4 days 3 nights Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruise is the downstream of the classic Three Gorges line and the most welcomed one. In 2024, all luxury Yangtze River Cruise companies also run the upstream route, from Yichang to Chongqing, taking one more day than the downstream, the journey spanning 5 days and 4 nights. If you prefer the upstream cruises, please refer to the Yichang to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise 2024/2025 >>
Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruise 2024/2025
This 4 days and 3 nights Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Line serves the highest standard of visual treat of the Three Gorges to nature and landscape lovers as well as providing interesting and profound historical sites, like poetic White Emperor City and mysterious Fengdu Ghost City, for culture enthusiasts to dig. Not to mention, at the end of the cruise journey, guests will be offered a field visit to admire the spectacular Millennium Project - the Three Gorges Dam. Do leave time to experience the ship lift, a memory-lasting activity you won’t have elsewhere.
So forth, this golden cruise route will cover everything to give you the best and complete experience of the impressive Yangtze River cruise days during your tour in China. Keep reading and get the day-to-day itineraries of the 4 Days Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang in 2024.
Cruise Itinerary (Chongqing to Yichang)
— 4 days & 3 nights at a quick glance
Day 1: Chongqing Embarkation
— Chaotianmen Dock……
Day 2: Fengdu County - Zhongxian
— Fengdu Ghost City, Feng Yan San Guo Show……
Day 3: Fengjie - Wushan
— Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennv Stream……
Day 4: Zigui - Yichang Disembarkation
— Three Gorges Dam Site, Ship Lift……
Downstream or Upstream
Notice: In case you are interested in the cruise tour of the Three Gorges rather than have a specific preference of where to start the journey or travel time, here are some extra information regarding the difference between upstream and downstream cruises, all-inclusive cruises' special arrangements, etc., you might find useful:
1) The most significant difference between cruises from Chongqing to Yichang (downstream) and Yichang to Chongqing (upstream) is the duration of the cruise. The upstream cruises usually take one day longer than the downstream, but they share the same price, same accommodation, same type of sightseeing, and same-level service.
2) For shore excursions’ arrangement, both downstream and upstream cruises offer 3 included
shore excursions, and
3-4 optional shore excursions, which require extra payment.
♦ Special shore excursion - Feng Yan San Guo Show (optional) only offered by downstream cruises
(Chongqing to Yichang);
♦ Special shore excursion - Except Yangtze Gold
downstream cruises offer the option of visiting Tribe of the Three Gorges (optional) on the
fourth day afternoon, the site generally offered by upstream cruises (Yichang to Chongqing).
3) The itinerary of all-inclusive packages offered by Yangtze Explorer, Yangtze 3, and Yangtze 1 differs slightly from the classic schedule. If you are interested in these three ships, you can directly refer to their itinerary pages. For instance, the upstream Yangtze Explorer will not go to the Three Gorges Dam Site on the second day, but instead, they will visit Shennongjia or Wuyuan Cave in Badong. And Yangtze 1 is the only cruise ship that sails through the Xiling Gorge, so it takes 5 days for both upstream and downstream cruises.
With the above information, if you would like to know more about the upstream itinerary, please check the detailed information at Yichang to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise 2024/2025
Customer Choices | Best Ships Cruising on the Chongqing Yichang Line
In the year of 2024, there are over 20 cruise ships sailing from Chongqing to Yichang. And here at below are the most popular ones, recommended by professionals and our delighted Yangtze River cruisers, with reasonable prices, high standard facilities, great services, tasteful food and beverages, amazing shore excursions, rich onboard activities and so forth. Choose your favorite one to see the details of the ship before planning your Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang!
