Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing
Yangtze River cruises from Yichang to Chongqing is another popular route of Yangtze River, chosen by thousands of travelers every year just after Chongqing Yichang route. Sailing upstream from Yichang to Chongqing, it takes about 5 days and 4 nights along the third longest river in the world.
This classic itinerary gives you a chance to watch all the highlights of China Yangtze River unfolding before your eyes. During the 648-kilometer cruise journey, you will uncover the veil of Three Gorges Dam first to witness its magnificence and spectacle. Later, you’ll sailing upstream with a slow comfortable pace to appreciate the splendid Three Gorges scenery, from the spacious, lovely Xiling Gorge, steep and mysterious Wu Gorge to magnificent but short Qutang Gorge... you are surely guaranteed a once-in-lifetime-experience in central China with a luxury Yangtze River cruise.
Why Taking a Yangtze Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing?
① Cover All the Essences of the Yangtze River. Yichang to Chongqing route is always called the golden waterway and an upstream cruise can take you explore the best highlights of the river, the must-see Three Gorges Dam and Three Gorges included.
② Competitive Price at Best Value. Having the same price with the Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang which goes 4 days and 3 nights, this route has one more full day than the downstream one. If you have one more day, you are recommended to book the 5-day cruise with the competitive price offered.
③ 25+ Ships Go this Route. All the cruise companies with either luxury, large or new ships go this route. You have got a lot of choices to select your favorite cruise to sail from Chongqing to Yichang.
④ Stable Departure All Year Round. All the ships will go from Yichang to Chongqing with very stable departure during March~November. And from December to next February, entury Cruises and Victoria Cruises offers discounted winter cruises to go this route.
⑤ Have the Greatest Fun Both Onboard and Onshore. From Yichang to Chongqing, there are about 20 attractions along the route that travelers can enjoy interesting shore excursions to some natural and cultural sites in the passing destinations. Also, many attractive entertainment and activities are arranged at different time for you to enjoy.
⑥ A Stable and Convenient Transportation Network. Yichang Sanxia Airport has a convenient and stable air transportation network. Most popular tourist destinations in China have daily stable flights to Yichang Sanxia Airport, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and others. Additionally, from a geographical perspective, Yichang is close to the provincial capitals of Wuhan in Hubei Province and Changsha in Hunan Province, with daily stable high-speed rail connections. Both of these cities are important transit points for high-speed rail travel to the world of Avatar — Zhangjiajie.
Visit Three Gorges Dam First
Taking a Three Gorges Cruise Passing Qutang Gorge
Hot Cruises from Yichang to Chongqing 2025/2026
Detailed Sample Itinerary for 5-Day Yichang Chongqing Cruise
All Yangtze River cruises from Yichang to Chongqing will take 5 days and 4 nights along the river. The first day is the embarkation day that all travelers should arrive in Yichang and then take the shuttle bus arranged by the cruise companies at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal to shift to Maoping Port for boarding your ship. The second, third and fourth day are three full days sailing through the Three Gorges from Yichang to Chongqing covered highlighting shore excursions for exploration. The fifth day belongs to the disembarkation day that your ship will arrive in Chongqing and all cruisers should disembark in the morning at Chaotianmen Dock.
Check the SAMPLE itinerary (Century Cruises) for a journey from Yichang to Chongqing to grasp the essence of a Yangtze River cruise experience. Please note that the specific departure times, onboard activities, and land tours may differ depending on the cruise line you choose. Once you've selected your Yangtze cruise vessel, be sure to consult the precise itinerary provided by that particular ship.
Route Map of Yichang Chongqing Cruise
Day 1 Yichang & Board your Ship at Maoping Port
- 17:30-20:00 Gather at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal and shuttle to Maoping Port for Embarkation.
- 18:00-21:00 Board the ship at Maoping Port in Yichang.
- 21:00-21:30 Embarkation safety briefing & facilities introduction.
Highlights:
Yichang, renowned as “Gateway to the Three Gorges” and “Throat between Sichuan and Hubei”, is an important cruise port and a transportation hub along the Yangtze River.
Meals: Some cruises provided tonight. For those who don’t, guests are recommended to have dinner at before boarding or bring some food to the ship.
Accommodation: on the ship
▶ Learn more about: How to Get to & around Yichang | Maoping Port | Yichang Travel Guide
Yichang Maoping Port
Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
- Morning Optional shore excursion to the Tribe of Three Gorges or enjoy onboard activities
- Afternoon Take a shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site.
