From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals

From Yichang to Chongqing: A 5-Day Yangtze River Cruise with Meals

Traveling on the Yangtze River is an adventure that mixes stunning scenery, cultural highlights, and the comfort of modern cruise ships. This 5-day journey takes you from the hydroelectric marvel of the Three Gorges Dam to the bustling city of Chongqing, all aboard a luxurious Century Cruises vessel. With a price of $983 per person, this cruise offers a leisurely pace, an array of onboard amenities, and carefully curated land excursions—perfect for those who want to see the river’s highlights without rushing.

What we love about this experience is how it balances luxury with authenticity. The cabins are beautifully appointed with imported marble bathrooms, authentic cotton bedding, and private balconies—ideal for soaking in the views. Plus, the itinerary includes learning opportunities like traditional Taiji boxing and visits to iconic sites such as the Three Gorges Dam and Fengdu Ghost City. On the downside, the scheduled activities and excursions can be quite full, so if you prefer a more laid-back, unstructured trip, this might feel somewhat busy.

This cruise suits travelers who want a comfortable and scenic introduction to China’s Yangtze River, especially those who appreciate detailed cultural experiences and modern amenities. It’s perfect for solo travelers, small groups, or couples who value quality accommodation and expert guides. If you’re seeking a relaxing, well-organized river adventure with memorable sights, this cruise checks most of those boxes.

Key Points

• Luxurious Comfort: 4-night, 5-star cabins with private balconies and elegant decor.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to Three Gorges Dam and Fengdu Ghost City enrich the experience.
• Balanced Pace: A relaxing cruise with daily onboard learning, optional shore excursions, and leisure time.
• Informed Guidance: Multilingual guides and knowledgeable staff enhance your understanding of the sights.
• All-Inclusive Value: Meals, land excursions, and transfers are included, making planning straightforward.
• Year-Round Departures: Cruises run stable schedules throughout the year.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Journey Begins in Yichang

Embarkation occurs between 5:00pm and 8:30pm, giving you plenty of time to settle into your cabin before departure at 9:00pm. The buffet dinner included on the first night sets a welcoming tone, and you’ll immediately feel the comfort of the ship’s elegant furnishings and friendly staff, ready to guide you through this scenic voyage.

Day 1 & 2: First Sights and Learning Opportunities

Your first full day on board opens with opportunities to try Chinese Taiji boxing, a gentle way to start your mornings while absorbing local traditions. During the day, an optional shore excursion to the Tribe of Three Gorges or just relaxing onboard lets you ease into the cruise’s leisurely pace.

On Day 2, the highlight is the visit to the Three Gorges Dam—the world’s largest hydroelectric project. The guided excursion provides context to China’s engineering marvel and its significance to the country’s development. Passengers have noted that the guides, like a reviewer mentioned, are professional and multilingual, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

Days 3 & 4: Gorges, Scenic Cruising, and Culture

The next days are about experiencing the natural beauty while learning about local culture. Sailing through the Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge, you’ll observe some of China’s most famous river landscapes.

On Day 3, a shore stop at Shennv Stream offers a glimpse into the natural scenery and traditional Chinese aesthetics. The option to visit White Emperor City adds a layer of historical intrigue, though it might be a fuller day depending on your schedule.

Day 4 centers on a visit to Fengdu Ghost City, a site filled with mythological stories and traditional Chinese beliefs. The afternoon excursion offers a thought-provoking contrast to the natural scenery, providing cultural insights that deepen your understanding of Chinese folklore.

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The Final Day: Chongqing Arrival

Your cruise ends early morning on Day 5 in Chongqing. The voyage’s smooth schedule ensures you’re there by 9:00am, giving you a full day to explore the city or continue with your plans.

The Ship and Onboard Facilities

The Century Cruises ship is designed with comfort and elegance in mind. With features like a gym, sauna, library, sun deck, and Karaoke, there’s plenty to do on board. For dining, you’ll find both Chinese and Western options, catering to diverse tastes. The private balconies on each cabin mean you can enjoy the ever-changing river scenery from your room.

The interior decor includes sky blue lighting and high ceilings that create a bright, airy atmosphere. Whether you’re relaxing in your suite or participating in onboard lectures, the ship feels both modern and welcoming.

Cabin Options and Pricing

The cabins are customizable, with choices ranging from standard rooms to suite-level accommodations. The single traveler option makes solo cruising feasible, though a single supplement applies. It’s worth contacting the operator beforehand if you want a suite or specific preferences.