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise | Detailed Destinations & Itineraries
Although cruising on the same route (Chongqing to Yichang), different cruise companies have their own arrangement for day-to-day shore excursions. Generally speaking, the first day is embarkation, guests would embark on their cruise at Chaotianmen Dock (except for special port changes during the dry season and flood season). On the second day, ships usually dock at two places, Fengdu County and Zhongxian, where boosting unique cultural and historical sites. The third day is the highlight of the journey. Your ship will sail through the most significant Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and port at picturesque and pristine Fengjie County and Wu County for shore excursions, during which you will be fully immersed in a poetic stroll of Li Bai's sentences "Apes on the riverbank were laughing loud; Thousands of hills have passed by, when I am looking back". On the fourth day morning, you would say goodbye to your ship at Maoping Port, Zigui, but it’s not the end. Your cruise will arrange the one last shore exploration by taking you to the world’s largest hydroelectric station and the biggest dam project in China, where you can also choose to treat yourself with a once-a-lifetime experience - Ship Lift. If you have already decided which cruise to take, you may go directly to the cruise page to check out their itinerary. All Yangtze River Cruises >>
(The information given below is only for your reference. It might change slightly depending on the different cruise companies’ arrangements.)
Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Map (Click to Enlarge)
Day 1 Chongqing Embarkation
| Time | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 16:30-20:00 | Board the cruise in Chongqing |
| around 21:00 | Cruise anchor aweigh from Chongqing |
Today’s Highlights & Tips:
- ♦ Chaotianmen Dock (朝天门码头), at the junction of the Yangtze River and Jialing River, serves all Yangtze River cruise ships. Here, you can appreciate the gorgeous night view of the modern buildings, crossing roads and bridges, including Qiansimen Bridge, Hongya Cave, Chongqing Grand Theatre, etc., and the sightseeing cruise ships shining with colorful sparkling lights. Chaotianmen Dock details >>
- ♦ Do leave a day or two to explore the “8D” “Cyberpunk” city - Chongqing, which exploded the social media with its unique cityscape and the hustle and bustle of local culture. This city is built on the mountain landform. You can enjoy unexpected transportation experiences, such as the cable car across the Yangtze River, light rail through the building…… In addition, authentic spicy delicacies, such as hot pot, stir-fried spicy chicken, spicy chicken and many worthwhile sites like Eling Park (鹅岭公园), Hongya Cave (洪崖洞), Baixiangju (白象居), Longmenhao Old Street (龙门浩老街), Three Gorges Museum (三峡博物馆), etc., are waiting for your conquering!
- ♦ On the embarkation day, Century Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, Changjiang Cruises, and Yangtze Explorer serve dinner for free (usually around 18:00~20:00). Guests taking other cruises are advised to arrange their dinner before boarding the ship.
- ♦ Notice: Influenced by the river conditions (typically during March, April, July, and August), the port and departure time of the cruise ships may change. Guests will be notified 1-2 days before the trip. Please keep in touch with your consultant.
Day 1 Chongqing Embarkation
Day 2 Chongqing | Fengdu County - Zhongxian (B, L, D)
| Time | Destination | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Fengdu County 丰都 |
Fengdu Ghost City 丰都鬼城
|
| Afternoon & Evening | Zhongxian 忠县 |
Shibaozhai Pagoda 石宝寨
|
Today’s Highlights & Tips:
- ♦ There are two cultural shore excursion sites usually chosen by Yangtze River cruises on the second day: Fengdu Ghost City and Shuanggui Mountain, all located in the old town of Fengdu County. The 1,900-year-old Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城) is an interesting and meaningful place to learn Chinese culture, telling the traditional Chinese belief that pure spirits would be rewarded and sinful ones would be subject to severe punishments with many statues and scenes in the conventional architecture. In comparison, Mount Shuanggui (双桂山) is a serene park where landscape and architecture merge into a continuous stroll, telling a fascinating encounter of Su Shi (苏轼), a well-known writer in the Northern Song Dynasty, and his family with this place.
- ♦ In 2024, the President Cruises will be the only one offering a shore excursion to Shibaozhai in Zhongxian. Shibaozhai Pagoda (石宝寨) is reputed as the “Pearl on the Yangtze River” and one of the world 8 strange structures by the Discovery Channel in America. Constructed entirely with wood, the 12-story red pagoda leans against the mountain. It is ideal for climbing and offers breathtaking views.
