5 Days Chongqing City Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
- Spend one full day exploring in the downtown area of Chongqing and you can have a full savory of the classic sites to see pandas, ancient towns, panoramic mountain city view and gorgeous dazzling night view;
- Board your luxury 5 star ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock for 4 days and 3 nights sailing on the Yangtze River to Yichang. Appreciate beautiful Three Gorges and magnificent Three Gorges Dam;
- Relax your body and release your eyes both onboard and onshore. Along the 648 kilometers cruise, you’ll have chances to explore some natural as well as cultural sites to catch the authentic side of Central China;
- Enjoy the all-inclusive Yangtze River cruise package covered dining, accommodation, shore excursions, entertainment and pick-up and send-off service. All are worry free for the whole trip.
Sampling Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 Chongqing Arrival
Pick you up at the airport / railway station and escort you to your hotelWelcome to Chongqing - Magic 8D City! Clear the customs and retrieve your baggage by yourself upon arrival. Your local tour guide holding a sign with your name will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport / railway station, and you will be transferred by our private vehicle to your hotel in Chongqing downtown. The rest of the day is free on your own to discover the city vibes.
Recommended: 1). enjoy a leisure walk along Nanbin Road to see Chongqing skyline and two rivers meeting at Chaotianmen Dock. 2). visit Hongya Cave to appreciate layers of wooden tilted houses rising up to 11 storeys against the hill and the enchanting night view in warm hue.
Chongqing, the Magic 8D Mountain City in China
Hongya Cave Night View
Day 2 Chongqing (B, L)
Laojun Cave, Longmenhao Old Street, Liziba Metro Riding Experience, Kuixinglou, WFC HuixianlouAfter breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and then take you to enjoy a full day exploration of this cyberpunk metropolis! Let's start with Laojun Cave, the largest Taoist temple in Chongqing and over 1,400 years historic. As you ascend the steps, admire the stunning Taoist gates, palaces, and pavilions while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of modern Chongqing downtown. Next, head to Longmenhao Old Street, nestled against the mountain and facing the Yangtze. It preserves over 200 architectures from different periods across six layers. Stroll through its artistic old lanes, capturing Chongqing's pulse on streets, bridges, and rivers.
Then, take Line 2 of Chongqing Rail Transit from Huanghuayuan Station to Liziba Station for 15-minute with cityscapes. Get off and watch a train passing through a 19-storey apartment, unique to mountainous Chongqing! Continue to Kuixinglou, a symbol of this 8-dimensional mountain city. Walk across the urban square to reach a skywalk where to find yourself standing simultaneously on the 1st and 22nd floor (65.8 meters) high above the streets below. Then, go to enjoy Chongqing panorama from WFC Huixianlou that is a 339-meter-high skyscraper with a 360° open-air platform at city center. After the tour, be transferred to board your 4-day Yangtze River cruise at Chaotianmen Port (18:00~21:00), which will sail at 21:00!
Tips for Cruise Boarding:
1) There are 12 sub-piers at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port; please confirm the exact boarding pier with your travel consultant one day prior; 2) Tell your driver the exact pier to minimize walking; 3) Be aware of boarding time and pier changes based on the ship line or factors like water level, season, weather condition, etc. Please pay attention to the important info from your travel consultants.
Laojun Cave Taoist Temple
Chongqing City View from Laojun Cave
Longmenhao Old Street
Liziba Metro Station
Kuixinglou - Standing on the 1st and also 22nd floor in 8-dimensional Chongqing
Board Yangtze Cruise Ship at Chaotianmen Port
Awesome Chongqing City Nightview from WFC Huixianlou Observation Deck
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Shibaozhai Pagoda, Captain’s Welcome PartyIn this morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil Yangtze River. You can either follow the Taichi master to play Taichi on the sundeck or enjoy a cup of coffee to stretch your mood to start your beautiful day. It will be colorful and interesting no matter you stay onboard or go shore excursions at river stops.
Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of cultural activities and entertainment, like attending a Yangtze River History and Culture Lecture to know deeply about the third longest river in the world, taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party to make new friends, or having great fun at the wonderful evening shows with sing, dance and music.
Also, you will follow a local English-speaking tour guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, a pearl of Yangtze River in Zhongxian County. Reputed as one of the eight extraordinary architectures in the world, this 12-story, 16th century red wooden pagoda leans against the side of the rocky and craggy hill about 200 meters tall. Climbing up to the top of Shibaozhai, you can not only visit the Buddhist temples and halls but also have panoramic view of Yangtze River. (Please note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be many stairs to climb up the pagoda.)
Optional excursion: Have a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City today with an extra fee. Called “the Homeland of Divine Comedy in China”, it consists of buildings, structures, dioramas and statues related to the afterlife in hell. Entering this “City of Ghosts”, you will know many mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. (Please note: the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes highly recommended!)
Shibaozhai Pagoda, a Pearl of Yangtze River
Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River
Play Taichi in the Morning
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Three Gorges, Shennv Stream, Captain’s Farewell PartyToday you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges! Follow the guide’s live interpretation and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.
On this day, take an enjoyable shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze River in Wushan County. You will be switched to a smaller boat to sail down this primitive stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs as well as hear some of the local history. Besides, you will be entertained with local music and dance offered by the Tujia ethnic group.
In this evening, enjoy the well-prepared Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a pleasant dinner together.
Optional excursion: Enjoy a shore excursion to White Emperor City today with an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursions gives you the chance to know Romance of the Three Kingdoms and offers the best pot to appreciate the magnificent “Kui Gate”.
Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
Day 5 Yangtze Cruise to Yichang & Yichang Departure (B)
Three Gorges DamAfter breakfast, you’ll go through a check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port. Then, take a morning shore excursion to visit the world-famous project - Three Gorges Dam. The dam is the largest hydropower station in the world with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours. The Three Gorges Dam includes three areas: the dam itself, a hydroelectric, and a system of locks. The height of the Three Gorges Dam is 185 meters (607 ft) above the sea level. The dam is about 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) long and about 115 meters (377 ft) wide. With a water capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters, the dam will hold a huge reservoir which will efficiently prevent flooding in the middle and lower portions of the Yangtze River. (Optional experience: you can choose to sail through the world’s largest ship lift - Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift to very closely marvel at the huge dam which is a totally fresh and exciting experience for travelers.)
After the dam visiting, you’ll take the tourist bus arranged by the cruise company transferring you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30~13:30. Here you’ll be picked up and escorted to Yichang Airport / train station for your flight or train to next destination.
Tips & Note: No matter you take Ship Lift or not, you’ll do check out procedure in this early morning. (1) Only dam visiting: you’ll take bus from Maoping Port to Three Gorges Dam for sightseeing. You’ll arrive at Yichang downtown around 12:30. (2) Dam & Ship Lift Experience: travelers who are interested in Ship Lift will first switch to a sightseeing boat to sail through the Ship Lift and then visit Three Gorges Dam Site. You’ll arrive at Yichang downtown area around 13:30.
Departure Ideas: You can take flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, etc. Or you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 7.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 7.5hrs), Chengdu (about 7hrs), Guangzhou (about 7hrs) and more cities.
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the Largest Ship Lift in the World
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a comfortable-class hotel and traveling with our private tour package in low seasons. The price will be much lower if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month, and date. There may be huge price increasing during the public Chinese holidays, school summer holidays (usually 2 months, July ~ August), peak tourist seasons or some special dates. (Chinese Public Holidays 2025)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include your group size, hotel class, tour activities, real-time exchange rate, and so on.
4. This price is based on the exchange rate USD 1= RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid from now to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the Confirmation Letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Price Includes:
- English-speaking guide with the professional license as listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees and other fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
- Yangtze River Cruise ticket as listed in the itinerary.
- Accommodation (comfortable-class) based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a double bed.
- Meals as specified with “B” (for breakfast), “L” (for lunch) or “D” (for dinner) in the itinerary.
