Shennongjia
Fengjie
Fuling & Zhongxian
Wushan
Shibao
Badong
Yichang
Chongqing - Yichang - Chongqing via Shennongjia
Yangzi Explorer Itineraries
Downstream Journey
Chongqing-Yichang-Chongqing
An epic loop blending river cruising with wilderness adventure. This voyage includes the essential Yangtze highlights—from the Three Gorges and Shibaozhai to the Ship Lift. Its centerpiece is a full-day expedition into the UNESCO-listed Shennongjia forests, complemented by a unique cliff-side lunch at the Fangwong Cave Restaurant in Yichang.
Ports
Fuling
Zhongxian
Wushan
Yichang
Shennongjia
Fengjie
Shibao
Chongqing
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.
Before embarking, enjoy the optional pre-cruise tours available to Yangzi Explorer guests. Please enquire about the prices with our reservation team.
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:
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.
Lunch will be served at Fangweng Cliff Restaurant, featuring a selection of Yichang’s finest local dishes.
After lunch, we will visit Sanyou Cave. Nanjin Pass, home to the famed Sanyou Cave, stands sentinel at the mouth of the Xiling Gorge, where the mighty Yangtze River, after carving its way through thousands of kilometers of rugged mountain gorges, finally enters the vast plains of eastern China.
This spot marks the dividing line between the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze, a place of both natural beauty and strategic importance. Its treacherous terrain has made it a vital military stronghold throughout history.
After you’ve been back to your cabin, please join us at the Dynasty Restaurant (or any other prebooked dining venue available on board) for dinner.
UNESCO World Natural Heritage
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. Today, embark on a full day excursion to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Shennongjia. Shennongjia National Park, located between the Yangtze River and the Han River. The park is renowned for its towering peaks that rise above 3000 meters and are often referred as “Roof of Central China”.
Day 5
Shennongjia
Explore the Guanmenshan Scenic Area, home to a natural exhibition hall, a unique botanical garden and a giant panda pavilion. Here you can encounter a variety of rare animals and plants, offering a live tableau of Darwin’s theories.
The 3,200-square-kilometer nature reserve also purports to be “the only well-preserved sub-tropical forest ecosystem in the world’s mid-latitudes,” with more than 5,000 species of animals and plants. It’s home to snub-nosed or golden monkeys, a rare and protected species in China. Let’s delve into the ancient forest landscapes where rugged mountains are adorned with a lush tapestry of bamboo, vines and vibrantly colored flora.
Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge
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. After fueling up with a hearty buffet breakfast, take advantage of the leisure time aboard the Yangzi Explorer as you glide through the stunning Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge.
Day 6
Fengjie
Wu Gorge
Wu Gorge is the most beautiful gorge among the Three Gorges. Characterized by majestic peaks crowned by lush forests, Wu Gorge is said to be celestial. Legend has it that Yao Ji loved this area so much that she and her 12 attendants were transformed into the graceful peaks you can see here along the river.
Qutang Gorge
Qutang Gorge is the shortest and narrowest of the famed Three Gorges, measuring only 150 meters at its widest point. Otherwise, the mountains on either side reach as high as 1,200. Known for its dramatic waters and towering cliffs, it is palpable that this is where the currents of history and the breath-taking power of nature meet.
After lunch, you can choose from 3 excursions in Fengjie.
LEAVING THE WHITE KING’S TOWN AT DAWN
Leaving at dawn the White King crowned with rainbow cloud,
I have sailed a thousand miles through Three Georges in a day.
With monkeys’ sad adieus the riverbanks are loud;
My boat has left ten thought mountains far away.
By Li Bai (Translated by Xu Yuanchong)
Option A – White Emperor City
Take a 15-minute coach ride to the historic White Emperor City where you can delve into the intriguing stories of the area and celebrated poems of Li Bai from Tang Dynasty. The city is located on Baidi Hill which sits at the western opening of the Qutang gorge, in the eastern part of Fengjie County and this area was long affected by conflicts in ancient China and is of significant historical importance. The exhibition halls inside White Emperor City boasts calligraphy showcasing the local culture, as well as paintings and exhibitions showcasing the culture and history. White Emperor City is also one of the best places to enjoy the view of Kuimen which is on the back of the 10-yuan note.
