Best 4 Days Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Chongqing

Summary

Day 1 Chongqing Arrival:  Ciqikou Old Town, Hongya Cave
Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise: Fengdu Ghost City
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise:Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennü Stream
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang Departure: Xiling Gorge, Three Gorge Dam, Leave Yichang

Day 1 Chongqing Arrival

Welcome to the vibrant mountain city of Chongqing, as you arrive in the mountain city of Chongqing, your unforgettable Three Gorges journey is about to begin. Before boarding the cruise, we have set aside time to explore some of Chongqing’s cultural and historical highlights. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide will be waiting for you at the train station or hotel, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign for easy recognition. From the moment you arrive, your guide will ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, assisting with your luggage, answering your questions, and introducing you to the rich heritage and unique character of this fascinating city.

Firstly, you will be taken to visit the Ciqikou Old Town. The old town is located in Shapingba district of Chongqing and on the west bank of Jialing River, taking up an area of 1.18 square kilometers. This place is very charming with its narrow streets and small wooden houses and it provides some great opportunities for shopping souvenirs or tasting local snacks. When you are done with this, the ship will be waiting for you to take you on the cruise. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the rich cultural tapestry of this once-thriving porcelain trading hub. Your visit begins with a leisurely walk along the town’s cobblestone lanes, lined with traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, and local snack vendors. Your guide will point out architectural details, share fascinating stories about the town’s role in Chongqing’s commercial history, and explain the  significance of its name, which means "Porcelain Port." After the tour, transfer to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Dock for your Yangtze River Cruise trip. Upon on your arrival, check in your cruise and you will have an embarkation safety briefing & facilities onboard introduction. The cruise will depart at 21:30pm.

Then, your exploration continues with a visit to the famous Hongya Cave, one of Chongqing’s most iconic landmarks. This unique attraction beautifully merges traditional architecture, local culture, and contemporary elements, offering an unforgettable experience of the city’s vibrant spirit and history. Your expert guide will accompany you from the cable car station to Hongya Cave, sharing fascinating details about the area’s cultural significance and history. Upon arrival, you’ll be captivated by the striking architecture, which features a blend of ancient stilt houses and modern designs, set against the picturesque backdrop of the river.

After a full day of exploring the vibrant sights of Chongqing, your guide will accompany you to the cruise terminal for your Yangtze River journey. Along the way, they will assist with luggage, provide any final travel tips, and ensure a smooth boarding process. Your guide will help you check in and get settled, answering any last questions and making sure you are well-prepared for the next leg of your adventure. With their attentive service and warm farewell, you’ll feel confident and ready to embark on your unforgettable river cruise experience.

Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise

As the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze River holds immense historical, economic, and cultural significance for China. With its many tributaries such as the Min River, Han River, Jialing River, Gan River, and Huangpu River, it has nurtured civilizations for centuries. During your Yangtze River cruise, you will enjoy a fascinating shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City—an ancient site steeped in mythology and spiritual symbolism. You will visit either the legendary “Ghost City” on Mingshan Hill, famous for its vivid sculptures depicting the afterlife and underworld judgment, or explore a modern relocation village—home to residents who were resettled due to the rising waters caused by the Three Gorges Dam project.

Discover the mysterious allure of Fengdu Ghost City, a legendary site steeped in centuries of Chinese spiritual tradition. Located along the Yangtze River, this ancient hilltop complex is renowned for its vivid representation of the afterlife, reflecting a unique blend of Daoist and Buddhist beliefs. As you explore its eerie yet captivating halls and statues, your knowledgeable guide will lead the way, sharing the deeper meanings behind key sites such as the Bridge of Helplessness, Ghost Torturing Pass, and Tianzi Palace. With engaging explanations and historical context, the guide will bring to life the tales of judgment, karma, and reincarnation that define this symbolic “City of Ghosts.”

