Shennongjia
Fengjie
Fuling & Zhongxian
Wushan
Shibao
Badong
Yichang
Chongqing to
Yichang
Yangzi Explorer Itineraries
Downstream Journey
Chongqing to Yichang
This expertly curated 4-day downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang delivers an exceptional blend of culture, nature, and engineering. The journey begins with unique historical sites: the monumental 816 Project or the fascinating White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum. The cultural immersion continues with the open-air spectacular Three Kingdoms Show at night.
Ports
Fuling
Zhongxian
Wushan
Yichang
Your Arrival and Pre-Boarding Experience
Upon your arrival at Chongqing, either at the Chongqing Airport or Railway Station, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the Yangzi Explorer.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey downstream through the breathtaking landscapes of Yangtze River, a region renowned for its majestic scenery and cultural significance in China.
Day 1
Depart from Chongqing
Chongqing: the Mountain City
Chongqing is known as the ”Mountain City” because many mountains converge here, and the Yangtze, Jialing and Fu rivers surround it, forming a unique landscape of mountains and rivers. It was once an important military stronghold and political center. It is also birthplace of Emperor Guangzong Zhao Dun, and ”place where the whip of God was broken”, which influenced the historical pattern of Eurasia for hundreds of years. Today’s Chongqing is not only a popular city, but also an important node of economic links between China and Europe.
Safety briefing and Captain’s Welcome Reception
After you’ve settled into your cabin, please join us at the Dynasty Restaurant (or any other prebooked dining venue available on board) for dinner, followed by safety briefing and Captain’s Welcome Reception at the Explorer Bar. Enjoy the stunning night-time views of Chongqing as we set sail.
Welcome aboard the Yangzi Explorer！
Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee followed by Tai Chi lesson, led by our Tai Chi Master to build up an appetite for a breakfast.
This morning, we have two different shore excursions for you to choose from.
Day 2
Fuling & Zhongxian
Option A: Project 816
Hidden in the Wuling Mountains of Fuling, the Project 816 is the world’s largest known man-made military cave. 58 years ago, more than 60,000 constructors, came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced. Now as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of Project 816 hidden for almost 60 years.
Option B: White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and a local market
The museum will take you some 148 feet under water to admire the river bed and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there since AD 763 in Tang Dynasty. Learn about the Yangtze River, its flora and fauna, while enjoying this fascinating museum. Your next stop will be the local market, where you will gain insight into the region’s rich culinary culture. This is a daily market where farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, and of course a whole array of pickles – which Fuling is famous for.
Return to the ship for a-la-carte lunch, followed by an afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, choose from two enticing activities:
In the evening, choose from two enticing activities:
Secure VIP seats at the Beacon of Three Kingdoms show, an epic performance that blends history, myth, and stunning visual effects around the lore of The Three Kingdoms.
Or enjoy a serene stroll through Zhongzhou Old Alley, where the past and present of local life blend seamlessly.
Option A: Night Show
The Beacon of Three Kingdoms is a large-scale live performance and a cultural feast with the Three Gorges Harbor as the stage, the culture of the Three Kingdoms as the theme, and the spirit of loyalty and righteousness as the soul. Based on the famous 14th-century novel ‘The Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, the story is a mix of history and legend. The dreamlike performance includes horseback battles, light and water effects, 3D holographic projects and fireworks.
Option B: Town Walk
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has submerged hundreds of kilometers of towns and cities along the Yangtze River, yet Zhongxian has preserved the charm of old. Though parts of the historic city are beneath the river, the area still embodies the spirit of Ba and Yu and protects the primitive customs of the Three Gorges.
Highlight of the Three Gorges
Today, we sail across Qutang Gorge in the morning glow. Qutang Gorge, also known as Kui Gorges and Ba Gorge, is the first gorge of the Three Gorges of Yangtze River. Admire the splendor of the green peaks and tranquility of the river on the Explorer Deck.
After breakfast, join the morning tour to explore Wushan. You have three options to choose from.
Day 3
Wushan
Option A: Wushan Goddess Sky Road
Embark on the Yangzi Explorer Trail, named after Yangzi Explorer, stroll among the cliffs at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, and admire the Goddess Peak and the Yangtze River. Going deeper, you will reach the private lookout of Yangzi Explorer. The 12 peaks of Wushan will be right in front of you. A champagne reception awaits you here, exclusive to Yangzi Explorer passengers.
