5 Days Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Yichang to Chongqing
Tour Overview
Yichang and Chongqing are two important gateways to the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. This 5-day Yangtze River cruise departs from Yichang and goes all the way up to the mountainous city of Chongqing. Sailing on the Yangtze River, you will experience Tai Chi classes, lectures on Three Gorges culture, and magnificent scenery on both sides.
You will also visit households in the Three Gorges region and learn about ethnic minority culture by visiting Bai villages and appreciating performances by the Tujia ethnic group. Transfer to a small boat to explore the narrow and primitive Shennv Creek. The architectural wonders such as Shibaozhai and White Emperor City are also highlights of this trip.
Travel destinations: Yichang, Yangtze River, Chongqing
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, Families
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- At Yichang Museum, uncover the deep history and cultural treasures of the famous gateway to the Yangtze River.
- Marvel at the worldās largest hydro-power project and feel magnificent white waves up close.
- Relax on a scenic Yangtze River cruise through the beautiful landscapes of the Three Gorges, with the background of the RMB 10 banknote.
- Discover the local habits of the Bai and Tujia ethnic minorities and a real reflection of their lives and traditions.
- Make a trip on the tiny Shennv Stream in a smaller wooden boat, amidst vertical cliffs and untouched green valleys.
- Behold the vision of the Shibaozhai Pagoda towering over the river bank and visit the legendary Fengdu Ghost City with a history of time immemorial and rife with myths.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Yichang
It's great to see you join us on the 5-day Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing, both known as the "Gateway to the Three Gorges".
After arriving in Yichang, your tour guide will pick you up with a welcome sign āChina Xian TourāĀ and escort you to the hotel for check-in procedures. If time permits, you will be guided to visit Yichang Museum. The museum has one underground floor and four above ground floors, with 8 permanent exhibition halls displaying a total of 35615 pieces/sets of collections, mainly bronze ware. Other unearthed cultural relics include stone tools, ceramics, lacquered wooden objects, gold and silver, jade, calligraphy and painting, coins, etc. By visiting these halls, you can learn about the protection work of the Yangtze River and the culture derived from the Yangtze River Basin.
The cultural relics in Yichang Museum In the afternoon, we head to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. Take the bus arranged by the cruise company to Maoping Port, the gateway to the Three Gorges region. Board your Yangtze cruise ship and check in at your cabin.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: on the Cruise Ship
- Day 2: Yangtze River CruiseMarvel at the Largest Hydropower Station in the World
Starting your Yangtze River cruise from Yichang on the morning of Day Two, you will engage in Tai Chi, which we begin early. Tai Chi will improve physical fitness, enhance blood circulation, and create a way to relieve stress and anxiety. Next, if you are interested, have a historical and cultural lecture on the Yangtze River to glimpse the development of this area.
Embark on a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise After lunch on board, be guided to marvel at theĀ Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest water conservancy hub project and the largest hydropower station in the world today. Standing on the dam crest (185 meters high), you can feel the magnificent white waves. If you visit on a sunny day, you may encounter a rainbow in the mist on the huge waves of flood discharge. Commemorating Park sits downstream along the Yangtze River. This is a great place to take wide photos of the Three Gorges Dam. Inside the exhibition hall here, you can discover more details about the dam and how the project was developed.
View the magnificent Three Gorges Dam If you want a deeper experience, you can choose to visit theĀ Three Gorges TribeĀ in Xiling Gorge (for an additional fee). Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of the life and customs of the Bai people. After that, eeturn to the ship and enjoy dinner onboard.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on the Cruise Ship
- Day 3: Cultural Sites along the Yangtze RiverSwitch to a Smaller Boat to Explore the Primitive Shennv Stream
Today, your cruise ship will sail through the gloriousĀ Three Gorges, one of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese culture. The Three Gorges are Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Qutang Gorge, around 8 kilometers long, has the upstream entrance to the Three Gorges - Kuimen Gate. Wu Gorge is the most beautiful gorge among the three. Xiling Gorge, 120 km, is the longest of the Three Gorges.
When you travel through the gorges,Ā you will notice large mountains rising high on both sides of you. Most of the mountains are usually about 700 to 800 meters above the river and look impressive. Then you can take a small boat to see the untouched Shennv Stream. You willĀ enjoy the green forests and high cliffs, all while getting a taste of local Tujia Culture as well. The Tujia are very good at music and have a talent for dance.
Take a smaller boat to sail down the Shennv Stream Optional Activity:
If you want a historical exploration, you can choose an optional visit to theĀ White Emperor City, which is perched on a hill. Many ancient Chinese poets visited this city and wrote great poems here, which is why White Emperor City is also called the āCity of Poetry.ā From the top, you can enjoy a wide, beautiful view of the Yangtze River.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on the Cruise Ship
- Day 4: Cultural Sites along the Yangtze RiverLearn Interesting Legends of Shibaozhai Pagoda
After breakfast, you will take a guided shore excursion toĀ Shibaozhai Pagoda, known as the "Pearl on the River". Youāll be amazed to see that this wooden pagoda, built right against the cliff, was made completely out of wood ā without using a single nail. Follow your guide to appreciate the unique architecture and learn many interesting legends about it. With a total of 12 floors and a height of 56 meters, this pagoda is one of the world's eight strange buildings.
The wooden Shibaozhai Pagoda without using a single nail If you are interested in ancient Chinese legends, you can also choose to visitĀ Fengdu Ghost CityĀ (for an additional fee). This is a quite interesting place, known for its strange folk legends.
In the evening, enjoy aĀ Captain's Farewell PartyĀ for celebrating the end of your Yangtze River cruise.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on the Cruise Ship
- Day 5: Departure from Chongqing
After breakfast, the cruise ship disembarks atĀ Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock. A local driver will escort you to the railway station or airport for your onward journey.
If you have enough time before your departure, you can take a half-day tour of Chongqing. Recommended attractions in Chongqing areĀ Ciqikou Ancient Town,Ā Hongya Cave,Ā Jiefangbei Square, andĀ Liziba Station.
The 5-day Yangtze River cruise tour from Yichang to Chongqing comes to an end.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Liziba Light Rail passing through residential buildings
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