Onboard Activities and Amenities

Guests consistently praise the professional guides and well-trained staff. The learning sessions on Taiji and local culture add a thoughtful touch. The ship also offers practical facilities like a business center, shop, beauty salon, and medical clinic—all designed to make your stay comfortable.

The Land Excursions: A Closer Look

The shore excursions add significant value to this cruise, breaking up the scenic sailing with cultural and natural highlights:

• Three Gorges Dam: A monumental feat of engineering, offering a chance to understand China’s energy ambitions.
• Shennv Stream: Provides a peaceful natural setting, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
• Fengdu Ghost City: A famous site filled with mythological statues and traditional Chinese beliefs, offering a fascinating cultural perspective.
• White Emperor City (optional): Historically significant, this site offers picturesque views and a chance to explore Chinese history.

These visits are well-organized, with entrance fees included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs or logistics.

What to Expect Regarding the Experience

From reviews, we know travelers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery as major highlights. The guides’ ability to explain Chinese customs and history in both Chinese and English makes the experience more meaningful.

The scenery along the Yangtze is truly impressive—vast gorges, lush mountains, and the impressive Three Gorges Dam provide constant visual interest. The ship’s private balconies make it easy to enjoy the views at your own pace, whether in the morning fog or sunset glow.

The meals onboard are plentiful and diverse, often highlighting local flavors, which helps deepen your culture. Plus, the included transportation—pick-up from Yichang airport and transfers to Chongqing airport or train station**—simplifies logistics.

Authentic Touches and Comfort

The authentic cotton bedspreads and imported marble bathrooms elevate the cabin experience. We loved the way the ship’s interior decor balances elegance with comfort, making it a pleasure to unwind after excursions.

Considerations for Travelers

While the cruise offers a relaxing pace overall, some reviews note the full schedule can be tiring, especially for those who prefer more free time. The itinerary is subject to change based on weather or operational reasons, so flexibility is key.

Also, the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility is an issue, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Price and Value Analysis

At $983 per person, this cruise presents solid value considering the luxury cabins, meals, land excursions, and transfers included. The focus on quality amenities and professional guides adds value beyond just the scenery.

For travelers wanting a comfortable, well-organized trip that combines natural beauty with cultural insights, this cruise offers a balanced experience. The all-year-round departure schedule further enhances its appeal, making it accessible regardless of season.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This river journey is ideal for those seeking a leisurely and immersive experience. If you appreciate luxury accommodations, cultural visits, and scenic cruising, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suited for solo travelers or small groups who want to avoid the hassle of planning logistics—everything from transfers to excursions is handled.

Travelers looking for a quiet, scenic escape with a touch of history and modern Chinese engineering will also appreciate the carefully curated stops. However, if you prefer a very flexible schedule or are limited in mobility, this cruise might not be the best fit.

FAQ

Is transportation from the airport included?
Yes. The cruise package includes a private car transfer to Yichang pier from Yichang airport or train station, and from Chongqing pier to the airport or train station.

Are meals included?
All daily meals onboard are included, with Chinese and Western options available, ensuring you’re well-fed during your journey.

Can I select a specific cabin type?
Yes, you can choose your cabin and floor preferences at check-out. If you want a suite, it’s best to contact the operator beforehand to check availability.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. It’s recommended to cancel at least 10 days in advance if possible.

Are excursions optional?
Yes, shore excursions such as the Three Gorges Dam visit and Fengdu Ghost City are planned but optional. You can choose whether to participate.

Is this cruise suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Solo travelers can opt for a single room, though a supplement applies. It’s a great way to meet others in small-group settings.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable clothing, and suitable footwear for excursions. Smart casual attire is recommended for the Captain’s welcome reception.

Is the schedule flexible?
The itinerary is a guide and may change due to weather or operational reasons, so some flexibility is advisable.

Who operates this cruise?
It’s offered by Andy’s private China tours, a reliable provider with positive reviews for well-organized trips.

To sum it up, this Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing offers a balanced blend of luxury, scenic beauty, and cultural enrichment. It’s well-suited for travelers who value comfort and detailed experiences, and want to see some of China’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed. The thoughtful itinerary, high-quality amenities, and expert guidance make it a compelling choice for those looking for a memorable river adventure. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple, or a small group, this journey provides a wonderful way to connect with one of China’s most famous waterways in style and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: