Yangtze River Golden Cruise: Three Gorges & Chongqing 6-Day Group Adventure
Product information
In-depth-CulturalPrivate-PartiallyGuided-Personalized
Reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Spacious Observation Deck, Uncrowded - Key Highlights like Fengdu Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges & the Grand Three Gorges Dam are must-see attractions; Experience the unparalleled majesty of the Yangtze River.
Highlights
- Experience a Three-Night Yangtze River Cruise Between Chongqing and Yichang
- Marvel at the Magnificent Gorges along the Way, Including the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge
- Take Advantage of Shore Excursions to Visit Historically Significant Sites Along the Journey
Itinerary
DAY 1 24-hour airport pickup service, exclusive driver will take you to board the five-star Yangtze River cruise for check-in procedures 【Dedicated transfer service】
Board the Yangtze River cruise at Maoping Port of the Three Gorges Dam, present your identification at the service desk to check in and complete boarding procedures.
The cruise check-in time at the reception is between 17:00 and 24:00. The cruise will not set sail on the night of your check-in, so even if your transportation arrival time is delayed, there is no need to worry.
Board the long-awaited five-star cruise ship on the Yangtze River, present your identification at the front desk to check in, and be assigned to your room.
DAY 2 Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise, enjoy the scenic views on both sides of the gorge while on the ship, and sightseeing at the Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River stretch from Baidi City in Chongqing in the west to Nanjin Pass in Yichang in the east, forming a magnificent canyon along the Yangtze River and ranking among China's top ten scenic spots. As one of the cradles of ancient Chinese culture, this area is home to numerous historical sites, such as Baidi City, Huangling, and Nanjin Pass. Among them, Qutang Gorge is particularly steep, with sheer cliffs on both sides, less than one hundred meters apart.
The Three Gorges Family Scenic Area is located within the fantastical and magnificent Xiling Gorge of the Yangtze River Three Gorges. It consists of three areas: Mountain People, Water People, and Streamside People. Here, you can experience the pristine natural scenery of the Three Gorges through a combination of boat tours and walking, offering a comprehensive and multi-angle perspective. The scenic area hosts colorful folk performances every day, providing opportunities for you to participate and deeply appreciate the ancient and mysterious Ba-Chu culture.
Near the Water Village is the confluence of the Yangtze River and Longjin Stream, where the Stream House is located. It is nestled between mountains and water, half on land and half in water, with picturesque scenery of green hills and clear waters. Here, you can see local girls washing clothes by the stream and rowing in boats, fresh and beautiful. On the hillside by the stream, there are many pavilions showcasing the daily life of the local families by the stream, along with wonderful performances such as the tossing of embroidery balls, bride-snatching, entering the bridal chamber, and the boatmen pulling their boats. Many performances also invite tourists to participate, such as playing the role of the groom.
Three Gorges Dam Tourist Area - Introduction to the Three Major Attractions:
1. Tanciling Scenic Area: Officially open to both domestic and foreign tourists since 1997, it is named for its observation deck at the top which resembles an upside-down jar. The area is a surveying point for the dam construction, at an elevation of 262.48 meters, providing a panoramic view of the Three Gorges Project. Visitors can admire not only the grandeur of the Three Gorges Dam but also the imposing "Fourth Gorge of the Yangtze River" with its five-tier bidirectional ship locks. The entire park is divided into three tiers, with heights increasing from the top down, featuring exhibition halls for models, ancient riverbed stones, major river diversion stones, dam foundation stones, silver script, and the Tanciling observation deck, along with magnificent fountains, beautiful waterfalls, and winding streams through lush greenery. As you look around, there is a sense of tranquility amidst movement and movement amidst tranquility, making it feel like being in a wonderful paradise.
2. 185 Viewing Point: The 185 Viewing Point is located at the left bank entrance of the dam top road of the Three Gorges Dam. It is named after its elevation of 185 meters, which is the same as the top of the dam. Standing on the platform and looking down, it feels as if you are at the top of the dam, allowing you to experience the grandeur of the dam up close and appreciate the magnificent scenery of the high gorge leading to the calm lake.
3. Jietong Memorial Park: This was once the site where the "Heart to Heart" Art Troupe performed. Today, under the careful planning of its designers, this once desolate area has been transformed into a revitalized viewing gateway of Jietong Memorial Park. With the green mountains at its back and facing the dam, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Three Gorges while also appreciating the magnificent grandeur of the dam and the stirring spectacle of its flood discharge.
Cruise Welcome Reception
You are invited to dress elegantly and join the captain and senior cruise management for a celebration together, toasting to this wonderful journey. A variety of champagne, sparkling water, and exquisite snacks will make the atmosphere even more enchanting.
