11 Days Yangtze River Panorama Cruise from Chongqing to Shanghai 2024/2025
- To Savor Half of China’s Splendid Nature, Culture & History with Top Best Luxurious Cruise from only $2,319
China is vast! China is also splendid no matter its nature, culture, history or food! Yangtze River as one of the two important “Mother River” of China since thousands of years ago has nourished the civilization and booming economy of this enormous country! There are so many ways to travel through China and discover the amazing regions along the river, but none can be compared to the intimated, luxurious, stylish, relaxing and sophisticated experience of a river cruise! How about watching half of China in 11 days by a cruise?
11 days Yangtze River Panorama Cruise from Chongqing to Shanghai 2024 is delicately designed by the Yangtze renowned brand - Century Cruises that is the classic luxury cruise company receiving “Magellan Awards” from Travel Weekly and praised as the “Most Dynamic Cruise Company on Yangtze River” by New York Times.
In 2024, Century Legend, the proud top luxury cruise vessel of Century Cruises, will take you to immerse into your deluxe, relaxing and in-depth Yangtze River cruise discovery! During this half a month vacation, you will sail leisurely passing Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Three Gorges, Chongqing, and many other unknown but charming places along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze to explore the fabulous sightseeing, brilliant culture, profound history, diverse customs and flourishing economy of the core part of China! Let’s glimpse at what to expect during the vacation and on the cruise at below! You will enjoy more discounts if you book early cruises.
Chongqing to Shanghai Yangtze Cruise - Explore Half of China in 11 Days
① Valuable all-inclusive cruise package: enjoy a quite valuable sailing vacation with everything included in the quotation from US$2,275 per person, including rooms of 5-star hotel standard, three meals per day with plentiful types of delicious food & drinks, 24-hour caring service around the cruise, all attractions visiting, tour guides, etc., which needs only about US$207 per day for each one.
② Encounter at least 7 types of Chinese Cultures along the Yangtze: Shanghai regional culture, Wu & Yue Kingdoms Culture, Salt Merchants Culture, Buddhist Culture, Three Kingdoms Period Culture, Three Gorges Culture, poetry culture, food culture, etc.
③ Comprehensive discovery of China’s profound history: feel the great change of the key part of China from Three Kingdoms period 1700 years ago to Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming & Qing dynasties during 6th - 19 centuries, and from Republic of China era (1910s - 1940s) to the current 21st century.
④ Figure out why China’s economy flying so unbelievably: Marvel at the incredible flying development of the golden economy belt of the Yangtze in China.
⑤ Close visit to 9 cities: enjoy fantastic visits to 4 provinces (Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Anhui and Hubei), 2 municipalities (Shanghai & Chongqing), 7 cities (Yichang, Jingzhou, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Chizhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou). Including pacing Tour at the 4 mega dynamic cities and authentic shore excursions to 6 Ancient Cities.
⑥ Have great time at more than 10 different types of scenic sites: old towns & villages, ancient streets, ancient city walls, temples, museums, pavilions, parks, lakes, gorges, mountains, etc.
⑦ Cruise along the magnificent and classic Yangtze Three Gorges.
⑧ Savor delectable 4 main Chinese cuisines (Sichuan Cuisine, Huaiyang Cuisine, Anhui Cuisine & Hubei Cuisine) and diverse international delicacies. Also, you will be welcomed with diverse kinds of afternoon tea, snacks and unlimited selected drinks during the whole sailing.
Chongqing to Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Highlights
Leisure Vacation with Century Legend, Top Best Yangtze Luxury Ship
Century Legend first sailing in 2013 is the representative and one of the best luxurious Yangtze River cruise ships for all global travelers to the Yangtze, which is extremely popular and frequently praised with its fancy cruise hardware and skills by international teams as well as featured European styled service, catering international visitors. Click to check more info of the ship facilities, cabins, deckplans, food & drinks, onboard service, entertainment, reviews, etc. and more photos of Century Legend!
Detailed Sailing Schedules at below:
Detailed Itinerary for 11-day Chongqing to Shanghai Cruise
All the Yangtze River cruises sailing from Chongqing to Shanghai will take 11 days and 10 nights along the lower and middle reaches of Yangtze River. The first day is the embarkation day that travelers from other places should transfer to Chongqing, and the cruise company will arrange transportation escorting you from the airport / train station to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port for embarkation. You will enjoy full days from the second day to tenth day to enjoy the natural, cultural, historical, economical and food highlights all the way passing various parts of Chongqing, Yichang, Jingzhou, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Chizhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou and Shanghai, including visits to Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, etc. On the morning of the eleventh day, you will arrive in Shanghai downtown and the cruise will dock at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal for your disembarkation. the cruise company will also arrange vehicle to escort you to Shanghai airport / railway station for your leaving for the next destination or home. Check the following cruise itinerary from Chongqing to Shanghai to have a general idea about what to expect during such in-depth Yangtze river vacation!
