Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
Embarking on a journey along the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang is a popular choice for many, with the downstream voyage typically spanning 4 days and 3 nights. This 648-kilometer route is often referred to as the "golden waterway" of the Yangtze, offering a luxurious and relaxing 5-star cruise experience.
The Chongqing to Yichang cruise traverses the most spectacular sections of the Yangtze, encompassing awe-inspiring landscapes such as towering mountains, striking peaks, and mysterious cliffs, all complemented by the river’s own dramatic flow. The cruise is particularly noted for passing through the breathtaking Three Gorges and showcasing the pastoral beauty of traditional Chinese countryside.
This trip is akin to a journey through a dynamic art exhibition, where each new vista unveils a fresh, natural masterpiece. The scenery shifts from the grandeur of the mountains to the peacefulness of the farmlands, painting a vivid picture of China’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.
Why Taking a Yangtze Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang?
① Spectacular Vistas: This cruise offers a visual feast as you journey along the Yangtze, with the breathtaking Three Gorges serving as a constant companion. You'll have ample opportunities to witness the grandeur of the Three Gorges and delve into the engineering marvel that is the Three Gorges Dam.
② Diverse Fleet Options: Nearly 20 vessels ply this iconic route, with cruise lines offering a variety of luxury, spacious, and modern ships. This abundance of options allows you to pick the perfect vessel to suit your preferences and budget.
③ Year-Round Sailing: The cruise ships maintain a consistent schedule from March to November, ensuring that you can embark on this journey at any time during these months. During the winter months of December to February, select cruise lines like Century Cruises and Victoria Cruises offer special discounted rates for those looking to explore this route in a more budget-friendly way.
④ Creative Itineraries: The journey from Chongqing to Yichang is dotted with approximately 20 points of interest, where you can disembark to explore 3-5 natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Additionally, the cruise features an array of engaging entertainment and activities that are scheduled at various times, ensuring that your time on board is just as enjoyable as your time onshore.
⑤ Relaxing Interlude in a Longer Trip: If your China itinerary spans over 10 days or more, incorporating a Chongqing to Yichang cruise is often seen as a welcome respite. Instead of the hustle of visiting multiple attractions daily, you can enjoy a few days of tranquility on the river, with less physical exertion and more time to soak in the experience at a leisurely pace. Top 10 China Yangtze Tours (6~17 Days), discover now >>
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise through Three Gorges
Enjoy Three Gorges Scenery in your Cabin
Hot Cruises from Chongqing to Yichang 2024/2025
Detailed Sample Itinerary for 4-day Chongqing to Yichang Cruise
All Yangtze River cruise sailing from Chongqing to Yichang will take 4 days and 3 nights along the Yangtze River. The first day is the embarkation day that travelers from other destinations should transfer to Chongqing and board your ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock. The second and the third day are two full days from Chongqing to Yichang, and you’ll enjoy some excursions onshore and have fun onboard. The fourth day belongs to the disembarkation day that your ship will dock at Yichang Maoping Port or Sandouping Port. Then go to explore Three Gorge Dam Site before shift to Yichang downtown area for departure.
Check the below SAMPLE itinerary sailing from Chongqing to Yichang to have a general idea about what is a Yangtze cruise going. The detailed sailing time, activities onboard and shore excursions may vary with different cruise companies. When decided your Yangtze ship, please view the exact itinerary offered by the ship.
Map of Chongqing Yichang Cruise Route
Day 1 Board your Ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock
- 16:30-20:00 Board the ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock & check in
- 21:00-21:30 Embarkation safety briefing & facilities onboard introduction
- Approx. 21:30 Depart from Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock and your cruise starts
Highlights:
Chongqing is China’s fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, attracting visitors from home and aboard for its unique topography, amazing nightscape and UNESCO attractions. Located at the confluence of Yangtze River and Jialing River, Chongqing is mainly served as a port city for Yangtze River cruise. Many travelers choose to land in Chongqing at least half day in advance and sometime arrive one day ahead for a classic savory of the Mountain City in China.
Meals: No dinner provided tonight. You are recommended to have dinner before boarding or bring some food to the ship.