- Private Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in each city or area by private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver as listed in the itinerary.
- Transportation: Domestic flights (economy class) or trains (second-class seat) as listed in the itinerary.
- Airport / train station pick-up and drop-off service as listed in the itinerary.
- Luggage Transfers between airports, train station and hotels.
- Travel Service Charge of our travel consultant, including the planning, handling, operational and communication charges, etc.
Price Excludes:
- China Visa (We do not offer any visa service or charge any visa-related fee.)
- Scenic spots not listed in the itinerary.
- Optional activities or other sightseeing.
- Accommodation not as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary.
- Flights or trains not as listed in the itinerary.
- Excess Baggage Charges.
- Personal expenses of a purely personal nature such as room service, laundry, drink, Internet charge, WI-FI, fax, telephone call, etc.
- Gratuities or optional tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.
- Travel insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
Read what other travelers think about this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. We only accept reviews from actual, confirmed travelers who purchased the tour / activity from us, so you can be sure the reviews are unbiased and authentic.
Wonder,
1. My travel consultant always answers all my queries patiently and promptly and provides advice when appropriate.
2. We are happy with the tour arrangement. We wanted a more relaxing tour and we are happy that the tour was well arranged. It was not rushed but we were able to visit all the places we wanted without feeling tired. We were happy with the tour guide and driver. The guide was very friendly and helpful and made us feel like her friends. The driver was a careful driver and was helpful.
3. I am happy to recommend your company.
Teh
- Teh - January 11, 2025‚ ,
Dear Jack,
We have safely arrived Guangzhou in preparation for our homeward journey back to Australia. The Canadian pair have reached their destination of HK , they, seasoned traveller to China are like us are more than happy with your travel arrangement and the execution of the schedule , never once did we have minor hiccup in our whole journey . For this. I have to thank you specially for the most professional organisation .
The followings are my brief comment on
Hotel, on the whole no complaint ,clean comfortable , reasonably centrally located, the one in Xian is good , the one in Shanghai is too too small.
Meals were good and plentiful
Guides were satisfactory and good , one in Xian and Zhangjiajie were excellent.
Transport driver and car , good , punctual and certainly no complaint.
General impression of the whole journey: well designed , seamlessly executed . My highest recommendation for your organisation , assured a returned engagement.
Sincere thank for the memorable journey
David
- David - December 14, 2024‚ ,
Hi Elk
We had a great trip. While the boat is old and certainly needs some work, the excursions were good and the service was fantastic. The food was mostly Chinese but enough variety that we didn't go hungry at all. We would recommend it.
Thank you for organizing
- Elizabeth - December 30, 2024‚ ,
Dear Mrs. Zhu,
As you presumed, we are now back again at our home in Germany. We enjoyed the Yangtze Cruise and appreciated travelling with Yangtze River Cruises very much.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Peter and Karen
- Peter - December 23, 2024‚ ,
Here are recent candid photos of this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. If you want to share your own tour photos, simply email your photos to info@yangtze-river-cruises.com with your Booking ID Number. Thanks in advance for sharing!
- Chongqing, the Magic 8D Mountain City in China
- Hongya Cave Night View
- Chongqing City View from Laojun Cave
- Awesome Chongqing City Nightview from WFC Huixianlou Observation Deck
- Kuixinglou - Standing on the 1st and also 22nd floor in 8-dimensional Chongqing
- Longmenhao Old Street
- Laojun Cave Taoist Temple
- Board Yangtze Cruise Ship at Chaotianmen Port
- Liziba Metro Station
- Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River
- Shibaozhai Pagoda, a Pearl of Yangtze River
- Play Taichi in the Morning
- Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
- Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
- Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the Largest Ship Lift in the World
- World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Essential China Travel Information & Service
To help you have a further understanding of your tour, we provide some essential travel information like yourtour guides, drivers, private cars/vans, accommodations and meals that you could know more about how is your China Yangtze cruise tour going. All the experience will be vivid and memorable in any time in any destination.