- ♦ The large scale, novel setting, and meaty chapters make Feng Yan San Guo Show (烽烟三国) an unmissable performance. It tells a story regarding the brilliant historical culture of the Three Kingdoms Period about over 1,800 years ago and the spirit of loyalty of great military officer Guan Yu(屈原).
Day 2 Chongqing | Fengdu County - Zhongxian
Day 3 Three Gorges | Fengjie - Wushan (B, L, D)
| Time | Destination | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Fengjie County 奉节 |
White Emperor City 白帝城
|
| Sail through Qutang Gorge 瞿塘峡 | ||
| Afternoon | Wushan County 巫山 |
Sail through Wu Gorge 巫峡 |
Shennv Stream 神女溪
|
Today’s Highlights & Tips:
- ♦ The Three Gorges (三峡), consisting of Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡), Wu Gorge (巫峡), and Xiling Gorge (西陵峡), offer stunning natural views of towering hills and calm waters throughout the world-class canyon. Among these three gorges, Qutang Gorge is featured with the rapid rolling water at the narrow riverway, which makes it majestic and precipitous. Wu Gorge is famous for its elegant and serene sightseeing, and its towering mountains surrounded by clouds and mists, deep gorge, etc., make it full of poetic romance.
- ♦ Small boating experience through elegant tributaries of the Wu Gorge: Shennv Stream (神女溪), Lesser Three Gorges (小三峡), and Shennong Stream (神农溪).
- ♦ White Emperor City (白帝城), a famous ancient “Poem City”, tells the touching story of Liu Bei (刘备) entrusting his son to his prime minister, Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮). It’s also the best place to appreciate the iconic view of Kui Gate, the landscape printed on the back of a 10 yuan note. More about White Emperor City >>
- ♦ Newly-developed viewing platforms/sites for overlooking the meandering streams and graceful mountains rolled away: Three Gorges Summit (三峡之巅), Goddess Sky Road (神女天路).
Day 3 Three Gorges | Fengjie - Wushan
Day 4 Yichang Disembarkation
| Time | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 08:00-12:30 | Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site (三峡大坝) and be shuttled to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for departure |
| 08:00-13:30 | Optional experience of the Ship Lift (升船机). After that, shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site and be shuttled to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for departure |
Today’s Highlights & Tips:
- ♦ The Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝) is the largest and most complicated hydropower project worldwide, which was designed and built for the benefits of navigation, flood control, river shipping, tourism, etc. It is a viral site for human projects and natural sightseeing.
- ♦ Observing a massive machine lift the small-tonnage ship you’re standing on from the deck is an experience unlike any other. Don’t miss the opportunity!
Note:
1. Different Yangtze River cruise ships have unique itineraries and maps, including detailed information about the sites and times from Chongqing to Yichang. Please check your specific favorite ship to see the detailed info.
2. In addition to each day’s shore excursions, Yangtze River cruise companies also arrange diverse and colorful events and activities onboard, including a welcome party, morning Taichi exercises and the cruise’s talented show, etc. Please check details at Yangtze River Cruise onboard experience, 2024 updated>>
3. Except for the shore excursions arranged by the cruise company, tourists are not allowed to leave the ship personally or go on independent journeys during the docking periods. We urge our guests to be aware of this rule of the Yangtze River cruise line and to comply with it. Thank you!
4. About Ship Lift: During the peak season, the Ship Lift activity has been in full swing. Demand exceeds supply. So, a large crowd of people from different ships will be on the boat. In more extreme cases, you may not be able to get a seat but stand. It is recommended to carefully consider joining the program if you are concerned about the impact of a large number of tourists on your experience.
Day 4 Three Gorges Dam | Yichang Disembarkation
If you still have other information that you are unclear about, don't hesitate to get in touch with our professional travel consultant for help.
If you prefer the upstream cruises, please refer to the Yichang to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise 2024/2025 >>
How to Plan a China Yangtze Tour?
