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:
- Unveil the rich heritage of the Gateway to the Three Gorges in Yichang Museum.
- Witness the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam.
- Enjoy a leisure Yangtze River cruise, with the natural beauty of the Three Gorges.
- Glimpse the cultures of ethnic minorities, including the Bai and Tujia ethnic groups.
- Take a smaller boat trip along the narrow Shennv Stream to explore primitive valley.
- Marvel at the splendid Shibaozhai Pagoda and delve into the mysteries of Fengdu Ghost City.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Yichang
Yichang is known as the "Capital of Hydroelectric Power in the World" and is known as the "Gateway to the Three Gorges". After arriving in Yichang, the tour guide and driver will take you to the hotel for check-in. If time permits, you will be taken to visit Yichang Museum, a local comprehensive museum. You can enjoy various cultural relics from ancient times to modern times, including exquisite bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy and painting exhibits.
Yichang Museum In the afternoon, we will head to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal. Then take the bus arranged by the cruise company to Maoping Port, the gateway to the Three Gorges region. After arrival, board your Yangtze cruise ship. Check in at your cabin and expect a memorable cruise through the beautiful Three Gorges.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: on Cruise
- Day 2: Yangtze River CruiseMarvel at the Largest Hydropower Station in the World
In the morning, your Yangtze River cruise tour starts early with a Tai Chi class. Practicing Tai Chi can not only enhance physical fitness, but also promote blood circulation, relieve stress and anxiety. Following that, enjoy a leisurely morning coffee while appreciating the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river. Then, join a historical and cultural lecture on the Yangtze River to glimpse the development of this area.
Yangtze River Cruise After lunch on board, you will be guided to marvel at the 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, 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.
Three Gorges Dam If you want a deeper experience, you can choose to visit the Three Gorges Tribe 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 Cruise
- Day 3: Yangtze River CruiseSwitch to a Smaller Boat to Explore the Primitive Shennv Stream
Today, you will embark on a cruise through the glorious Three Gorges, one of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese culture. The Three Gorges include Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, which is a highlight of your Yangtze River cruise tour.
Take a smaller boat to sail down the Shennv Stream Along the way, you will see towering mountains and cliffs on both sides of the gorge. The steep and continuous peaks can usually rise about 700-800 meters above the river surface, which is quite spectacular. You will switch to a smaller boat to explore the primitive Shennv Stream. Shoot the sheer cliffs and lush greenery and experience the culture of the local Tujia ethnic minority. They are good at music and dance.
Optional Activity:
If you want a historical tour, you can choose an optional visit to the White Emperor City, which is perched on a hill. Many ancient Chinese poets once climbed to this city and wrote immortal poems. Therefore, White Emperor City is also known as the "City of Poetry". You will get a panoramic view of the Yangtze River from its top.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on Cruise
- Day 4: Yangtze River CruiseLearn Interesting Legends of Shibaozhai Pagoda
After breakfast on board, take a guided shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda. Known as the "Pearl on the River", Shibaozhai is one of remaining wooden structures in China. You will appreciate unique architecture and learn many interesting legends from your knowledgeable tour guide. Built along the mountain, with a total of 12 floors and a height of 56 meters, this pagoda is known as one of the world's eight strange buildings.
Shibaozhai Pagoda If you are interested in ancient Chinese legends, you can choose to visit Fengdu Ghost City (for an additional fee). This is a quite interesting place, known for its strange folk legends.
In the evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Party, which features music, dance and farewell toasts for celebrating the end of your Yangtze River cruise.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on Cruise
- Day 5: Departure from Chongqing
Enjoy the last moments as the cruise ship disembarks at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock. A local tour guide 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, known for its spicy cuisine. Recommended attractions in Chongqing: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei Square, and Liziba Station.
Chaotianmen Dock The 5-day Yangtze River cruise tour from Yichang to Chongqing comes to an end.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
