Guest Stories | Three Journeys Aboard the New Yangzi Explorer

01 | My Parents’ Journey Aboard the New Yangzi Explorer

Written by:
Xiaohongshu user @Feifeijiang

I finally made my parents’ long-awaited Yangtze River cruise happen!

After a strong recommendation from my husband, we chose the new Yangzi Explorer. The whole experience was, quite simply, wonderful.

My parents kept saying how much they had enjoyed it and how worthwhile the trip had been. They could relax on board, take in the magnificent scenery along the Yangtze, and visit a wonderful mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems.

As we had chosen the Shennongjia itinerary, we were lucky enough to be on the inaugural 22 June 2025 departure of the new Yangzi Explorer’s Shennongjia route. On the second day, we visited Shennongjia, including Guanmaoshan, the giant panda pavilion and Golden Monkey Waterfall.

The natural environment has been so well protected. The biggest surprise of all was seeing wild golden snub-nosed monkeys!

Watching these fluffy little creatures leap between the branches and forage for food was such a delight. They were lively, playful and utterly adorable. We felt incredibly lucky to see them. (Golden snub-nosed monkeys are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.)

On the third day, we made our way to the Summit of the Three Gorges, where we could look out over the magnificent Qutang Gorge. The views were absolutely breathtaking, making this one of the highlights of the entire trip.

The sheer grandeur of the landscape was overwhelming. My parents were full of admiration and took countless photographs. A big thank you to our guide for helping them get some lovely photos together!

Early on the fourth day, we visited the remarkable Shibaozhai.

This extraordinary riverside landmark, often described as a miniature landscape in its own right, is built against the side of a hill. Hearing our guide explain its history and the ingenuity behind its architecture gave us a real appreciation of the craftsmanship of earlier generations. Standing beside the river, surrounded by such beautiful scenery, was a special experience.

Why was the trip so wonderful?

• 1. Effortless and worry-free
  The new Yangzi Explorer is like a floating hotel and restaurant. I booked our trip back in January, and I must give a special thank you to Zoey from the Yangzi Explorer team. She was so thoughtful and helpful throughout, explaining everything carefully and arranging the local transfers and our accommodation perfectly.My parents did not have to drag their suitcases from place to place. Everything was taken care of on board, from comfortable accommodation to delicious meals. The service was attentive and considerate, making it an excellent choice for older travellers.
• 2. A genuine sense of discovery
  The shore excursions were particularly well chosen. Shennongjia, the Summit of the Three Gorges and Shibaozhai offered a wonderful combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.Rather than simply ticking off the sights, we had the chance to appreciate each place and really get a feel for its character.
• 3. Comfort at every turn
  The facilities on board were excellent, and our cabin had lovely views. My dad enjoyed sitting on the balcony with a cup of tea, watching the river drift by, while my mum joined the morning exercise sessions on deck and practised tai chi.

There was always something to do, but never any pressure to do it. The pace was just right.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the new Yangzi Explorer to anyone thinking of taking their parents on a holiday. It is a wonderful way for families to travel together, particularly when comfort and a relaxed pace matter.

My parents said it was one of the most memorable trips they had ever taken. Seeing all the photographs and videos they sent me made me realise that this is what all our hard work is for.

02 | A Relaxed Retirement Getaway: Exploring Ashore with Yangzi Explorer

Written by:
Xiaohongshu user @Kuangbao Niujiaobao Zuzhang

Before the trip, I spent ages researching the shore excursions because I was worried about choosing something too tiring. Now that we have experienced the cruise ourselves, I thought it would be useful to share some details.

There were four of us: myself, two people in their seventies and one in their eighties. Our top priority was a relaxed, comfortable holiday, and I think Yangzi Explorer’s shore excursions delivered exactly that.

The service was excellent: warm, professional and genuinely helpful. The staff made us feel comfortable rather than awkward. Whenever we had a question, we received a prompt response and a practical solution.