♦ 2024 Yangtze River Cruise Routes:
- 4 Days Chongqing to Yichang; 5 Days Yichang to Chongqing;
- 4 Days Wuhan to Nanjing; 4 Days Nanjing to Wuhan;
- 10 Days Chongqing to Nanjing; 10 Days Nanjing to Chongqing;
- 11 Days Chongqing to Shanghai; 12 Days Shanghai to Chongqing. More about 2024 all yangtze river cruise routes & itineraries >>
♦ Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and Autumn are two peak seasons for the comfortable weather and best splendid sceneries of the Yangtze River. More about Yangtze River Weather & Best Time to Visit >>
♦ Transportation Tips:
- Flight to Chongqing/Yichang from Beijing/Guangzhou/Shanghai/Hong Kong……
- High Speed Train to Chongqing from Xian/Chengdu/Guilin/Guiyang/Beijing……; High Speed Train to Yichang from Wuhan/Changsha/Beijing/Shanghai……
- Drive from Yichang to Zhangjiajie/Shennongjia/Enshi…… More about How to Get to Yangtze River Cruise Ports >>
Over 90% cruiser would choose the classic Chongqing-Yichang Three Gorges Itinerary, which only takes 4 to 5 days, as their first encounter with the Yangtze River. Then, they will leave some time to visit surrounding highlights or explore famous landing cities. So, a China Yangtze tour can extend from 4 days to a month, or even more.
To/From nearby Hot China Destinations (Chongqing, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin…)
— Chongqing(重庆) is known as the most essential starting point for a classic Yangtze River cruise. The city has gained international recognition in recent years for its unique tridimensional cityscape, 8D transportation system, and cyberpunk-style buildings and architecture, which have attracted a growing number of tourists to the city. Usually, a leisure landscape tour in Chongqing city requires 2~3 days. It’s recommended that you extend your journey to the surrounding UNESCO heritage sites like Wulong - the famous Karst Landscape in blockbuster Transformers (1-2 days) and Dazu - the last monumental works in the history of world grottoes art (1 day).
☛ 4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
Useful Links: 1~3 Days Chongqing Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Chongqing Tour >>
Our Guests Take a Photo with Hongya Cave
— Chengdu(成都), a 1~1.5-hour high-speed train from Chongqing, is known as the hometown of the Giant Pandas and UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy. Take 1~2 days to meet these cuties and keep yourself in the “laid-back” living pace like a local while wandering around parks, museums, ancient pedestrian streets, and temples in the downtown area, you will probably understand why people say Chengdu is a city you don't want to leave. Moreover, Chengdu is the gateway to so many UNESCO world heritage sites, including Jiuzhaigou (3 days), Mount Emei (2 days), Leshan Giant Buddha (1 day), Dujiangyan (0.5-1 day), etc., and astonishing hidden plateau - Western Sichuan (3~7 days).
☛ 8 Days Best of Sichuan with Yangtze Cruise Tour (with Chengdu/Emeishan/Leshan)
☛ 8 Days Beauty Tour to Jiuzhaigou & Yangtze River
Useful Links: 1~7 Days Chengdu Tours 2024 | Top Sichuan Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Chengdu Tour >>
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu
— Zhangjiajie(张家界), a 4.5-hour two-train transfer from Yichang, offers the most distinct and iconic landscape of the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar. Let along adrenalin-pumping Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and frightening skywalks and sharp zigzag driving roads at Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, the uncanny natural wonders in Zhangjiajie (3~5 Days) attracting countless adventurers and travel addicts from all over the world!
☛ 7 Days Nature Tour to Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie
Useful Links: 3~5 Days Zhangjiajie Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Zhangjiajie Tour >>
Chona from Philippines visited Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie
— Guilin(桂林), located 4-5 hours away by high-speed train from Chongqing, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, making it a must-visit destination in China. Generally, Li River, Yangshuo County, and Longji Rice Terraces are the three most popular and separate destinations. For most travelers to Guilin, 3-5 days is enough to cover the highlights by using a private car.