In the afternoon, take the shore excurison to visit the Shibaozhai Pagoda, reputed as “Pearl of the Yangtze River”, has been praised as one of the “Top 7 Wonders in China” and the “World 8 Strange Constructions” by the US Discovery Channel. This pagoda is a red wooden pagoda built along the cliff facing with the Yangtze River. It is 12 storeys in total, with a height of 56 meters and the whole pagoda was made of wooden, without using any single nail in the construction. Travelers need to climb up to the pagoda where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the view in a different angle.

Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise

As your cruise continues, you will sail into the majestic Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Spanning just 8 kilometers, its towering cliffs and sharp bends create awe-inspiring scenery that has captivated travelers for centuries. This narrow canyon, framed by steep limestone mountains, is widely regarded as the most visually stunning of the Three Gorges. Beyond its natural grandeur, Qutang Gorge holds deep historical and cultural significance. While navigating through this remarkable landscape, your knowledgeable guide will share engaging stories about the gorge’s role in Chinese history, literature, and art. You’ll learn about iconic sites such as the Kui Gate—famously called the “Gateway to the Three Gorges”—and hear how this passage inspired generations of poets, scholars, and emperors. With the guide’s insights, the journey becomes not only a visual feast, but also a cultural and historical immersion.

Following your awe-inspiring journey through the dramatic Qutang Gorge, your cruise gently transitions into the tranquil beauty of Wu Gorge. As the towering cliffs give way to the soft, mist-covered hills, your knowledgeable guide will enhance the experience with insightful stories about the changing scenery and the cultural richness it holds. Wu Gorge is celebrated for its elegant contours and densely forested peaks, offering a serene contrast to Qutang’s imposing rock faces. As you sail through this picturesque landscape, your guide will highlight renowned features such as the Twelve Peaks of Wu Mountain, revealing the ancient legends and classical poetry associated with them. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how the gorge was formed and why it remains an iconic symbol in Chinese heritage and mythology.

After your exploration of the awe-inspiring Wu Gorge, your adventure continues with a tranquil journey to the picturesque Shennü Stream (Goddess Stream). With your knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll delve into the serene beauty of this secluded tributary, tucked between dramatic cliffs in the heart of the Three Gorges area. Aboard a traditional sampan or eco-friendly boat, you’ll glide through the narrow waterway as your guide brings the landscape to life—narrating the ancient myths of Goddess Peak, highlighting the striking rock formations, and pointing out the rare flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment.

Day 4 Yichang Depature

As your scenic cruise progresses, prepare to marvel at the breathtaking Xiling Gorge — the longest and most formidable of the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River. Towering cliffs, narrow passages, and dramatic rock formations define this awe-inspiring stretch of water. With every turn, you’ll encounter views that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the gorge’s unique geology, its perilous past as a challenge for ancient navigators, and the rich legends woven into its landscape. This unforgettable experience combines the thrill of natural beauty with captivating stories from Chinese history.

Following your breathtaking cruise through the majestic Xiling Gorge — the longest and most serpentine of the famed Three Gorges — your next destination is the world-renowned Three Gorges Dam. As you disembark, your knowledgeable guide will be by your side, sharing engaging insights into the natural wonders and rich folklore of Xiling Gorge, where towering cliffs and swirling currents have inspired stories for generations. Upon reaching the Three Gorges Dam scenic area, your guide will walk you through the key highlights, from panoramic observation decks to informative exhibitions. With expert explanations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the dam’s immense scale, innovative design, and its role in flood control, energy production, and regional development.

As your exploration of the iconic Three Gorges Dam comes to a close, so does your remarkable experience on the Yangtze River. Standing before the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, you'll gain a profound understanding of China's engineering marvels and the powerful natural forces that shape the Yangtze River. After soaking in the awe-inspiring views of the dam and the surrounding landscape, your guide will assist with your disembarkation, ensuring a smooth transition to your next destination and providing any support needed for your onward journey.

Price Per Person in US Dollars