There were plenty of umbrellas and walking sticks available for guests to borrow on board. I also seem to remember seeing several wheelchairs. Even the bottled drinking water provided was Baisuishan, a Chinese mineral water brand.

The daily itinerary was placed in our cabin in advance. When the butler came to ask which excursion we preferred, they explained everything in detail, including how many steps we would need to climb. It was all very clear, which made choosing much easier.

The scenery speaks for itself

There were three excursion options: Baidi City, a gentle walk through Qutang Gorge, and the Summit of the Three Gorges. We chose the summit.

We took a coach up the mountain, transferred to a shuttle bus, and then walked uphill for around 20–30 minutes to reach the top. The scenery along the way was beautiful. From the summit, we could see Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge and Baidi City spread out before us.

As the ship passed through Xiling Gorge, it wound its way between towering mountains. Looking up, all we could see were steep rock faces rising into the mist and clouds. It is the kind of beauty and grandeur you really have to experience for yourself to understand.

A few thoughts on the food

We booked a standard suite and did not opt for any additional packages. As we were travelling with older family members, comfort was our main consideration.

There were relatively few guests on board, so meals were relaxed. There was no need to rush or compete for food; we could simply take our time. Even at the busiest times, queues were orderly.

Most dining tables were by the windows, and seating was assigned. At our first meal, the restaurant staff showed us to our table, so we always knew where to go.

Apart from one evening when a Western-style à la carte dinner was served, the other meals were buffet-style. The buffet offered both Chinese and Western dishes, and the food was very good.

The chefs also prepared local specialities inspired by the places along the route, giving us the chance to try something different. Red and white wine and beer were available with meals.

One thing I must mention is the salmon at our first meal. It was absolutely outstanding! Several of the meat dishes on our final evening were excellent, too.

For some reason, the ribs were consistently delicious. Whether lamb or pork, and however they were prepared, they were tender, fragrant and full of flavour. They might not have been the most extravagant dishes on the menu, but they certainly left a lasting impression.

The Western-style à la carte dinner was both delicious and generous. We were all quite full by the end!

Each of the four courses included a traditional Chinese option. If I remember correctly, these were braised beef, chicken soup, ribs served with fried rice, and a fresh fruit platter. There was also a fully vegetarian option, although none of us chose it!

The foie gras and braised beef starters were very good, as were the steak and roasted salmon main courses. Personally, I enjoyed the tiramisu dessert, too. Strictly speaking, it might not have met the classic standards for tiramisu: the base was quite moist and made with sponge cake rather than ladyfingers. But I still thought it was delicious!

Outside mealtimes, there were drinks and snacks in the main lounge. The selection was surprisingly varied, from braised beef and Oreo biscuits to croutons and little savoury crackers. Every time I walked past, I found myself looking to see whether there was anything new to try. It became a little pleasure in itself.

Overall, it was a lovely, unhurried cruise, particularly for anyone travelling with older family members.

03 | First-hand Review: The New Yangzi Explorer and Her Inaugural Route

Written by:
Xiaohongshu user @ugsally0327

1. Excellent accommodation and facilities

The accommodation was very comfortable, with good-quality facilities and fittings. The interiors had an elegant Western-inspired style, and the layout of the cabins, restaurant, bar and entertainment lounge was well considered.

2. A comfortable atmosphere and a well-paced itinerary

The ship welcomed many international guests, as well as a good number of older travellers. The overall atmosphere reflected a clientele who valued comfort and quality.

The itinerary was also well suited to older guests, with a relaxed pace that did not feel physically demanding.

3. Very good food, with generous portions

The food was consistently good, both in quality and quantity. Dining arrangements were organised in advance, and our family of three was given a private dining room.

4. Attentive service and excellent housekeeping

The service was very good. With plenty of staff on board, it was easy to find someone whenever we needed assistance.

Housekeeping was particularly thoughtful: whenever we needed something, staff dealt with it promptly and discreetly.

Overall, I was glad to have taken this trip with my parents. They were happy with the experience, and I felt that the money had been well spent.