DAY 3 Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise, enjoy the Wuxia and Qutang Gorges, and explore the 【Wushan Small Three Gorges】 on board
The tour of the Little Three Gorges is a scenic boat ride that lasts about 4 hours. The scenic area features colorful peaks and ridges, ever-changing clouds and mist, serene and pristine waterfalls and springs, mysterious ancient caves and cliffs, as well as lush forests and bamboo groves, making it a wonderfully intricate natural bonsai; there are playful monkeys climbing trees and rocks, lovebirds in pairs, various waterbirds soaring in the sky, numerous fish swimming in the clear water, and the cheerful sounds of hundreds of birds singing in the bushes can be heard anytime, making it a truly magnificent wildlife park; there are ancient hanging coffins, boat coffins, and old villages left from the Ba people, which are precious historical relics. This unique canyon scenery blends natural landscapes with cultural sites, shining brilliantly as a gem along the golden tourist waterway of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges.
Xiaoxia Sanxia, also known as the Three Gorges of Xiaoxia, refers to the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge in the Wushan area along the lower reaches of the Daming River, spanning a total length of 45 kilometers. It is one of the first batch of AAAAA tourist attractions. It has been successively recognized as one of the "Forty Best Tourist Destinations in China," "Chinese Scenic Areas," and "Civilized Scenic Area in Chongqing." It has also been praised by celebrities as a "Chinese Marvel," "World's Scenic Wonder," "Not the Three Gorges, Better than the Three Gorges," and "Remarkable Gorges of the World," with comments like "Once you have seen the sea, other waters seem bland; apart from the Daming River, no other gorge compares; once you return from the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains are worth seeing; once you return from the Daming River, no other gorges are worth seeing," among others.
Qutang Gorge is adjacent to Baidi City, with a total length of 8 kilometers. It combines majesty, uniqueness, danger, and steepness, making it a short, narrow, and perilous segment of the Three Gorges. On the northern bank of Qutang Gorge, at Chijia Mountain, there are three major archaeological sites: the Laoguan Temple cultural site, the Daxi cultural site, and the Wushan Yeren site, as well as attractions such as the Laoguan Temple signal station, Chijia Tower, ancient cannon platforms, ancient plank roads, and the hanging coffins in Fengxiang Gorge. On the southern bank, at Baiyan Mountain, there are remnants of the Mengliangti ancient plank road, cliff stone carvings, and scenic spots such as Xiniu Wangyue Peak and Yeren Peak, encapsulating 2 million years of human development history in China.
The magnificent scene of "Kuimen," known as Qutang Pass, located at the west entrance of Qutang Gorge, stands "proudly in the world." It commands the Bashu region to the west and controls Jingchu to the east, a land long coveted by military strategists. The two mountains on either side of the river face each other, with cliffs rising steeply, chiseled like axe and knife, dropping straight down, cutting through the great river, creating a stunning landscape; the sky opens a narrow line, the gorge stretches wide, and the valley locks in the river, this is Kuimen. Kuimen is renowned for its grandeur and magnificence, historically praised as "Kuimen is the mightiest under heaven," and today it is celebrated as the "Gateway to Chinese Landscapes," featured as the background pattern of the fifth series of the 10 yuan Renminbi.
Exciting and Enchanting Three Gorges Theme Evening Party
A passionate song and dance gala, with exciting performances, connects the hearts of those who travel together on the Three Gorges. The showcases by numerous professional performers, interspersed with interactive entertainment activities by the tourists, elevate the atmosphere of the entire journey to a climax.
DAY 4 Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise, enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river on board, and visit the 【Fengdu Ghost City】 onshore.
Enjoy a delicious Chinese and Western buffet breakfast in the morning light (cruise dining)
Cruise deck sightseeing, enjoy a wonderful journey
A relaxed and enjoyable journey, a leisurely and comfortable cruise experience, how can it not greatly ease your mood?
The fresh river breeze gently caresses the face, and enjoying the river view in peace brings complete tranquility. Sipping a warm cup of tea, one can feel a great sense of contentment even without doing anything. Alternatively, one can sweat it out at the gym with a spirited attitude, letting vibrant energy radiate.
Fengdu Ghost City is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengdu County, Chongqing. It is said to be the site of the legendary "Yin Cao Di Fu" (the underworld) and represents a concentration of China's ghostly culture. In legend, elements such as the Naihe Bridge and the eighteen layers of hell truly exist here.
