4 Days 3 Nights Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang

Traveling along China’s mighty Yangtze River offers a unique window into the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This 4-day cruise from Chongqing to Yichang promises to showcase the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges, the imposing Three Gorges Dam, and several historic stops along the way. While we haven’t done this cruise ourselves, we’ve gathered ample insights to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are the breathtaking views of the Three Gorges, the chance to explore culturally significant sites like Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City, and the opportunity to witness China’s modern engineering marvel, the Three Gorges Dam. We also appreciate that the itinerary includes optional excursions, allowing travelers to tailor their experience based on interest and energy levels.

A potential consideration is the non-refundable policy—any changes or cancellations mean losing your payment. For those who prefer flexible plans, this might be a drawback. However, if you’re seeking a structured, immersive journey on the river with scenic highlights, this cruise largely delivers. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes, cultural stops, and don’t mind a fixed schedule.

Good To Know

• Stunning scenery of the Three Gorges offers unforgettable river views.
• Cultural stops like Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City add depth.
• Optional excursions allow customization but require additional planning.
• The cruise offers three delicious meals per day, included in the price.
• The modern vessel and group size (up to 500 travelers) balance comfort with social atmosphere.
• The non-refundable policy emphasizes pre-planned commitment, ideal for certain travelers.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Chongqing

The journey begins with an optional VIP city tour before boarding. Highlights like Liziba Monorail, Hongya Cave, and Ciqikou Ancient Town give a taste of Chongqing’s vibrant urban culture. You’re picked up and transferred to Chaotianmen Pier, where the cruise kicks off around 6:00 PM.

Travelers have mentioned that the early start and the sight of the city’s skyline while boarding set an exciting tone. The safety briefing at 8:30 PM is standard but reassuring—it’s always good to start well-informed.

Day 2: Fengdu Ghost City and Zhong County

This day combines cultural exploration and scenic cruising. The visit to Fengdu Ghost City offers a fascinating glimpse into Chinese folklore—think temples, sculptures, and legends about spirits. Many reviews note that the site is “free,” which is a bonus for budget-conscious travelers.

Later, the cruise stops at Zhong County for an evening cultural show titled “War of the Three Kingdoms.” Reviewers found that the show was entertaining and a nice cultural addition after a day of sightseeing. Expect an engaging performance that adds to the local flavor of the experience.

Day 3: Fengjie County and the Three Gorges

The morning visit to White Emperor City is a highlight—this historic site is perched atop a hill overlooking the river, offering spectacular views and a sense of history. Many travelers mention the three-hour visit as a worthwhile cultural stop.

Post-lunch, the cruise navigates through the Qutang Gorge, renowned for its magnificent cliffs and narrow channels—a picture-perfect moment. The afternoon includes a boat tour of the Small Three Gorges and sailing through Wu Gorge, both known for their serene beauty and towering rocks.

Day 4: Disembarkation and the Three Gorges Dam

The cruise concludes at Zigui Port, where travelers can visit the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam. This engineering marvel is often cited as a “must-see” because of its size and importance. Some optional tours include a visit to the Ship Lift or the Three Gorges Tribe Scenic Area, depending on your interests and schedule.

Travelers appreciate the organized disembarkation process and the opportunity to witness modern China’s ingenuity firsthand.

Experience Quality and Practicalities

The cruise is priced at $720 per person, which we see as reasonable considering the inclusion of three meals daily and access to multiple scenic and cultural sites. The vessel offers dinner, lunch, and breakfast—making it convenient and easing the need to find meals ashore.

The group size is up to 500 travelers, which can foster a lively atmosphere but might limit intimacy for some. The tour departs at 5:30 PM from Chongqing and ends in Yichang, providing a straightforward logistical setup.

Travelers have highlighted that the timing is well coordinated to maximize scenic cruising and sightseeing. The modern ship ensures a comfortable experience, though some might find the large group size less personal.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer pointed out that “the views of the Three Gorges were breathtaking,” emphasizing the dramatic cliffs and mist-shrouded waters. Another shared that the cultural stops felt authentic, and the optional shows added a nice touch. However, some mentioned the non-refundable policy as a downside, so booking with certainty is advisable.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Arrive early for optional city tours if you want to explore Chongqing extensively.
• Prepare for optional excursions to be extra flexible with your schedule.
• Since meals are included, plan to enjoy the local flavors without extra expense.
• Pack layers—weather can vary along the river, and boat decks can be windy.
• If you’re interested in engineering feats, consider the optional Ship Lift tour at the dam.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This cruise suits adventurous travelers curious about Chinese culture, nature, and engineering marvels. It’s ideal for those who enjoy scenic river views and don’t mind a structured schedule. History buffs and photography enthusiasts will love the views, while those seeking a smooth, organized experience will find this cruise comfortable.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer flexible itineraries or want to avoid large group settings, given the potential for crowds. If you’re after luxury and privacy, some smaller or more exclusive options might be better.

The Sum Up

This 4-day Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang offers an eye-opening journey through some of China’s most iconic sights. From the spectacular landscapes of the Three Gorges to the historic sites and the impressive dam, there’s a lot packed into a relatively short trip. The inclusion of cultural performances and optional excursions allows for a personalized experience, though planning around the non-refundable policy is essential.

At a reasonable price point, this cruise provides good value—especially if you’re keen on scenic beauty and cultural insight. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a balanced mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and cultural discovery on one of China’s most famed waterways.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, making the start of your journey more convenient.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at the Port Passenger Transport Travel Agency located at 5 Xin Yi Jie, Chaotianmen, Chongqing.

When does the cruise start and end?
It departs at 5:30 PM from Chongqing and disembarks at Zigui Port in Yichang after four days.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the cruise, totaling three of each.

Can I customize the excursions?
Optional tours are available, like a visit to the Three Gorges Dam or the scenic area, but they are booked separately and have specific drop-off times.

What are some key highlights?
Expect breathtaking views of the Three Gorges, visits to Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City, and the opportunity to see China’s largest dam.

Is the group size large?
Yes, the cruise can host up to 500 travelers, which offers a lively atmosphere but may limit privacy.

What’s the price?
The cruise costs approximately $720 per person, offering a good balance between cost and experience considering included meals and access to scenic sites.

Is there a need for extra spending?
Meals are included, but optional excursions and personal purchases will be additional.

What should I pack?
Bring layers for variable weather, camera gear for scenic views, and comfortable shoes for sightseeing stops.

Embark on this Yangtze River cruise for a well-rounded experience of China’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern achievements—perfect for travelers eager to see the heart of China flowing through its most famous river.