Your Private Tour Guide
The tour guides in all destinations are qualified, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and responsible!
All of our guides in every destination are locals. They will be greeted you punctually upon arrival at airport, train stations or cruise ports. And escort you to your hotel and tourist attractions and make you have full understanding about the local life, scenic spots as well as show you the fun places for more featured activities and things to do according to your time and interests.
“All our guides, especially those who we had a chance to spend more time with (Guilin, Chengdu, Lijiang, Zhangjiajie) were great. Always very accommodating, punctual and attentive.” - Review from Zane, Canada
Your Private Driver & Car
Taking our private transportation will make you comfortable, relaxed and worry free!
All our drivers are licensed with many years' driving experience. They are always polite, friendly and helpful, glad to offer more service you may need during the transfer. Our vehicles are air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and expertly maintained. We use different types of cars/vans to guarantee your comfort. Besides, there is need to worry about your luggage for we use vehicles with extra space for your luggage.
"With respect to the drivers, we can state that they are excellent drivers and very friendly. They are pleasant with smiling face and helpful too." - Review from Pedro Corro, USA
Comfortable & Homelike Hotel
In each destination, we guarantee you a comfortable stay!
The hotels we choose are based with star rating, great location, well-pointed facilities and high quality service and guests' feedbacks. Choices are a lot and you could decide where to stay on your own. When taking a Yangtze River cruise, you are guaranteed a comfortable cabin or suite with private balconies to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
“All the hotels were comfortable and in good locations. The food was generally good with a wide choice of both western and Chinese choices for breakfast. The room sizes even with the extra bed for Jessica were also fine.” - Review from McHale, USA
Dining, Meal & Local Food
On Yangtze River cruise, you are offered three meals (usually buffet with western and Chinese dishes) each day. In other cities of China, breakfast and lunch usually are included in your tour packages. You'll dine in local restaurants, follow local customs and enjoy local dishes. The food quality and dining environment will suit for your taste. If you have any suggestions or special requirements (vegetarian or food allergies), just let your travel consultants and guides know. They will arrange the suitable food and restaurants for you. Recommended evening dining options are: Peking Roast Duck in Beijing, Dumpling Dinner in Xian, and Hot Pot in Chengdu etc.
“We had very good breakfasts in all the hotels and were given a substantial lunch every day.” - Review from John, United Kingdom
Recommended Add-on Options
+ 3~4 more days to explore the capital city of China - Beijing
Get into the imperial capital city whose story goes back at least 3000 years.
Beijing’s opulent royal palaces, temples and magnificent walls and gates make it the first tourist destination in China. A wealth of history, both ancient (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace) and more recent (Tiananmen Square, Bird’s Nest & Water Cube) will inspire your imagination. A visit to the Great Wall, the longest manmade structure in the world, is absolutely essential.
+ 2~3 more days to explore the Ancient of Heart - Xian
Explore the glorious past in the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties!
With a history of over 3000 years, Xian is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and capital of most important dynasties in early Chinese history. It is known as the eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army along with many other historical sites, like Ancient City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and so on.
+ 2~3 more days to visit the largest metropolis in China - Shanghai
Experience the past, present and future of China all at once!
The Huangpu River splits Shanghai into two districts: Pudong and Puxi. The Pudong skyline with stunning tall buildings like Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Oriental Pearl TV Tower gives you a flourishing scene of modern Shanghai. On the Puxi side, walk along the Bund to get a taste of old Shanghai. What a huge contrast!
+ 3~4 more days to step into the World Geological Park - Zhangjiajie
Reputed as “a miniature fairyland” and “a maze of nature”, Zhangjiajie is a surreal world with hundreds of grotesque peaks, beautiful waters, towering trees, deep valley, marvelous caves and exuberant forest. In Zhangjiajie, you’ll fully explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to catch the outstanding landscape and experience the world’s longest and highest glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
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Not easy to find the right cruise ship/itinerary for you? Please contact one of our Yangtze cruise specialists to save your time and money. Click the right button to send an online inquiry and we will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hours.
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