Fifth Timezone Travel
Yangtze River Cruise: 6-Day Grand Journey Through the Three Gorges
三峡长歌 · 长江游轮 6 日
Your journey begins with two days in Chongqing city proper, then board a luxury cruise ship at Chaotianmen Gate in the evening for a downstream voyage—taking in Fengdu Ghost City, Baidi City, Kuimen Gate, Wu Gorge Goddess Stream, and the Three Gorges Dam, all in one trip to experience the most spectacular scenery of the Yangtze River.
The classic way to experience the Three Gorges of the Yangtze: Day 1, arrive in Chongqing and enjoy the Hongya Cave night scene; Day 2, visit Ciqikou and Liziba, then board a luxury cruise ship (with private balcony cabin) at Chaotianmen Pier in the evening; Day 3, shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai, overnight on board; Day 4, visit Baidi City to experience 'Leaving Baidi at dawn amid colorful clouds,' then pass through the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge in the afternoon—with Chijia Mountain and Goddess Peak lining the banks; Day 5, transfer to a smaller boat for a trip into the Goddess Stream tributary canyon, arrive at the Three Gorges Dam in the afternoon, and disembark in Yichang; Day 6, transfer to your departure point in Yichang (high-speed train back to Chongqing or departure from Yichang).
The luxury cruise ship is rated 4 to 5 stars, including all accommodation, meals, and shore excursions, eliminating the hassle of changing hotels and packing. Private guides for transfers, with English-speaking service on board. Suitable for travelers who want to experience 'a light boat has passed ten thousand mountains' and for traveling with seniors. Sailings are most frequent during the high-water season (April-November).
Tour highlights行程亮点
- Night boarding at Chaotianmen Pier on a luxury cruise
- Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai
- Baidi City and Kuimen Gate (the same view as on the 10 RMB note)
- Deck viewing of Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge
- Transfer to a smaller boat in the Goddess Stream tributary canyon
- Five-level ship lock at the Three Gorges Dam
Day-by-day itinerary每日行程
D1Arrive in Chongqing
Private car pickup from Jiangbei Airport to hotel near Jiefangbei. In the evening, enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave's stilt buildings: photo spots at Qianximen Bridge and Jiangbei waterfront, illuminated until approximately 23:00; dinner with hot pot (choose mild spice or half-and-half pot), served with a bowl of ice jelly to cool the palate, then a walk along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street to aid digestion, return early to the hotel to pack luggage. Travel tips: Pack tonight for tomorrow's evening boarding; bring a jacket as riverside winds can be strong; original passport required for cruise check-in, please carry it with you. Accommodation: Chongqing.
D2Ciqikou · Liziba · Board Cruise
Morning visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town: experience the old flavors of Chen's Mahua and Mao Xuewang at the riverside for about 2.5 hours; afternoon at Liziba to watch the light rail pass through a residential building; lunch with local noodles or Jianghu cuisine. Evening transfer to Chaotianmen Pier to board the luxury cruise ship (private balcony cabin): after the welcome dinner on board, you can go to the top deck to watch the ship depart, viewing the night scene of the two rivers—Chongqing's lights gradually recede as your Three Gorges journey officially begins. Travel tips: Luggage will be directly delivered to your cabin by pier staff; the cruise company holds a voyage briefing in the evening; inform family about potential loss of mobile signal when entering the gorges. Accommodation: Cruise ship.
D3Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai
After breakfast, dock at Fengdu Port: morning shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City—a 2,000-year-old 'ghost city' is a grand exhibition of Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist, and folk beliefs, with sculptures and painted clay figures at the Naihe Bridge and Son of Heaven Hall worth a close look (cable car available for ascent and descent); or visit Shibaozhai instead (depending on the cruise schedule)—a 12-story wooden tower built against Jade Seal Mountain, known as the 'Pearl on the River'. Afternoon return to the ship: watch the green mountains slowly recede from the deck, with tea breaks and lectures on board (Three Gorges geography and immigration stories); evening captain's welcome dinner (on selected sailings). Travel tips: Shore excursions meet at a designated assembly point; wear sneakers as there are many steps. Accommodation: Cruise ship.
D4Baidi City · Qutang Gorge · Wu Gorge
Early morning arrival in Fengjie: morning shore excursion to Baidi City—the 'poetry city' of Li Bai's 'Leaving Baidi at dawn amid colorful clouds', best viewing spot for the托孤 Hall and Kuimen Gate, Kuimen is the scenic spot on the back of the 10 RMB note (remember to bring a 10 RMB bill for a photo); return to the ship just as it passes through Qutang Gorge—an 8-km canyon with Chijia and Baiyan cliffs facing each other, the most magnificent section of the Three Gorges, secure your spot on the top deck. Afternoon passage through Wu Gorge: a 45-km gorge that is deep and beautiful, with mist-shrouded Goddess Peak, and the cruise broadcast tells the story of each cliff section. Travel tips: It's windy on deck, bring a jacket; many steps at Baidi City, pace yourself; a telephoto lens is most useful for photography. Accommodation: Cruise ship.
D5Goddess Stream · Three Gorges Dam · Yichang Disembarkation
Early morning transfer to a smaller boat to enter Goddess Stream: the tributary canyon narrows with cliffs close at hand, local boatmen sing Three Gorges work songs, for about 2 hours (small boat transfer fee included); return to the main ship for lunch. Afternoon arrival at Three Gorges Dam: view the five-level ship lock from Tanzi Ridge and 185 Platform, experiencing the engineering marvel of 'water rises, boat rises' (passing the lock takes about 3-4 hours, subject to scheduling); evening arrival in Yichang, private car transfer from the ship to your hotel in Yichang city. Travel tips: Strict security checks at the dam, please bring your passport; pack luggage tonight for disembarkation tomorrow. Accommodation: Yichang.
D6Yichang Departure Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to your departure point according to your return plans: take the high-speed train from Yichang East Railway Station back to Chongqing (about 5 hours, second-class seats can be booked for you) or direct to other destinations, or depart from Three Gorges Airport (about 40 minutes away); if time allows, add a half-day tour to Three Gorges Families or Qingjiang Gallery (additional charge). Travel tips: It's recommended to book return flights/trains after 12:00; recommended souvenirs are Zigui navel oranges (seasonal) and cruise ship memorabilia; if returning to Chongqing, please confirm your return train one day in advance. Accommodation: None (departing the same evening).
What's included费用包含
- 5 nights accommodation (Chongqing 4-star hotel for 2 nights + balcony cabin on cruise for 3 nights)
- All meals during cruise + breakfast and 4 lunches during city tours
- Luxury cruise ticket (including shore excursions and English-speaking service)
- Admission to Fengdu Ghost City, Baidi City, and Goddess Stream
- Three Gorges Dam admission and transfer vehicle
- Private guide (for Chongqing transfers and Yichang disembarkation)
- Airport pickup in Chongqing + drop-off in Yichang
- Luggage transfer throughout the journey (no need to carry luggage when boarding)
Photos from the road实拍照片