Fengdu Ghost City is very convenient to visit. After entering the scenic area gate, follow the signs and take a mountain path to explore upward. Along the way, you will pass familiar sites such as the Hengha Shrine, the Bridge of Helplessness, the Ghost Gate, the Road to the Yellow Springs, the Yama Hall, and the Eighteen Levels of Hell. You can also see statues of legendary figures like the Ox-headed and Horse-faced guardians, the Judge of the Underworld, and King Yama within the ghost city, while the Eighteen Levels of Hell convey the traditional concept of karma, urging people to do good and refrain from evil.
These legendary places in the underworld reflect the traditional Chinese understanding of life and death, ghosts, and hell. If you are interested, you can follow a guide, listen to stories, and learn about the ancient customs and taboos.
When exploring the city, one cannot miss the famous master’s performance of "Stone Moves with Fortune." The performance of over 300 pounds of iron stone showcases strength, leaving people genuinely in awe.
Cruise Freedom Dance Party
Invite your dance partner to sway gracefully on this romantic night and enjoy a rare and wonderful evening.
DAY 5 The cruise arrives in the vibrant mountain city of Chongqing, giving plenty of time to explore the city's famous attractions.
● The cruise arrives at Chaotianmen Port in Chongqing at 8 AM, marking the end of the Yangtze River cruise journey;
● In special circumstances, when the water level of the Yangtze River is too high or too low, the cruise ship will dock at Fengdu Port near downtown Chongqing, and the cruise company will provide vehicles to transport tourists to the central urban area of Chongqing;
Zhazidong + Baigongguan + Ciqikou Ancient Town + Liziba + Yangtze River Cableway (including one-way cableway ticket) + Eling Factory + Hongya Cave - Return to hotel
Zhazidong, located at the foot of Gele Mountain in the suburbs of Chongqing, is surrounded by mountains on three sides, making it a concealed area. Originally a small coal mine for manual coal mining, it was named for its abundant waste and scarce coal. It was transformed into a place for detention starting in 1938.
Baigong Pavilion, one of the prototypes in the novel "Red Rock," vividly recreates the brutal imprisonment life of that time.
Come to Ciqikou Ancient Town, once a bustling water and land dock. Stroll along the bluestone roads, taste the local snacks, find a teahouse to relax in, and experience the local customs and culture of old Chongqing. Being very close to the city center, the ancient town is now a great place for residents to relax and entertain.
The Liziba Viewing Platform is located outside the Liziba Station of Chongqing Rail Transit. Its ingenious design allows visitors to closely observe the scene of the light rail trains passing through buildings. The light rail trains rush past beneath the viewing platform, providing visitors with a strong visual impact that is hard to forget. This unique design not only ensures the smooth passage of the trains through the buildings but also offers visitors an opportunity for close contact with this wonder, making it truly stunning. From the viewing platform, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of downtown Chongqing, experiencing the prosperity of modern urban life and advanced transportation, which conveys the vibrancy and vitality of the city. Additionally, the Liziba Viewing Platform is a must-visit attraction, where one can not only view the unique sight of light rail trains passing through buildings but also experience the modern urban landscape and transportation facilities, showcasing the charm of Chongqing.
The Second Factory Cultural Park, also known as Erling Second Factory, is located in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. It was formerly the Chongqing Printing Second Factory, which can be said to have been a giant in the color printing industry in Southwest China. With the development of the times, the once booming machines gradually came to a halt, and the Second Factory slowly faded from people's view. The old factory building still retains the original style of the standalone old building, exuding an artistic atmosphere, making it a favorite place for young people.
The Yangtze River Cableway has become a representative project of the mountain city. The cableway starts from Chang'an Temple (Xinhua Road) in Yuzhong District and crosses the Yangtze River to Shangxin Street (Longmenhao) in Nan'an District. Taking the cableway, you can glide to the opposite bank of the river, enjoying the close-up views of the concrete jungle, the Yangtze River, and the scenery of Jiangbei and Nan'an Districts along the way.
Hongya Cave Folk Customs Area is a great place to explore the old streets of the mountain city, enjoy the scenery of the two rivers, and taste local delicacies. The Hongya Cave Commercial Street is located on Changbai Road in the Yuzhong District, at the riverside where the Yangtze River and Jialing River converge. The area features traditional Ba-Yu architectural characteristics with "stilt houses" as the main structure, built along the river and nestled against the mountains.
The night view is stunning
Hongya Cave Folk Customs Area consists of four parts: the Paper Salt River Bar Street, Tiancheng Lane Bayu Style Street, Feast Food Street, and the Exotic City Balcony. The main feature is the stilted buildings with traditional Bayu architectural characteristics, built along the mountainside. Through layered platforms, stilted structures, interleaving, and cliff-side construction techniques, this collection of buildings is beautifully integrated. At night, the area is brightly lit, making it a scenic spot of the mountain city.
DAY6 concludes the tour of the mountain city of Chongqing and returns home