Option B – Poetic Trail in Qutang Gorge
This trail meanders up to the Three Gorges Summit offering one of the most classic hiking routes in the region, typically taking six hours to complete. But we only select the essence of one hour.
The combination of a narrow canyon with several switchbacks between the high mountains creates spectacular vistas, and the Qutang Gorge is always considered the most beautiful of the Three Gorges.
Option C – Three Gorges Summit
Take an hour-long coach ride to visit the Three Gorges Summit and enjoy a magnificent sunset. It is one of the most beautiful landscape forms of the Yangtze River and the highest peak of the famous Three Gorges.
After dinner, you have the opportunity to enrich your understanding of local culture by attending a lecture by a local scholar. This engaging presentation will explore both the historical and contemporary aspects of the city, known as the ”City of Poems.” The lecture will be delivered in Chinese, with translations provided by our cruise director if needed.
History & Culture
This morning, the Yangzi Explorer will dock at Shibao Pier in Zhongxian County, an area celebrated for its profound history and culture. After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from three carefully curated excursions.
Day 7
Shibao
Option A: Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Fortress)
A marvel of ancient wooden architecture, renowned for its striking Pavilion that stands as one of the few remaining wooden buildings of its kind in China. The Pavilion, perched atop a 220-meter hill on the north bank of the Yangtze River, is often likened to a towering piece of jade. Legend has it that the hill was formed by the goddess Nuwa, who sculpted the landscape while mending the heavens after a celestial battle. The Shibaozhai Pavilion, soaring 56 meters high with twelve distinct floors, is a testament to architectural ingenuity. Originally a nine-story structure, its top three floors were added during a 1956 restoration, earning it the nickname ”Nine Heavens.”
Option B: Xituo Ancient Town
A short ferry ride across the river from Shibaozhai takes you to Xituo Ancient Town. Nestled among stunning natural landscapes, Xituo offers a glimpse into the daily life and rich cultural tapestry of its inhabitants. Known historically as the western border of Bazhou, the town provides a serene backdrop to explore centuries of tradition and local customs. The ancient town of Xituo was established due to its pivotal role in the salt trade. Dating back to the pre-Qin era, it served as a crucial salt transfer station. Scholars consider Xituo among the world’s earliest commercial and trading towns. During that period, the people of the ancient county of Ba navigated the Yangtze River to transport salt from Zhongxian to Xituo via wooden boats, then over the rugged ridges of western Hubei and Hunan.
Option C: Huanghua Island
The island is an enchanting natural wonder on the mainstream of the Yangtze River in Zhongxian County, uniquely positioned at the geographical heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The island boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to the Song Dynasty. During this period, a fortified city was established on the island, creating one of China’s rarest isolated island-type defense systems. Huanghua Island, once known as ”Huanghua City,” became the seat of Xianchun Prefecture, still preserves the ruins of the ancient state government offices and city walls.
The Mountain City
In the morning, disembark the boat at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port.
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.
You will be transferred to Chongqing Airport, Railway Station, or downtown Chongqing for your onward journey.
Day 8
Disembarking in Chongqing
As your journey with us draws to a close, we thank you for choosing to explore the stunning landscapes with Yangzi Explorer!
Wish to explorer further?
You may consider to book one of our post-cruise optional tours:
Option A: Chongqing City Discovery Walk with hotpot lunch – Price CNY580 per person and minimum 8 participants are required.
Option B: Full day UNESCO Cultural Heritage Tour – Dazu Rock Carving: Price CNY880 per person and minimum 5 participants are required.
Option C: Two-day tour to Anyue Grottoes – Price CNY3800 per person and minimum 2 participants are required.
