4 Days Chongqing-Yichang Yangtze River Cruise(Yangzi Explorer)

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. Today's Chongqing is not only a popular city, but also an important node of economic links between China and Europe.

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, visit the Fuling Project 816 (Option A). Hidden in the Wuling Mountains of Fuling, the Project816 is the world's largest known man-made military cave. 58 years ago, more than 60,000 constructors, came tojianzishan, 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 Project816 hidden for almost 60 years.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and a local market (Option B). The museum will take you some 148 feet under water to admirethe river bed and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there since AD 763 in Tang Dynasty. Learn about the Yangtze River, it's 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 War Fire 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.

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 two options to choose from.

Option A: Wushan Shennv 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 Shennv 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: Lesser Three Gorges 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. 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.

In the 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.

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 - visit to the Three Gorges Dam (Option A) or Quyuan Temple & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum(Option B).

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.

Alternatively, you can embark on a cultural tour that includes a visit to the Qu Yuan Temple & the Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum(Option B).

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, 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 Juweng 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.

As your journey with us draws to a close, we thank you for choosing to explore the stunning landscapes with Yangzi Explorer!