8 Days Chongqing-Shennongjia-Chongqing Yangzi Explorer Cruise

As twilight paints the Yangtze in hues of gold, step aboard the Yangzi Explorer at Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Port. Settle into your cabin, then gather for a welcome buffet dinner under soft ambient lights. Toast to the journey at the Captain’s Reception, the city’s neon skyline fading into the river’s embrace as the ship hums to life.

Awaken to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the fluid grace of Tai Chi on the deck. Choose to delve into the 816 Project, a Cold War-era labyrinth carved into mountains, or visit the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum, where Tang Dynasty carvings lie submerged like sunken poetry. As dusk falls, you can also choose to enjoy the fiery drama of “War Fire of the Three Kingdoms” or wander Zhongzhou Old Alley, its ancient stones echoing centuries of untold stories.

At dawn, the ship slips into the narrow Qutang Gorge, its cliffs towering like stone sentinels. Disembark to hike the Shennv Sky Road, a cliffside trail offering vertigo-inducing views of the Yangtze, or drift through the Lesser Three Gorges on a wooden sampan, where waterfalls cascade into jade-green pools. By night, the ship ascends the Three Gorges Ship Lift, its mechanical symphony harmonizing with the river’s timeless song.

Stand before the Three Gorges Dam, its concrete slopes a testament to human ambition, then explore the River Interception Memorial Park and museum detailing its creation. Alternatively, visit Qu Yuan Temple, where pavilions and lotus ponds honor the poet who inspired the Dragon Boat Festival. In the afternoon, Sanyou Cave and the interesting story behind is waiting for your discovery. As twilight descends, savor a gourmet dinner, the ship’s wake shimmering like liquid silver.

Dock near Shennongjia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trek through mist-kissed forests to the Dalongtan Research Base, where golden snub-nosed monkeys leap through canopies, then hike Shennong Valley, its cliffs plunging into ethereal fog. Return to the ship under a star-streaked sky, where live music and moonlit decks await.

Morning light bathes the Wu Gorge in gold as the ship glides past its twelve mythic peaks. Disembark to explore White Emperor City, a Tang Dynasty fortress clinging to cliffs above the roaring Yangtze, or hike the Poetic Trail of Qutang Gorge, where classical verses seem etched into the air, or climb on the Three Gorges Summit to enjoy the best view of Yangtze River. By dusk, toast to the day’s adventures with a feast of regional flavors.

The next day to Zhong County, a lot of amazing places still waiting for you to enjoy. Choose to wander Shibaozhai Pagoda, a 12-story wooden marvel defying gravity on a riverside hill, or stroll Xituo Ancient Town, its cobblestone lanes whispering tales of salt merchants and caravans. Alternatively, visit Huanghua Island, where Song Dynasty ruins whisper of ancient defenses. As evening falls, a crew cabaret blends traditional dance and song, celebrating the Yangtze’s enduring spirit.

On your final morning, the ship docks in Chongqing, where skyscrapers cascade down hillsides like a waterfall of light. Disembark with memories of misty gorges, roaring rivers, and the Yangtze’s timeless whisper.