Map of Chongqing Shanghai Cruise Route
Sampling Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 Chongqing Arrival & Embarkation (D)
Embark the cruise at Chaotianmen Port; Safety Briefing; Captain’s Welcome PartyWelcome to Chongqing, the City of Mountain. Chongqing is China’s fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, attracting visitors from home and aboard for its delicious food, cultural heritage, tourist attractions, unbelievable mountain landform... Located at the confluence of Yangtze River and Jialing River, it is best to appreciate the view of the city center. Embark the ship and come to the sundeck to enjoy the terrific night view of Chongqing, which is reputed as the “little Hong Kong”. The cruise company will arrange vehicle to meet you at Chongqing airport / train station for your embarkation.
Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock
Day 2 Fengdu (B, L, D)
Visit Fengdu Ghost City & Feng Yan San Guo Show; Captain pilot house tour & lecture about the Three GorgesHighlights include
Fengdu Ghost City is a large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife located on Ming Mountain. You’ll have a learning about Chinese demons and beliefs of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.
Feng Yan San Guo Show is the marvelous large-scale real landscape show about the brilliant historical culture of the Three Kingdoms Period about over 1,800 year ago and the spirit of loyalty of great military officer Guan Yu.
Three Kingdoms Open Air Show
Fengdu Ghost City
Day 3 Fengjie (B, L, D)
Option A: White Emperor City or Option B: Peak of the Three Gorges; Sail through Qutang & Wu Gorges; Sail through the Five-stages Ship Locks; Themed party activitiesHighlights include
White Emperor City is located on the north side of Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City offers the best angle to view the magnificent Kui Gate. Known as the Poem City, White Emperor City has attracted many poets come and left many famous poems. What makes this place known to outside is the historical story of “Entrusting Zhuge Liang with an Orphan in Baidi Town”.
Three Gorges Dam Five Stages Ship Locks is so far the largest ship locks globally. With a water height difference of 113 meters in total, it is the most complicated ship locks to construct universally.
Qutang Gorge at the western section is narrow and dramatic like an art gallery of nature, which offers superb magnificent scenery for all guests. Wu Gorge is the middle one gorge. It is a mysterious gorge site well-known for its frequently rising and passing mists, which is extremely beautiful and gorgeous with the leaves in red, yellow, golden and orange during autumn.
Fengjie White Emperor City
Three Gorges Dam with Ship Locks
Magnificent Qutang Gorge
Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
Day 4 Yichang (B, L, D)
Three Gorges Dam; Lecture about Three Gorges Dam & Ship Lock; Sail through Xiling Gorge; Crew cabaret show at nightHighlights include
The Three Gorges Dam is the No.1 must-see attraction arranged by every ship as the first or last shore excursion. Located in Yichang City, it has been the world’s largest power station. Three Gorges Dam is 3,335 meters long and the top of the dam is 185 meters above sea level. The dam consists of three parts - dam body, power plants and ship lift. It is used for producing electricity, but also increase the Yangtze River’s shipping capacity. Travelers with a Yangtze River cruise will spend about 2 to 3 hours visiting the dam. You will not only have a close look at the impressive huge dam, but also learn the history, social impact, economics about the dam.
Xiling Gorge is the longest part with 76 km and also the most beautiful one among all the three gorges. Known for its dangerous rugged shoals & turbulent waters, historically. Now tourists can hardly see the billowy waves, but the beautiful landscape will let you forget the worries and linger.
Xiling Gorge with Mists
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Day 5 Jingzhou (B, L, D)
Option A: Jinzhou Museum & Jingzhou Ancient City Wall or Option B: The Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of the King of Chu (Xiongjia National Archaeological Site Park); Enjoy movie time in the theaterHighlights include
Plan A
Jingzhou Ancient City Wall is one of the best preserved and larges scaled city wall in southern part in China, which is historic from the Warring States period. Visit this ancient site to admire its look kept from the Qing dynasty and understand the history of Jingzhou being the famous place in the past dynasties.
Jingzhou Museum is one of the top National First Class Museums in China with over 130 thousand pieces of historical cultural relics. Admire the top best silk and colorful lacquer exhibitions from the Warring States period, well-preserved swords of famous ancient kings. Besides, it boasts the best preserved and most historic ancient male corpse buried in 167BC from the Western Han dynasty.
