The longest river in China and the third-longest in the world, the Yangtze River in China stands not only as a crucial waterway but also as a carrier of rich history and culture, and endless natural beauty. It meanders over 6,000 kilometers from the snowy peaks of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the vast East China Sea, rushing down through diverse magnificent landscapes and cultural heritage in 11 provinces. The best highlights of the Yangtze River are found in the Three Gorges section from Chongqing to Yichang.
Taking a luxury river cruise through the Three Gorges thus has become one of the best ways to experience the essence of the Yangtze River while traveling to China. Chongqing, serving as the most popular starting place for a Yangtze River cruise, is ready to offer you a memorable cruise trip with a series of stunning natural attractions and activities. You can either sit back leisurely to take in all the breathtaking natural sights or take shore excursions to many historic sites and ancient tribes.
Looking for must-see activities and experiences along the Yangtze River? Our ultimate list of top things to do on the Yangtze River is what you need.
1. Cruise Through the Three Gorges
- Highlights: Waterways, natural beauty, historical heritage
- Visiting Time Needed:4 days for downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, 5 days for upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing.
As the best highlight of the Yangtze River, a cruise through the Three Gorges is undoubtedly a feast for both the eyes and the soul, and also the most popular thing to do on the Yangtze River. As the Yangtze River cruise ship slowly makes its way along the ancient and mysterious waterway, it serves more like a moving observation deck, from where you can enjoy a close and immersive encounter with all the natural masterpieces.
For leisure travelers and nature enthusiasts, there is no other travel experience like the Yangtze River cruise. You just need to sit back on the deck and wait to be wowed by the continuous and endless natural beauties, including the awe-inspiring Kui Gate at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, the picturesque valleys and enveloping mist along Wu Gorge, and the rugged cliffs and untamed beauty lining the Xiling Gorge banks.
2. Visit the 2000-year-old Fengdu Ghost City
- Highlights: Historic site, ghost culture attractions
- Visiting Time Needed: 2-3 hours
An ancient city steeped in history and mystery, Fengdu Ghost City is where you can glimpse into the distinctive ghostly traditions and traditional Chinese views of life and death. Its construction can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty nearly 2,000 years ago. People built this ghost city based on ancient ghostly legends about the underworld and ghosts.
Now, many ghost-culture-related sites are still well preserved here, including the Ghost King Palace and the Naihe Bridge. All the sculptures, murals, and architecture here are reflections of people’s imaginations of the afterlife and scenes of the underworld. As you stroll around this area, it’s like stepping into an otherworldly land reminiscent of ancient literary depictions of the netherworld. As a bonus, a visit to Fengdu Ghost City will shed new lights on your understanding of traditional Chinese culture and religious beliefs.
3. Enjoy Stunning Scenery at Three Gorges Summit
- Type: A great spot to overlook magnificent views of the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges
- Visiting Time Needed: About 5-8 hours
The Three Gorges Summit is adjacent to the White Emperor City, sitting at an altitude of 1388 meters atop Chijia Mountain. This vantage location offers visitors one of the best overlook views of the surrounding peaks, the magnificent Yangtze River, and the stunning Qutang Gorge.
For a better viewing experience, visitors are recommended to ascend to its two glass viewing platforms. On the first layer, there are two glass platforms built on sheer cliffs, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the Qutang Gorge. The second platform is on the mountain summit, its higher elevation offers visitors a larger vista of the gorge and surrounding sceneries. >> Know Three Gorges Museum
4. Explore White Emperor City
- Highlights: history, culture, and natural scenery
- Visiting Time Needed: 2-3 hours
White Emperor City is well-known in China for inspiring many poets and writers. Many famous Tang Dynasty poets once composed poems here. It stands at the west entrance of the Three Gorges and has served as an important military stronghold during the late Western Han Dynasty. In the Three Kingdoms period, this site is closely associated with many famous events. Now, many ancient buildings are still well-preserved here, including Baidi Temple, Mingliang Hall, and Wuhou Shrine, offering a close encounter with Chinese history and architecture.
Besides learning about historical stories related to this site, visitors can also find a great vantage spot in White Emperor City to marvel at the grandeur of the Yangtze River and the magnificent Kui Gate, which is depicted on the 10 yuan Chinese currency banknote.
