Overview
This 7-day Shanghai to Chongqing Yangtze River cruise combines China’s most modern city with one of the country’s most scenic river journeys.
Starting in vibrant Shanghai, we explore historic waterfronts, traditional gardens, and lively city streets before taking a high-speed train to Yichang to board the Yangtze River cruise.
Sailing upstream through the legendary Three Gorges, you will experience dramatic cliffside scenery, peaceful river landscapes, cultural shore excursions, and the impressive Three Gorges Dam.
The journey ends in the mountain city of Chongqing, offering a perfect mix of modern China, history, nature, and relaxed river travel.
Highlights
- Explore Shanghai’s historic Bund and modern skyline
- Visit Yu Garden and lively Nanjing Road
- Sail upstream through the spectacular Three Gorges
- Visit the massive Three Gorges Dam
- Cruise through Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge
- Explore the peaceful Shennv Stream by small boat
- Visit Fengdu Ghost City and discover Chinese folklore
- Arrive in Chongqing, China’s famous mountain city
Itinerary
Day 1: Shanghai Airport / Railway Station Arrival→ Hotel
The Experience:
Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most international and modern city.
After arrival, we will transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is kept flexible so you can rest after your flight or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
If time allows, you may enjoy a relaxing walk nearby, try local Shanghai cuisine, visit a cafe, or experience the city’s evening atmosphere along the riverside.
Highlights
- Easy leisure day after arrival
- Relax and adjust to the city atmosphere
Tips
- Shanghai is generally easy to explore thanks to its convenient metro system.
- After sunset, the city skyline becomes especially beautiful.
- Overnight: Shanghai
- Meals: No
Day 2: Shanghai Nanjing Road → Yu Garden → The Bund
The Experience:
Today, we explore some of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks.
We begin at Nanjing Road, the city’s most famous shopping street, filled with lively crowds, restaurants, local brands, and historic department stores.
Next, we visit Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden hidden within the old city area. Traditional pavilions, ponds, bridges, and stone pathways create a peaceful contrast to Shanghai’s modern skyline.
In the late afternoon, we head to the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade. Across the river, futuristic skyscrapers rise above Pudong, while historic colonial-era buildings line the opposite bank, creating one of Asia’s most recognizable cityscapes.
Highlights
- Walk along Nanjing Road
- Explore Yu Garden
- Visit The Bund
- Experience Shanghai’s blend of old and modern China
Tips
- The Bund is especially beautiful in the evening when the skyline lights up.
- Yu Garden can be busier during weekends and holidays.
- Overnight: Shanghai
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Shanghai → Yichang (High-Speed Train) → Board the Yangtze River Cruise
The Experience:
Today, we transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train from Shanghai to Yichang, a journey of around 6.5 hours.
Traveling by high-speed rail is one of the best ways to experience modern China, with comfortable seating and smooth travel across changing landscapes.
Upon arrival in Yichang, we transfer directly to the cruise terminal for embarkation.
After boarding the Yangtze River cruise ship, you can settle into your cabin, enjoy dinner onboard, and relax as the cruise begins sailing upstream toward the legendary Three Gorges region.
Highlights
- Board your Yangtze River cruise
- Begin your Three Gorges journey
Tips
- Keep passports and important belongings easily accessible during train travel.
- Cruise boarding usually takes place in the late afternoon or evening.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges Dam
The Experience:
This morning, we will visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.
From the viewing platforms, you can appreciate the enormous scale of the dam while learning how it transformed transportation, flood control, and life along the Yangtze River.
After the excursion, we return to the ship and continue cruising upstream. As the scenery gradually changes, forested mountains and dramatic cliffs begin to surround the river.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere onboard while taking in the beautiful landscapes from the observation decks.
Highlights
- Visit the Three Gorges Dam
- Learn about the world’s largest hydroelectric project
Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended during the dam visit.
- River scenery becomes especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Yangtze River Cruie | Xiling Gorge → Wu Gorge → Shennv Stream → Qutang Gorge → Baidicheng (Optional)
The Experience:
Today is the scenic highlight of the entire Yangtze River cruise.