Or Plan B
The Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of the King of Chu (Xiongjia National Archaeological Site Park) has the precious largest chariot and horse pit even over 200 years earlier than that of the Terracotta Warriors discovery. The 43 warrior horses and 163 horse skeletons as well as a rich array of high value burial objects presents the brilliant history of the King of Chu more than 2000 years ago!
Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of King Chu in Jingzhou
Jingzhou Museum
Jingzhou Ancient City Wall
Day 6 Wuhan (B, L, D)
Yellow Crane Tower; Hubei Provincial Museum; Line Dance Party with classic music in the bar at nightHighlights include
Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most renowned towers south of the Yangtze River. It enjoys the fame of “The First Scenery under Heaven”. And its cultural significance led to its being made the symbol of Wuhan City.
Hubei Provincial Museum, one of the 8 national class museums in China, displays nearly 1,000 pieces of state-level historic and cultural relics. It currently holds over 240 thousand objects to logistically introduce the history and culture of the ancient Chu State and the ancient Yangtze River, among which the most astonishing are the objects excavated from the Zenghouyi Tomb which was built about 2,400 years ago.
Hubei Provincial Museum
Yellow Crane Tower
Day 7 Jiujiang (B, L, D)
Full day shore excursion to Mt.Lushan. Or alternatively to Jingdezhen Porcelain Town; night Live Music Masquerade onboardHighlights include
Option A:
Lushan Mountain is listed as one of the 10 Famous Mountains in China and is famous for having long been complimented by many famous ancient Chinese poets in their masterpieces to describe its peculiar beautiful sightseeing and many kinds of looks from different angle of view.
Or Option B:
Jingdezhen Town has been especially famous for over 1,000 years and reputed as “City of Ceramics” for its excellent skill of porcelain production. Visit this elegant town in Jiangxi Province to watch in person the real ancient porcelain factory, ancient kiln porcelain yard, Expo area and various exquisite artistic porcelain works.
Jiangxi Jingdezhen
Jiujiang Lushan Mountain
Day 8 Chizhou (B, L, D)
Option A: One day to Mount Jiuhua or Option B: Jingdizang Temple and Anhui Cuisine Lunch at Pingtian Lake; Karaoke onboardHighlights include
Option A:
Mt. Jiuhua is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. Ksitigarbha (Chinese Pinyin: Dizang), a bodhisattva and protector of beings in hell realms according to Mahayana Buddhist tradition is delidated there.
Or Option B:
Jindizang Temple facing Mount Jiuhua and backing the elegant mountain is a magnificent temple site to admire the rich royal flavored religious architectural set as well as tranquil nature view. Giant Buddha statues can be found in each hall. During this excursion visit, you will enjoy the authentic Anhui Cuisine at lunch arranged at Pingtian Lake.
Sacred Buddha in Mount Jiuhua
Mount Jiuhua
Day 9 Nanjing (B, L, D)
Mt. Niushou Cultural Park; Muyan Riverside Scenic Site; Demonstration of Hospitality & Service Skills by the crewHighlights include
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is located at the foot of the Purple Mountain, is the mausoleum park of Sun Yat-sen who was the leader of the Chinese revolution that ended the more than 2000 years feudal monarchy system.
Niushou Mountain, named from its two peaks seeming two ox horns. It boasts the parietal Sarira of Shakyamuni, attracts numerous visitors to feel its rich Buddhist culture and its peculiar building that has won "Luban" Prize, a high prize of architecture in China.
Nanjing Muyan Riverside Scenic Site
Nanjing Niushou Mountain Cultural Park
Day 10 Yangzhou (B, L, D)
Walking tour to Dongguan Street; Slender West Lake; Photography Sharing Salon about the Yangtze & CruiseHighlights include
Slender West Lake is the symbol of the dignified and graceful Yangzhou and the must-visit site in this city. The verdant trees with branches and flowers dancing in the wind dress the lake into a pretty and gorgeous lady who will arouse your interest to enjoy the seasonal scenery.
Dongguan Old Street is the local famous ancient street will rich antique flavor among those historical shops, dwellings, etc. for interesting travel back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Yangzhou Slendar West Lake
Yangzhou Slendar West Lake
Day 11 Shanghai (B)
Disembark at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. (Opposite to the Pearl Tower)Highlight:
Situated at the mouth of Yangtze River, Shanghai is the largest and most developed city in China. It is a flourishing international metropolis and a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks the Bund, Yu Garden as well as the extensive and growing Lujiazui skyline. The cruise company will arrange a vehicle to see you off at the Shanghai airport / train station. If you like, you can also choose to discover Shanghai after disembarkation.