5. Navigate Lesser Three Gorges (Little Three Gorges)
- Highlights: Exquisite gorge landscape
- Visiting Time Needed: 4-5 hours
The Lesser Three Gorges, also known as the Little Three Gorges, consist of three smaller scaled gorges adjacent to the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Formed by the Daning River flowing through Wushan County, the Lesser Three Gorges are believed to offer more delicate and more exquisite natural beauties. The rugged cliffs of the Longmen Gorge, the misty and ethereal charm of Bawu Gorge, and the crystal-clear waters of Dicui Gorge will together provide you endless visual feast.
More than picturesque gorge landscapes, a visit here will also introduce you to the ancient relics and culture of the local Ba people, including the hanging coffins, boat coffins, and old forts. Outdoor adventurers will also find fun here as they take in the beauty on a boat, hike through the gorges, or challenge activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and more.
6. Ascend Shibaozhai Pagoda
- Highlights: Architectural marvel, breathtaking views
- Visiting Time Needed: 1-3 hours
Sitting on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, Shibaozhai Pagoda is like a jewel embedded on a small mountain peak in the river, hence its nickname “Pearl on the Yangtze River”. Thanks to its spectacular location, ascending the pagoda will offer you breathtaking views of the Yangtze River. The entire site comprises an architectural complex of several wooden structures. The towering twelve-story pagoda is especially eye-catching, featuring a rare interlocking structure and has been included as one of the eight architectural wonders in the world.
Initially constructed as a military fortress, these wooden structures have stood the test of time for centuries, showcasing a marvel of traditional Chinese building techniques and arts.
7. Paddle Along Shennong Stream
- Highlights: Stunning gorge scenery, experience ancient practice of boat trackers pulling boats
- Visiting Time Needed: About 3-4 hours
Shennong Stream in the Wu Gorge section is an excellent rafting destination, meandering about 60 kilometers from the southern slopes of Shennongjia Mountain until it meets the Yangtze River at the eastern end of the Wu Gorge. A highlighting experience at Shennong Stream is to hop on a traditional “pea pod” wooden boat and enjoy the ancient practice of boat trackers pulling boats upstream. This kind of ancient rafting experience is rare to see in any other place, not to mention the picturesque gorge scenery and rich biodiversity you can encounter during the journey.
If want a more thrilling experience, rubber raft rafting is also available thanks to the numerous rapids and narrow passages in this area. Plus, since this area is home to the Tujia people, a visit here will also offer insights into the culture and customs of the Tujia people.
8. Marvel at the Three Gorges Dam
- Highlights: The extremely vast scale of the dam
- Visiting Time Needed: 2-3 hours
The Three Gorges Dam in the Xiling Gorge section is renowned for its many superlatives, such as one the the most well-known hydraulic engineering projects in the world, and the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Measuring 2,309 meters in length, and a maximum height of 181 meters, its sheer scale will awe you from a distance. And when you get up close, the magnificent sight of water gushing from the spillway will further take your breath away. There are several viewing platforms offering visitors great spots to admire the dam.
How do cruise ships get past the Three Gorges Dam? This mystery of the Three Gorges Dam will be unveiled after you experience its five-step ship lock or the vertical ship lift. The double-line five-step ship lock system of the Three Gorges Dam is the largest of its kind. These five ship locks function like a giant staircase, adjusting water levels to allow large vessels to pass through. While the ship lift works like a vertical elevator that lifts or lowers smaller vessels, such as cruise ships, to accommodate the different water levels.
9. Experience Authentic Culture of Tribe of the Three Gorges
- Highlights: Ancient villages, primitive life of local people, picturesque scenery
- Visiting Time Needed: 4-6hours
Tribe of the Three Gorges is nestled in the most charming section of the Xiling Gorge, between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba Dam. It’s easy to make a trip to the tribs after ending your Yangtze River cruise at the Three Gorges Dam. It is about 22 kilometers from the Three Gorges Dam Site and is known for its rapid bays, secluded valleys, unique caves, and rich cultural heritage. Walking along the serene river bank, you’ll not only enjoy diverse natural landscapes but also primitive scenes of local people and multiple folk culture experiences.
Stilt houses of the Tujia people, ancient sailboats, traditional fishing life, and Tujia wedding performance are just part of the rich tapestry of Ba and Chu culture. More natural and cultural gems are waiting for your discovery in local tribes, such as the Village on the Water, stream-side Tribe, Mountain-top Tribe, etc.
