Yangtze River Cruise to the Three Gorges and the Dam (4 Days 3 Nights)

· Taking a Yangtze cruise is a popular way to discover China. There is an old saying: "on a slow boat to China." Why not relax on a slow boat in China, on the beautiful Yangtze River.

· A Yangtze River Cruise will take you through the center of China while allowing you to see some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.

· There are several impressive guided shore excursions on offer during a Yangtze cruise, including such classic attractions as the Three Gorges Dam, and the Fengdu Ghost City.

Check our two videos, ship photos, and shore excursion photos on the bottom of the page. 

* The following itinerary may vary from season to season. 

Day 1 Chongqing: Embark Cruise (D)

We will pick you up from the airport, train station or your hotel in Chongqing. We'll treat you dinner to taste Chongqing's delicious food. After that, we will transfer you to the Cruise Port at Chaotianmen at 6 pm. You will spend your night on the ship. You'll have the rest of the night to walk around the boat.

Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

 Today will be a full day sailing down the Yangtze River. The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third-longest in the world after the Amazon and Nile. The Yangtze River, along with the Yellow River, is renowned as the "Mother Rivers of China" as it has nourished China's long and splendid culture. The evidence is seen in the varied cultural heritage that you will see along the river.
 

Yangtze cruise ships travel slowly for passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Broadcasts from the ship's PA system, transmitting information on shore excursions or from guest lecturers to your cabin, ensuring that you will not miss a chance to see any extraordinary scenery, even if you are relaxing in your cabin.

Here is the cruise ship’s schedule of events:

7:00 - Music morning call

8:00 - Breakfast (buffet)

9:30 - Brief introduction about the itinerary and cruise’s facilities

10:30 - Chinese calligraphy performance

12:00 - Lunch

14:00-16:30 - Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City: It used to be a burial area with scores of temples and shrines and a small ancient town. Due to the construction of the 3 Gorges Dam, the ghostly city is underwater. However, a hill and dozens of temples remain in the big artificial lake behind the dam. So that part can still be visited. It is a massive burial and temple area. The area above the “Door of Hell” remains. Interestingly, the Chinese have traditional conceptions of hell that are somewhat similar to Western ideas. At the site, you can see statues and frescoes about hell with brightly painted images of demons and other eerie items.

18:00-Welcomgin banquet hosted by the Captain

Today will be the second day of your Yangtze River cruise. Here is the day’s schedule of events:

6:30 - Music morning call

7:00- You will sail into the most impressive section of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges area, which is comprised of Qutang Gorge, Wuxia Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. The gorges of this mighty river climb hundreds of meters (thousands of feet) on both sides, and it is truly breathtaking to witness. At this time, you’ll pass through Qutang Gorge (see the video below).

7:30 - Breakfast (buffet)

8:30-10:00-From the cruise ship, more sightseeing of the Three Gorges Rea, this time you’ll pass through Wuxia Gorge.

12:00 - Lunch

13:00-17:00 - Shore excursion to Shennong Stream. Shennong Stream is a tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep canyons, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous karst formations. There are displays of Chinese art and artifacts saved from the construction of the Three Gorges Dam and the artificial lake. It instructs on the Three Gorges region, the Three Gorges Dam, the history of Chongqing and the surrounding area, Chinese history, and prehistoric times.

18:30-Farewell banquet hosted by the captain

20:30-Party on the cruise ship

Here is the schedule for the last day of your cruise:

7:00 - Morning music call

7:30 - Breakfast (buffet)

8:00-10:00 - Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam: The Construction was begun in the 80's and completed in 2008. It backs up the Yangtze River for 550km, making it the world's largest dam. Because the water rises to a level of 185m behind the dam, millions of people have had to be resettled, bridges moved, and historical relicts secured. The energy production capabilities of the dam are estimated at 84.7 billion kilowatts, equivalent to 18 nuclear reactors. The three single-stage locks guarantee that ship traffic is not delayed.
 

The Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project undertaken by man, and various Chinese officials have dreamed about the plan for hundreds of years. It is 2,335 meters wide on the top, and 130 meters wide at the bottom. The views from the top of the dam are stunning, so don't forget to bring your camera!

10:10-11:00 - Sailing through Xiling Gorge: You'll sail into the western section of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges (at 66 kilometers, compared to Wu Gorge at 44 kilometers and Qutang Gorge at 8 kilometers). Xiling Gorge was renowned for its winding waterway that suddenly narrowed into treacherous rapids or skirted over dangerous shoals. Despite the risks (Xiling Gorge was dubbed as a "death passage"). Ships were compelled to pass through its waters regularly, as there was little alternative. It was also for this reason, among many others, that the Three Gorges Dam project was justified.

11:30: You will disembark at the town of Yichang, and you’ll be met by your guide, who will take you to the Yichang airport, and you will fly on to your next destination, ending your tour.