Overview
This 5-day Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River cruise is one of China’s most classic travel experiences. As the main gateway to the Yangtze River, Chongqing is one of the best starting points for a Yangtze cruise.
From Chongqing’s neon-lit skyline and riverside atmosphere, the journey slowly unfolds through the legendary Three Gorges region. Along the way, visit Fengdu Ghost City, sail through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, explore the peaceful Shennv Stream, and witness the impressive Three Gorges Dam near Yichang.
We have carefully selected quality cruises from Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, and the luxury-focused Yangtze Explorer to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey along the Yangtze River. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors to China, couples, families, and travelers looking for a slower, more relaxing journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
Highlights
- Experience Chongqing’s famous neon skyline and layered mountain city atmosphere
- Ride the iconic Yangtze River Cableway above the river
- Cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges scenery
- Visit the mysterious Fengdu Ghost City shore excursion
- Sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge
- Explore the peaceful Shennv Stream by smaller boat
- Visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam
Itinerary
Day 1: Chongqing Airport / Railway Station Arrival → Hotel
The Experience:
Welcome to Chongqing, China’s dramatic mountain city famous for its layered streets, spicy food, and futuristic skyline.
Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring some of Chongqing’s most iconic city scenes.
Here are some options:
You can visit the famous Liziba Station, where the monorail passes directly through a residential building. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable sights.
Later, head to Hongya Cave along the riverside. As evening arrives, the glowing lights, traditional-style architecture, bridges, and neon reflections create one of the most atmospheric night scenes in China.
If time allows, enjoy a riverside walk, local snacks, or Chongqing hotpot before resting for the evening.
Highlights
- Visit Liziba Station (optional)
- Explore Hongya Cave at night (optional)
- Experience Chongqing’s famous neon skyline and riverside atmosphere (optional)
Tips
- Chongqing is very hilly with many stairs and layered roads. So, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- The best time to experience Hongya Cave is after sunset.
- Overnight: Chongqing
- Meals: No
Day 2: Yangtze River Cableway → Three Gorges Museum → Board the Cruise
The Experience:
This morning, you will experience the historic Yangtze River Cableway, once an important local means of crossing the river. The short ride offers impressive panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline and river landscape.
Then, your driver and guide will transfer you to the Three Gorges Museum, where exhibitions introduce the culture, history, migration stories, and geography of the Yangtze River region and the Three Gorges area. It’s an excellent introduction before the cruise itself begins.
In the evening, your driver and guide will transfer you to the cruise terminal and board your Yangtze River cruise ship.
After check-in, settle into your cabin and enjoy the first peaceful moments on the river as the ship departs Chongqing. You can view the neon signs of Chongqing on the ship.
Meals and entertainment onboard begin tonight.
Highlights
- Ride the Yangtze River Cableway
- Visit the Three Gorges Museum
- Learn about the Yangtze River culture and history
- Board your Yangtze River cruise ship
Tips
- Cruise boarding times usually begin in the late afternoon or evening.
- Keep a small overnight bag accessible for easy embarkation.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Yangtze River Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City Shore Excursion
The Experience:
You will wake up to your first full day cruising along the Yangtze River.
In the morning, join a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (optional), one of the Yangtze region’s most famous cultural sites. Built around traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife, the complex features temples, statues, gates, and folklore-inspired architecture spread across the hillside.
Beyond the legends, the site also offers beautiful river viewpoints and insight into Chinese spiritual culture and mythology.
Return to the ship afterward and continue sailing downstream through the changing landscapes of the Yangtze River. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck, attending onboard activities, or simply enjoying the scenery as cliffs and forested hills gradually surround the river.
Highlights
- Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (optional)
- Relax onboard while cruising through the Yangtze scenery
Tips
- Fengdu includes stair climbing and uneven paths.
- Early morning light often creates beautiful photography conditions.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise | Baidicheng (Optional) → Qutang Gorge → Wu Gorge → Shennv Stream
The Experience:
Today is the scenic highlight of the entire Yangtze River cruise.
In the morning, optional shore excursions may be available to Baidicheng, also known as White Emperor City. Perched above the river, this historic site is famous for poetry, Three Kingdoms history, and spectacular gorge views.