Or enjoy an optional experience to pass through Ship Lift and then visit Three Gorges Dam - Night Buffet dinner & Captain’s welcome party
Highlights:
The Three Gorges Dam is a top attraction that every cruise includes in their itinerary, either as the first or last stop. Situated in Yichang, it holds the title of the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. Spanning 3,335 meters in length with a crest at 185 meters above sea level, the dam is composed of three main components: the dam itself, power stations, and a ship lift. It serves dual purposes—generating electricity and enhancing the navigability of the Yangtze River for shipping. During a Yangtze River cruise, visitors typically allocate 2 to 3 hours to explore the dam. This time allows them to admire the colossal structure up close and gain insights into its historical context, societal effects, and economic significance. If you’re intrigued by the recently constructed ship lift, you have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. Discover more about the Three Gorges Dam >>
Tribe of the Three Gorges a 5A-rated attraction in the Xiling Gorge, is celebrated for its stunning vistas and rich cultural depth. This expansive folk tourism complex showcases a blend of diverse cultures, including those of the geological, Ba, Chu, and Tujia peoples, providing an authentic and engaging experience. The scenic area is home to natural curiosities like the Stone Commanding Tablet and Shadow Stone, as well as historical landmarks such as the Ba King Palace, which contribute to its distinctive appeal. Discover more about the Tribe of the Three Gorges >>
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Accommodation: on the ship
Three Gorges Dam Site
Tribe of the Three Gorges
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
- Morning Shore excursion to a tranquil tributary of the Three Gorges (Shennv Stream/Shennong Stream/Lesser Three Gorges)
- Noon Scenic cruising - sailing through Wu Gorge
- Afternoon Scenic cruising - sailing through Qutang Gorge
- Afternoon Optional tour to White Emperor City or stay onboard
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 | Wu Gorges | Qutang 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
Picturesque Autumn Scenery of Wu Gorge
Shennv Stream
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
- Morning Shore excursion at Fengdu County (Fengdu Ghost City/Mount Shuanggui/Xiaoguanshan Folk Clusters)
- Afternoon Cultural activities Buffet dinner
- Evening Captain’s Farewell Party
Highlight:
Fengdu Ghost City, dubbed the "Metropolis of the Afterlife," encapsulates the essence of China's spectral traditions. Renowned for its underworld-themed architecture and statues, such as the Abyss Bridge, Gate of Hell, Road to Hell, it offers a vivid glimpse into the Eastern mythology of spirits and the afterlife. Learn more about Fengdu Ghost City >>
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Accommodation: on the ship
▶ Learn more about: Shibaozhai Pagoda | Onboard Activities | Shore Excursions Advice & Tips
Fengdu Ghost City
Day 5 Arrive in Chongqing & Disembark at Chaotianmen Dock (B)
- Morning After breakfast, disembark at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port for your onward journey
Highlight:
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 would spend another half day or one full day exploring this Mountain City.
Meals: Breakfast included (no lunch on this day)
Accommodation: excluded
▶ Learn more about: How to Get to & around Chongqing | Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock | Chongqing Travel Guide
Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock
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.
Useful Tips for Yangtze Cruise Sailing from Yichang to Chongqing
1. Decide Which Companies You Want to Take
There are altogether six cruise companies including Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Yangzi Explorer, Changjiang Cruises, etc., sailing from Yichang to Chongqing 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 Yangzi Explorer. To go in a worry-free all inclusive cruise package, you can take Changjiang Cruises. Check all the cruise companies and ships in 2025/2026.
2. Budget
What is your budget for a Yichang to Chongqing Yangtze cruise? If you want a luxury cruise, you can book the super 5 star cruise called Yangzi Explorer with a price at $1,432-$1,737. If you are looking for a cheap cruise, you can book a cruise at a low price from around $400. For most travelers, the best-value ships both with advanced facilities and good service are at a price ranging from $430-$650.
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 the Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam.
As for other small attractions along the way, Century Cruises will go to visit Fengdu Ghost City, Shennv Stream while Victoria Cruises will take you to Mount Shuanggui/Snow Jade Cave and Shennong Stream. If you want to visit Lesser Three Gorges/Goddess Sky Road, you should travel with Yangtze 1/Yangtze 3 from Changjiang Cruises. 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 Yichang to Chongqing on an exact date, you can turn to our 2025/2026 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 Chongqing to Yichang instead of Yichang to Chongqing? You can take a look at the 4 days & 3 nights downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang 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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Check DetailsNot 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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