A 45-minute light hiking option is also available en route, wandering through the mountain villages of Wu Gorge & gaining insight into local traditions and the natural beauty of the region with a local guide.
Option B: Daning River & Madu River Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the serene waters of the Daning River, known as the Lesser Three Gorges, a breathtaking tributary of the Yangtze River nestled in Wushan. Your experience begins with a scenic ferry ride, followed by an intimate small boat excursion deeper into the enchanting Madu River. As you glide through this magnificent riverine gorge, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic limestone cliffs, you’ll be captivated by the remnants of ancient settlements, including the remarkable hanging coffins resting high on the cliff faces – a powerful testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Following your morning adventure, return to the ship for a delightful lunch, then enjoy passing Wu Gorge, the most beautiful gorge among the Three Gorges.
The Three Gorges Ship Lift
In the late evening, experience a marvel of modern engineering as the Yangzi Explorer navigates through the world’s largest and most technologically advanced ship lift, the Three Gorges Ship Lift. This lift boasts a lift capacity of 15,500 tons and a vertical lift height of 113 meters, equivalent to a 40-story building.
Yangzi Explorer is one of the select few vessels that can journey through this impressive structure on its own, taking away the need of booking additional excursion. Enjoy this unique spectacle comfortably from your cabin on board.
The Ship Lift navigation is subject to water level, weather, maintenance conditions.
Begin your day with an invigorating early morning tea or coffee followed by a traditional Tai Chi session, setting the tone for a day of exploration.
Today you can choose from two morning excursions
Day 4
Yichang
Option A: Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel, stretches 2,335 meters in length and stands 181 meters tall, making it the largest and most ambitious project of its kind in the world. With 32 massive generators, it produces vast amounts of clean energy, significantly reducing China’s reliance on coal. However, its construction has not been without controversy. The project led to the submergence of many cities, towns, and villages, displacing over 1.2 million people.
Option B: Cultural Exploration
Delve into history with a visit to the sacred Quyuan Temple and the Three Gorges Resettlement Museum, which thoughtfully chronicles the compelling human stories behind the Dam’s construction.
As part of our exclusive itinerary, you will have the opportunity to visit the River Closure Park and Three Gorges Project Museum, the latter was opened to the public in August 2022 (Option A).
In the Three Gorges Project River Closure Park, you can admire the grandeur of this century-long project from the front of the dam. The Park preserves the construction materials and objects left behind at the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam, Including the wall used to support the stockpile of sand and gravel.
The four remaining tetrahedrons, the 77-ton loading and unloading truck, and the large construction machinery such as the flat throw boat. The Three Gorges Project Museum is located on the right bank of the Three Gorges Dam area, 1 km away from the Dam. It is one of the best viewing points of the Project and one of the largest thematic museums of hydro-power projects in the world. It displays the preparation, design, construction and operation of the Three Gorges Project.
The Qu Yuan Temple
Qu Yuan Temple is nestled in the scenic surroundings of Hubei Province and offers visitors a deep dive into China’s rich cultural and literary heritage. This historic site honors Qu Yuan, the esteemed poet and statesman, whose enduring legacy is celebrated every year during the Dragon Boat Festival. Visitors to the temple can explore a beautifully preserved environment that echoes the ancient times, with traditional architecture, tranquil gardens, and exhibits that tell the story of Qu Yuan’s life and contributions to Chinese literature. The view of the Three Gorges Dam from Qu Yuan Temple is nothing short of breathtaking, offering a panoramic glimpse into the harmony between nature and human achievement.
Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum
Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum, offers a unique glimpse of the Three Gorges Dam. Located in Yichang, this museum chronicles the remarkable stories of the millions of people who were relocated to make way for this monumental project. The museum not only honors the resilience and adaptability of those who were resettled but also provides a profound understanding of the environmental, social, and cultural impact of the Three Gorges Dam.
Lunch will be served at Fangweng Cliff Restaurant, featuring a selection of Yichang’s finest local dishes. After lunch, we will arrange your transfer to Yichang Airport or Yichang East Railway Station.
