary for safety reasons.
• Shore Excursions Arrangement: Please select between OPTION A and B for shore excursions by the onboard notification deadline.Failure to choose will default to Option A.
• Special Holiday: The cruise prices for holidays such as National Holiday (the first week of October), Labor Day, Spring Festival, etc., are quoted upon request.
• Transfer Service from/to Airport/Train Stations: The airport/train station transfer service operates on fixed departure times. For guests in standard cabins, the waiting time will not exceed 30 minutes (arranged reasonably according to their arrival time), and guests may use the Yangtze Cruise Lounge while waiting.
• Arranged Shore Excursions: The arranged shore excursions are included in your tour price, so you can visit the listed sites at no extra cost. However, if you choose not to join or visit these included excursions, the unused excursion fees are non-refundable.
• Physical Demands: There are several stairs to climb up at White Emperor City, Three Gorges Summit. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended to visit these sites.
• Valid only for international travelers from outside Mainland China. This includes guests from Europe, the Americas, Australia, India, and other international regions.
• Note: The Three Gorges Ship Elevator will be closed for scheduled maintenance from 08:00 on August 18, 2026, for approximately 42 days. A temporary alternative itinerary will operate during this period.
• People prone to seasickness