Yangtze River Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang, Three Gorges & Dam

Summary

Chongqing to Yichang by boat through misty gorges and ancient villages

You’ll drift along the Yangtze from Chongqing to Yichang, waking up each morning to new scenery outside your cabin window. Expect local guides who share stories (and jokes), shore stops at riverside temples or villages, and quiet moments gliding through misty gorges. Meals and accommodation are covered — just bring curiosity and maybe an umbrella.

What’s the experience like?

“Sometimes the river is quiet like old silk,” our guide, Mrs. Zhang, said as we boarded in Chongqing. I remember her voice echoing off the steel railings while porters shuffled bags behind us. We didn’t know until that morning if we’d leave from Chaotianmen or Wanzhou — turns out it was Wanzhou, so they bundled us onto a bus for a couple of hours first. Not exactly glamorous, but honestly, watching the city lights fade into countryside through rain-specked windows felt like part of the trip already.

The Yangtze River cruise itself was slower than I expected — in a good way. Mornings started with congee and strong tea in the dining room, then we’d stand on deck as the boat slipped between cliffs at Qutang Gorge. The air had this damp mineral smell, and sometimes you could hear distant flute music from another ship (or maybe someone’s phone?). One afternoon we stopped at what Mrs. Zhang called “Jade Emperor Sanctuary” — she tried teaching us how to say it in Mandarin but I mangled it so badly she just laughed and patted my arm. The temple incense mixed with river mist; I still think about that scent.

There were three included shore excursions — though which ones you get depends on your boat’s schedule. Ours took us to a tiny riverside village where an old man showed us how he makes rice wine (I only pretended to sip). The highlight for me was sailing through Wu Gorge at dusk: green mountains pressed close on both sides and clouds hung low enough to almost touch. People got quiet for once, just watching the light shift over the water. It felt oddly private even with a hundred other passengers around.

The last day came too soon — breakfast, then off to see the Three Gorges Dam up close (it’s bigger than it looks in photos). We docked in Yichang around lunchtime, a little dazed from all that slow motion scenery. If you’re thinking about a Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, just know things might change last minute with docks or which excursions you get — but somehow that unpredictability is part of what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Embark and start sailing

• Embark at Chongqing Chaotianmen Wharf
• Board bus if boarding at Wanzhou Harbour
• Start sailing at 21:00

Day 2 — Sailing and shore excursion

• Buffet breakfast on board
• Excursion to Yuhuang Shengdi or Shibao Village
• Buffet lunch on board
• Dinner on board

Day 3 — Cruise through Three Gorges

• Buffet breakfast on board
• Optional excursion to White Emperor City
• Sail through Qutang Gorge
• Buffet lunch on board
• Sail through Wu Gorge
• Excursion to Lesser Three Gorges or Shengnong or Goddess Stream
• Enter Xiling Gorge
• Farewell dinner on board

Day 4 — Arrive Yichang and dam visit

• Breakfast on board
• Excursion to Three Gorges Dam
• Arrive at Yichang Tourist Center

Top questions

Where does the Yangtze River cruise start?

The cruise usually starts in Chongqing but may depart from Wanzhou Harbour depending on river conditions.

How long is the cruise from Chongqing to Yichang?

The Yangtze River cruise lasts 4 days and 3 nights downstream.

Are meals included on the Yangtze River cruise?

Yes, buffet meals are included throughout the journey on board.

Which gorges will I see during this cruise?

You’ll sail through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge.

Are shore excursions included?

Three shore excursions are included; exact sites depend on your boat’s schedule.

What happens if my departure dock changes?

If boarding moves from Chaotianmen to Wanzhou due to weather or season, bus transfer is arranged by the cruise company.

Is there a guide on board?

A local boat guide is included throughout your cruise experience.

When does the tour end in Yichang?

The tour ends around 12:30-13:30 at Yichang Tourist Center; plan departures after 16:30 that day.

What’s included

Your journey includes accommodation in a twin cabin aboard a Chinese 5-star boat for three nights, all buffet meals during your cruise downstream from Chongqing to Yichang, three guided shore excursions (final sites confirmed after booking), service charges, and transfers if needed between city center and alternate harbors depending on river conditions.