Shanghai Huangpu River and Lujiazui View
Quotation Includes:
- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin with private river-view balcony, based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a king size bed; Please note double bed room is on request basis which is subject to Hotel's availability and re-confirmation upon check-in;
- Meals onboard and on land as specified in the itinerary;
- Transportation: pick-up and drop-off service for embarkation and disembarkation in Shanghai and Chongqing, while sightseeing in each shore excursion visit; shuttle vehicle, cable, etc. during exursion visit;
- Luggage Transfers between airports, trains and the cruise;
- Entrance fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary;
- English-speaking guide introduction service during each shore excursion listed in the itinerary;
- High staff-to-guest ratio ensures personalized service;
- Room Service: Free Room Service Menu 24 Hours a Day;
- Elegant casual ambience & enrichment programmes;
- Free and unlimited access to shipboard Wi-Fi;
- Welcome fruits on the boarding day;
- Unlimited selected drinks throughout the cruise;
- Free gratuities, luggage handling, service charge;
- Government Taxes.
(The price will be a little lower if you pay in Chinese Yuan (RMB!)
Price excludes:
- Accommodation not as listed in the itinerary;
- Visa Fees: Please make sure that you have got your valid passport and visa before your entry to China. We can send you a free official invitation letter to assist you in obtaining your visa after the reservation deposit is received;
- Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary;
- Meals not listed in the itinerary;
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, shopping, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc.;
- Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Service Charge;
- Life Tourist insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
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 Chaotianmen Dock
- Three Kingdoms Open Air Show
- Fengdu Ghost City
- Fengjie White Emperor City
- Three Gorges Dam with Ship Locks
- Magnificent Qutang Gorge
- Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
- Xiling Gorge with Mists
- World-famous Three Gorges Dam
- Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of King Chu in Jingzhou
- Jingzhou Museum
- Jingzhou Ancient City Wall
- Hubei Provincial Museum
- Yellow Crane Tower
- Jiangxi Jingdezhen
- Jiujiang Lushan Mountain
- Sacred Buddha in Mount Jiuhua
- Mount Jiuhua
- Nanjing Muyan Riverside Scenic Site
- Nanjing Niushou Mountain Cultural Park
- Yangzhou Slendar West Lake
- Yangzhou Slendar West Lake
- Shanghai Huangpu River and Lujiazui View
Note:
1. The above information including itinerary, attractions, and shore excursions, is not fixed and will be changed slightly because of the differences in ships, seasons, water levels, and weather condition.
2. Included meals as noted in above itinerary: (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner.
3. Get to / away from Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport are two top busy airports in China, which have frequent flights every day to most destinations in China and international destinations. Besides, high speed trains launch frequently from / to Shanghai Hongqiao Station, Shanghai South Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station every day, linking it with many destinations in China, like Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, etc.
4. Get to / away from Chongqing: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has frequent flights to majority domestic places in China and some direct flights to Seoul, Tokyo, Nagoya, Bangkok, etc. Besides, Chongqing North Railway Station, Chongqing West Railway Station and Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station has high speed trains to / from Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Guangzhou, etc.
5. What to Wear for Yangtze River Cruise: wear casual seasonal wears like coats, T-shirts, light knitwear, jeans, etc. in spring and autumn, shorts, light jackets, T-shirts, skirts, sunglasses, sun hat, sunblock, etc. in summer and jackets, warm pants, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc. in winter.
6. What to Pack: Travel documents, “Carry On” luggage, confirmation letter, casual clothes to pack, daily commodities, credit cards, cash, mobile phone, cameras, as well as any essential medicines, etc.
7. Complimentary Services for booking "Executive Suites": Dining at VIP Restaurant; 24-hour Executive Lounge Service; Mahjong & KTV services for free; Complimentary fruit basket; A bottle of welcome red wine on the embarkation day; VIP night turn down service; Private tourist group for shore excursions; Free laundry service during whole cruise; Private cruise party; Free MINI bar in the room.
8. Complimentary Services for booking "Presidential Suites": Concierge service; 24-hour butler service; Free selected wines and drinks; Private tourist group of each suite for shore excursions; Room service; Exclusive shower products of luxury brand; Privilege for embarkation and disembarkation; Reserved seats for lectures and performances onboard.
Interested in the cruise? Select from the following cruise dates and make an inquiry to start your trip planning & cruise vacation!
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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