Tour Introduction
A Yangtze River cruise is one of the most relaxed and memorable ways to travel through central China.
This 4-day, 3-night downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang takes you through the heart of the legendary Three Gorges—Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge—with time to enjoy both the river scenery and selected cultural visits along the way.
Travelling aboard a Century Cruise ship, you’ll spend three nights on the river with comfortable accommodation, onboard dining, and panoramic views from the deck as the landscape gradually changes from Chongqing’s mountain skyline to the dramatic cliffs and misty gorge scenery of the Yangtze.
Three guided shore excursions are included during the journey. Depending on the sailing schedule and cruise departure, the exact excursion stops may vary slightly between sailings. Final excursion details will be confirmed before departure.
This cruise may operate on Century Oasis, Century Victory, or Century Glory—all modern luxury ships with similar onboard standards.
I usually recommend this route to travellers who want to slow down between destinations and experience the Yangtze as part of the journey itself, not simply as transport between cities.
Cruise highlights include:
- 4-day downstream Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
- Sail through the famous Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu, and Xiling
- 3 nights aboard a modern Century Cruise ship
- Three included shore excursions along the river
- All meals onboard included throughout the cruise
- Relaxing scenic journey with comfortable cabins and river views
What’s Included
- 3 nights cruise accommodation
- Daily onboard meals
- 3 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Professional bilingual onboard guide (Chinese and English)
- Included shore excursions according to cruise schedule
- Luggage handling service at embarkation
Not included:
- Transfer between hotel / airport / train station and cruise pier
- Optional shore excursions
- Single cabin supplement
- Cruise service charge: RMB 200 per adult (12+)
- Small local transport fees during optional visits
Your Yangtze Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Board the Cruise in Chongqing
Your cruise begins in Chongqing.
Before departure, you’ll receive your exact boarding details in both English and Chinese, making it easy to reach the pier by taxi. Boarding usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM at Chaotianmen Wharf.
After boarding, the crew will assist with luggage handling, and you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before departure.
Evening onboard activities usually include a short safety briefing followed by the Captain’s Welcome Reception.
The ship normally departs Chongqing later in the evening as the city lights fade behind you.
Private transfer to the pier from Chongqing hotel, airport, or railway station can be arranged separately if needed.
Overnight: Century Cruise ship
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Fengdu Ghost City Excursion
After breakfast, enjoy your first shore excursion at Fengdu Ghost City.
This historic site has a history of nearly 2,000 years and is closely connected with Chinese spiritual beliefs about the afterlife. Temples, statues, stairways, and traditional architecture together create one of the Yangtze’s most unusual cultural sites.
Your visit here offers an interesting introduction to traditional Chinese folklore and belief systems.
Back on board in the afternoon, the pace slows again. You may choose to relax on deck, enjoy the river views, or join one of the ship’s scheduled onboard activities.
In the evening, an optional excursion to the Three Kingdoms Open-Air Show may be available (additional fee).
Overnight: Century Cruise ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Three Gorges Scenic Cruising & Shennv Stream
Today is the most scenic day of the journey.
During the morning, the ship enters Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic section of the Three Gorges. High cliffs rise sharply from the river on both sides, creating one of the most iconic Yangtze landscapes.
Later, continue through Wu Gorge, known for its mist-covered peaks, layered mountains, and softer, more atmospheric scenery.
Afterwards, disembark for an included excursion to Shennv Stream.
Here you’ll transfer to a smaller boat to travel deeper into the narrow tributary valley. The water is calm and clear, surrounded by steep green cliffs, rock formations, hanging paths, and forest scenery.
This excursion is often one of the most memorable parts of the cruise.
An optional visit to White Emperor City may also be offered today for guests interested in additional sightseeing (additional fee).
Later, return to the ship and continue cruising through the western section of Xiling Gorge.
Overnight: Century Cruise ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Three Gorges Dam & Arrival in Yichang
After breakfast, the cruise arrives near Maoping Port in Yichang.
You’ll disembark and join the included visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.
Here you’ll learn more about the scale, construction, and impact of the dam while visiting the main viewing areas.
After the excursion, a shuttle transfer continues from the dam area to downtown Yichang, where the cruise officially ends around midday.
An optional Three Gorges Ship Lift experience may also be available depending on sailing conditions and schedule (additional fee).
Meals: Breakfast
This cruise works especially well for travellers moving between Chongqing and Yichang who prefer a slower, scenic route—and for anyone wanting to experience the Yangtze’s landscapes as part of the journey itself, not just the destination.
Further Reading
Private Dazu Rock Carvings Day Trip from Chongqing with Lunch
Private Wulong Karst Day Trip from Chongqing with Lunch
The Best Chongqing Tour Itinerary
Private Chongqing City Highlights Day Tour
Chongqing Street Food Walking Tour with Local Dinner
How to Book Chongqing Attraction Tickets: All You Need to Know
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