Accommodation: on the ship
▶ Learn more about: How to Get to & around Chongqing | Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock | Chongqing Travel Guide
Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock
Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
- 08:00 Optional shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (2.5 hours) or stay onboard;
- 14:00 Shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda (2.5 hours)
- 17:15 Captain’s Welcome Party
- 21:00 Crew cabaret and evening entertainment
Highlights:
Shibaozhai Pagoda, reputed as “Pearl of the Yangtze River”, has been praised as one of the “Top 7 Wonders in China” and the “World 8 Strange Constructions” by the US Discovery Channel. This pagoda is a red wooden pagoda built along the cliff facing with the Yangtze River. It is 12 storeys in total, with a height of 56 meters and the whole pagoda was made of wooden, without using any single nail in the construction. Travelers need to climb up to the pagoda where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the view in a different angle. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended. Learn more about Shibaozhai Pagoda >>
Some cruise ships arrange Fengdu Ghost City as the must-do site and some ships take it as the optional one. 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. Instead of visiting Fengdu Ghost City, some cruise ships will take you to its nearby attraction - Jade Emperor Scenic Area or Mount Shuanggui. Learn more about Fengdu Ghost City >>
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Accommodation: on the ship
▶ Learn more about: Onboard Activities | Shore Excursions Advice & Tips
Shibaozhai Pagoda
Fengdu Ghost City
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
- 08:00-10:30 Optional shore excursion to White Emperor City or stay onboard
- Approx. 11:00 Scenic cruising - passing through Qutang Gorge; and marvel at Kui Gate
- Approx. 13:30 Scenic cruising - passing through Wu Gorge
- 14:00-16:30 Shore excursion to Shennv Stream
- 20:30-22:00 Attend the Yangtze Pirate Night Show
Highlights:
The Three Gorges span 311 kilometers, beginning at Baidi Town of Chongqing in the west and ending at Nanjing Pass in Yichang City in the east. It is composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. The most relaxing way to enjoy the stunning beauty of Three Gorges is on the sundeck or sitting at your private balcony with endless magnificent gorges scenery passing by. Your pulse races when you pass through the famous Kui Gate of Qutang Gorge which is the classic sight of 10 Yuan background of Renminbi. Learn more about Three Gorges >>
Shennv Stream is a primitive gorge newly opened for travelers. Close to Goddess Peak, Shennv Stream has a length of 15 kilometers and about 10 kilometers belongs to the original gorge. Experience will be similar to Shennnong Stream. You’ll first switch to a smaller boat from your ship and then sailing through Shennv Stream. Hanging coffins can be seen and Tujia minority singing and dancing show can be experienced. Learn more about Shennv Stream >>
White Emperor City is usually served as an optional excursion for a cruise. 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”. Learn more about White Emperor City >>
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Accommodation: on the ship
▶ Learn more about: Shennong Stream | Lesser Three Gorges | Mini Three Gorge
Qutang Gorge
Shennv Stream
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise & Disembark at Yichang Maoping Dock (B)
- 08:00-12:30 Disembark at Maoping Port. Take shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site and transfer to Yichang Three Gorges Cruise Terminal for departure.
- Or 08:00-13:30 Disembark at Maoping Port. Switch to a sightseeing boat sailing through Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift and pay a visit to Three Gorges Dam. Then, transfer to Yichang Three Gorges Cruise Terminal for departure.
Highlight:
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. If you show your interests to experience the newly-built ship lift, you can do this. Learn more about Three Gorges Dam >>
Meals: Breakfast included (no lunch on this day)
Accommodation: excluded
▶ Learn more about: Maoping Port | How to Get from Cruise Port to Airport / Railway Station | Yichang Travel Guide
Three Gorges Dam Site
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.
How to Choose a Yangtze Cruise Sailing from Chongqing to Yichang?
1. Decide Which Companies You Want to Take
There are altogether six cruise companies including Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Sanctuary Retreat, President Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises and Changjiang Cruises, sailing from Chongqing to Yichang stably. To enjoy the best service with new vessels, you can go with Century Cruises and Victoria Cruises. To enjoy luxury to the fullest with VIP one-on-one service, you can take Yangtze Explorer. To go in Chinese-styled way, you can take President Cruise, Yangtze Gold Cruises or Changjiang Cruises. Check all the cruise companies and ships in 2024/2025.
2. Budget
What is your budget for a Chongqing Yichang Yangtze cruise? If you want a luxury cruise, you can book the super 5 star cruise called Yangtze Explorer with a price at $1,041-$1,716. If you are looking for a cheap cruise, you can book a cruise at a low price from $361. For most travelers, the best-value ships both with advanced facilities and good service are at a price ranging from $363-$551.
3. Covering Favored Shore Excursions or Activities You Are Interested
Different cruise companies offer different itineraries with shore excursions to different places. All the cruise companies will go to Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam.
As for other small attractions along the way, Century Cruises will go to visit Shibaozhai Pagoda, Shennv Stream while Victoria Cruises will take you to Jade Emperor Scenic Area and Shennv Stream. If you want to visit Lesser Three Gorges, you should travel with Yangtze Gold Cruise. To make a detailed comparison about the arrangements of each cruise company, you can turn to All Shore Excursions along the Yangtze River.
4. Select Your Travel Date
To have a clear mind about the which cruise ships will sail from Chongqing to Yichang on an exact date, you can turn to our 2024/2025 cruise calendar with a list of ships for the route on your selected date. Once you have got an idea, you can contact us for more detailed information to make the final decision.
Interested in Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing instead of Chongqing to Yichang? You can take a look at the 5 days & 4 nights upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing for more reference. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our professional cruise agents!
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Enrich Your Yangtze River Cruise Experience
To enjoy the classic joyous Yangtze River cruise sailing, most people prefer to discover it with more wonderful destinations in China for a richer savory of China’s beautiful nature, culture, history, modern city, and more miracles in one go. No matter you visit China for the first time or more, we highly recommend you plan some days in the famous port city Chongqing and more hot places such as Guilin and Zhangjiajie with amazing landscape and classic destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, etc. before or after your cruising wind down! Select your favorite tour at below to start your vacation! Besides, all our tours are customizable, and we yangtze-river-cruises.com based in Chongqing, China is experienced in tour customization according to interests, needs and budget of our dear customers. So please feel free to contact us for a tailor-made tour if you are interested! Let’s go and explore!
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