We first sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges, known for its dramatic cliffs and winding waterways.
Soon after, the ship enters the elegant Wu Gorge, famous for its mist-covered peaks and softer, poetic scenery.
Later, we transfer to smaller boats to explore the peaceful Shennv Stream, where narrow waterways, forested cliffs, and calm surroundings offer a more intimate experience of the Three Gorges region.
As the cruise continues, we pass through the spectacular Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic gorge, where towering cliffs rise steeply above the river.
Optional excursions may also be available to Baidicheng, also known as White Emperor City, a historic site connected with ancient poetry and Three Kingdoms stories.
Highlights
- Cruise through the Three Gorges
- Explore Shennv Stream
- Optional excursion to Baidicheng
Tips
- Keep your camera ready throughout the gorge section.
- Outdoor viewing decks offer the best panoramic scenery.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Yangtze River Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City (Optional)
The Experience:
Today, we stop at Fengdu Ghost City, one of the Yangtze River’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 its legends, the site also offers beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Yangtze River.
After returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing final afternoon onboard as the cruise continues toward Chongqing.
Highlights
- Visit Fengdu Ghost City (optional)
- Discover Chinese folklore and spiritual traditions
Tips
- Fengdu includes stair climbing and uneven pathways.
- Early morning often provides the best photography conditions.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Chongqing Disembarkation → Departure
The Experience:
This morning, we will arrive in Chongqing and disembark from the cruise.
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Your trip concludes with unforgettable memories of Shanghai’s modern energy, the breathtaking Three Gorges scenery, peaceful Yangtze River landscapes, and the unique atmosphere of Chongqing.
We hope this journey offers not only beautiful scenery but also a deeper connection to China’s culture, landscapes, and everyday rhythms.
Highlights
- Disembark from the Yangtze River cruise
- Transfer to airport or railway station
- End of your Yangtze River journey
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Shanghai: 2 Nights
- Ship: 4 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 and enjoyable experience throughout the trip.
In Shanghai, we carefully select 4- or 5-star hotels in convenient central areas with easy access to sightseeing, dining, shopping, and transportation.
For the Yangtze River cruise section, 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 famous 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 itinerary plans.
Cost
Included
- High-speed train tickets (Shanghai – Yichang)
- 2 nights of hand-picked accommodation in Shanghai with breakfast
- 4 nights on ship with meals
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all local transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle airport / station pickup and drop off
- Expert English-speaking local guide.
- Shore excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
Excluded
- International or domestic flights / train to Shanghai
- Lunches and dinners in Shanghai
- Alcoholic beverages and minibar expenses on ship
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide and driver
Transportation
This route combines high-speed rail, river cruise, and private transfers for a comfortable and efficient journey between destinations.
- Private city transportation in Shanghai
- High-speed train from Shanghai to Yichang
- Yangtze River cruise ship from Yichang to Chongqing
- Airport or railway station transfer in Chongqing
Essential Tips
- Upstream Yangtze River cruises are slightly longer but offer a more gradual scenic experience.
- Internet onboard may be slower in remote gorge areas.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for shore excursions.
- Keep passports easily accessible during train and hotel check-ins.
Gallery
FAQ
Is the Shanghai to Chongqing Yangtze River cruise worth it?
Yes. This route combines modern Shanghai, China’s high-speed railway, the legendary Three Gorges, and Chongqing’s mountain city atmosphere into one memorable journey.
Is upstream or downstream Yangtze cruise better?
Downstream cruises are slightly faster, while upstream cruises from Yichang to Chongqing offer a slower and more relaxed scenic experience.
How long is the Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing?
The classic upstream Yangtze River cruise usually takes around 5 days.
Which cruise companies are best for the Yangtze River?
Popular cruise brands include Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, and Yangtze Explorer.
What is the best time for a Yangtze River cruise?
The best travel seasons are generally March to May and September to November, when temperatures are comfortable and river scenery is especially beautiful.