Around midday, the ship enters the magnificent Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Towering cliffs rise steeply on both sides, creating one of the most iconic Yangtze River landscapes.
Soon after, continue into the elegant and misty Wu Gorge, known for its layered mountain peaks and softer, more mysterious scenery.
In the afternoon, transfer to a smaller boat for an excursion into Shennv Stream. Here, narrow waterways, forested cliffs, and peaceful surroundings offer a quieter and more intimate perspective of the Three Gorges region.
Return to the cruise ship in the evening for your final night onboard.
Highlights
- Optional visit to Baidicheng
- Cruise through Qutang Gorge
Sail across the beautiful Wu Gorge - Small boat excursion into Shennv Stream
- Experience the most scenic section of the Yangtze River
Tips
- Keep your camera ready throughout the gorge section.
- Viewing decks are especially popular during the Qutang Gorge passage.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges Dam → Yichang Departure
The Experience:
This morning, the cruise arrives at Maoping Pier near Yichang.
After disembarkation, join the excursion to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Viewing platforms provide impressive perspectives over the massive structure and the surrounding river valley.
The visit also offers insight into how the dam transformed transportation, flood control, and daily life along the Yangtze River.
After the tour, your driver and guide will transfer you to Yichang airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Highlights
- Visit the Three Gorges Dam
- Learn about the world’s largest hydroelectric project
Tips
- Flights and train tickets are best scheduled later in the afternoon for a smoother transfer.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Chongqing: 1 Night
- Ship: 3 Nights
While selecting accommodation for this journey, we focus on comfort, convenient locations, cleanliness, easy transportation access, and reliable service quality to ensure a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
In Chongqing, you will stay in a carefully selected 4 or 5 star hotel near Jiefangbei, the city’s lively downtown area known for its restaurants, shopping streets, river views, and convenient access to major attractions.
For the Yangtze River cruise, we work with trusted premium cruise brands including Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, and the luxury-focused Yangtze Explorer. These cruises offer comfortable cabins, panoramic river-view decks, quality onboard dining, entertainment, and relaxing sailing experiences through the Three Gorges region.
We also provide 100% tailor-made options based on your travel style, preferred cruise category, cabin type, family needs, photography interests, luxury preferences, and overall China travel plans.
Cost
Included
- Yangtze River cruise cabin with meals
- 1 night of hand-picked accommodation with breakfast in Chongqing
- Shore excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Private vehicle airport/station pickup and drop off
- Private transfer in Chongqing city tour
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- Entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
Excluded
- International or domestic flights / train to Chongqing
- Lunches and dinners in Chongqing city
- Alcoholic beverages and minibar expenses
- Personal expenses
- China visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide and driver
Transportation
This route combines Yangtze River cruise and private transfers for a comfortable and efficient journey between destinations.
- Private city transportation in Chongqing
- Yangtze River cruise ship from Chongqing to Yichang
- Private transfer to Yichang airport or railway station
Essential Tips
- Some shore excursions involve stairs and moderate walking.
- Cruise schedules may slightly change depending on river conditions and water levels.
- The internet connection may be not very good, especially in remote gorge areas.
Gallery
FAQ
Is the Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River cruise worth it?
Yes. This is considered the classic Yangtze River cruise route, combining dramatic Three Gorges scenery, cultural shore excursions, and a relaxing travel pace.
How many days do you need for a Yangtze River cruise?
A 5 day Chongqing to Yichang cruise is the most popular option, offering enough time to experience the Three Gorges comfortably without feeling rushed.
Which is better: Chongqing to Yichang or Yichang to Chongqing?
Chongqing to Yichang is generally more popular because it travels downstream, making the journey faster and smoother.
What are the best cruise companies on the Yangtze River?
Popular cruise brands include Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, and Yangtze Explorer, offering different comfort and luxury levels.
What should I pack for a Yangtze River cruise?
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, a camera, and casual onboard clothing are recommended. Spring and autumn evenings can be cooler on deck.
Can foreigners take a Yangtze River cruise?
Yes. Yangtze River cruises are very popular with international travelers, and many cruises provide English-speaking staff and services.