☛ 7 Days Idyllic Guilin & Yangtze River Cruise Tour
Useful Links: 3~5 Days Guilin Tours 2024 | How to Plan a Guilin Tour >>
Claire from UK visited Yangshuo Countryside
From/To Classic China Destinations (Beijing/Shanghai/Xian/Hong Kong/Guangzhou…)
Guests who are visiting China for the first time probably would choose Beijing (the capital of China, recommended travel days: 3~4 days), Shanghai (the largest and most developed and populated city of China, recommended travel days: 2~4 days), Guangzhou (the third biggest city in China, recommended travel days: 2~3 days) or Hong Kong (a convenient transit hub with mainland China, recommended travel days: 2~3 days) as their first stop, as all these four destinations process excellent infrastructure and multi-dimensional transportation networks connecting the whole of China. How to arrange your travel route? Our top-pick China Yangtze Tour itineraries may bring you some inspiration!
☛ (Beijing/Xian/Chongqing/Yangtze Cruise/Yichang/Shanghai) 11 Days China Golden Triangle Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
☛ (Beijing/Xian/Chengdu/Yangtze Cruise/Zhangjiajie/Shanghai) 15 Days China Best Treasure Tour with Yangtze Cruise & Zhangjiajie Landscape
☛ (Hong Kong/Guilin/Chengdu/Chongqing/Yangtze Cruise/Yichang/Shanghai) 12 Days China Splendid Tour from Hong Kong
☛ (Shanghai/Yichang/Yangtze Cruise/Chongqing/Chengdu/Lhasa/Xian/Beijing) 17 Days China Yangtze Tour with Tibet & Giant Panda Visit
☛ (Hong Kong/Guilin/Chengdu/Yangtze Cruise/Zhangjiajie/Shanghai/Xian/Beijing) 21 Days China Holiday with Yangtze River Cruise Tour
Useful Links: Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Beijing | Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Shanghai | Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Hong Kong >>
Check more details about 2024 Top China Yangtze Tours >>
Alexia visited Mutianyu Great Wall
Terracotta Warriors, Shared by Chris
Lujiazui, Shanghai
Travel Yangtze River with China Discovery
Have your own ideas of where and what to discover before, during and after the Yangtze River cruise tour? We China Discovery offers many popular and valuable private China tour packages with Yangtze River Cruise vacation taking you to enjoy wonderful exploration of the best highlights of Three Gorges, Chongqing, Yichang, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Wuhan, etc. And our professional travel team with experienced travel expert, local English-speaking travel guide and driver and non-smoking comfortable licensed private vehicle will help you throughout the trip from the planning, navigation, hotel arrangement and scenic spot visiting. So you will have the much better travel experience on and around the extensive Yangtze River. You can check our tour packages to get some inspiration. All tours can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interests, budget and any other special need! Please feel free to contact us to customize your own China Yangtze River Cruise trip or if you need any help!
See Our Delighted Customers on Their Yangtze Cruise Trips
Keep Reading
- All Yangtze River Cruise Ships
- Yangtze Cruise Calendar 2024/2025
- Yichang to Chongqing Cruise
- Best-Value Yangtze River Cruises
- Family-friendly Yangtze River Cruises
- Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
- Cheap Yangtze River Cruises
- Newest Yangtze River Cruises
- Largest Yangtze River Cruises
- Yangtze Cruise Upstream or Downstream?
- Yangtze River Cruise Routes
- Yangtze Cruise Shore Excursions
- Yangtze Cruise Onboard Experience
- Popular China Yangtze River Tours
- Possible Port Change in Special Period
Recommended Yangtze River Tours
Top 3 Yangtze River tours chosen by most customers to explore Yangtze River in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
7 Days Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise Tour (Upstream)
Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing
11 Days China Golden Triangle Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
Beijing / Xian / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai
13 Days Classic China Vacation Tour with Yangtze Cruise
Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
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