Yangzi Explorer 2025: Luxury River Cruise Yichang to Chongqing | 5 Days & 4 Nights

Overview

The Yangzi Explorer, a pioneer in luxury Yangtze River cruising since 1995, invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of China’s iconic Three Gorges. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, this newly upgraded vessel redefines opulence with world-class design, unmatched service (near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio), and exclusive amenities. As the first river cruise ship built to navigate the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, it offers seamless access to awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural treasures. With only 148 guests onboard, indulge in spacious suites (all with private balconies), locally inspired gourmet cuisine, and bespoke shore excursions that immerse you in the soul of the Yangtze.

Highlights

• Luxury Redefined: All-suite accommodations, private balconies with an unobstructed river view, and world-leading guest space ratio (1:50). 
  
• Exclusive Access: Sail directly through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift—no transfers required.
• Tailored Experiences: Choose from curated shore excursions, including hidden gems like the 816 Underground Nuclear Project or the poetic Shennv Sky Road.
• Culinary Excellence: Farm-to-table dining featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and a signature Yangtze Fat Fish Banquet.
• Sustainability: Committed to reducing carbon footprints while preserving local heritage.

 

Itinerary 

Cruise departure date 2025

May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 29
July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 24, August 31
September 7, September 21, September 28, October 19, November 30, December 7

Day 1 Yichang | Arrival & Bonus Experiences     

Breakfast ㄨ Lunch ㄨ Dinner ✓

Arrival 

Arrive independently at Yichang. Our dedicated team will greet you at the airport or train station and transport you to the embarkation terminal.

Bonus Shore Tours (Complimentary if you arrive before 2:00 PM)

Line A: VIP tour of the iconic Three Gorges Dam.

Including The Three Gorges Dam, which was started at the end of 1994, is one of the largest water conservancy hubs in the world today. The Three Gorges Diversion Memorial Park retains the engineering piles and objects left at the original site of the Three Gorges Dam construction site. And the Three Gorges Project Museum. It is one of the best viewing points for the Three Gorges Dam.

Line B: Cultural journey to the Qu Yuan Memorial and the Three Gorges Immigration Museum.

The Qu Yuan Temple was built in the 15th year of the Tang Dynasty (820 AD) to commemorate the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan. It is also one of the best viewing angles to appreciate the majestic Three Gorges Dam in the upper reaches. The museum restores the water storage process of the Three Gorges Dam and creates underwater villages and towns to immerse you in the vicissitudes of the reservoir area during the construction of the Three Gorges Project.

Evening Onboard

Enjoy a sumptuous Captain's Welcome Dinner aboard the Yangzi Explorer.

Day 2  Badong

Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓Dinner ✓

The cruise ship will pass through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift in the morning (except during the maintenance period). This is the world's largest and most technically difficult ship lift.

Shore Tours

Line A: Explore the mystical Wuyuan Cave.

Wuyuan Cave is famous for its mysterious karst cave, quiet springs and rocks, and profound historical and cultural heritage. Going up the stream, you can see a cave entrance, follow the trail, change to a small boat, and explore the unknown world in the depths.

Line B: Visit the Badong Museum followed by a scenic tour at the Wuxia Pass.

The Badong Museum is a national second-level museum.  Wuxia as the "First Turn of the Yangtze River Wuxia", Standing on the top of the mountain and looking far away, the Creator has kneaded the mountain into folds, surrounded by colorful clouds.

Evening Entertainment

Be captivated by the immersive performance “A Thousand Years in Badong, One Enchanted Night” (alternative onboard performance in case of cancellation).

Day 3  Fengjie

Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓Dinner ✓

The cruise ship is slowly sailing through two gorges of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River - Wu Gorge and  Qutang Gorge.

Shore Tours

Line A: Discover the historical splendor of Baidi City.

Walking in Baidi City, every brick and stone has been weathered for thousands of years, as if talking to history. This place is not only a natural landscape and a few buildings, but also a historical picture scroll! Therefore, Baidi City has become the place with the most poems and essays in the Three Gorges, made Fengjie famous as the "Poetry City"

 Line B: A light trekking adventure along the Qutang Gorge.

This is a slightly challenging but poetic hiking route. On one side is a cliff that plunges straight into the river, on the other side is the rushing river, and on the other side are cliff carvings left by celebrities of all dynasties.

Line C: Peak of the Three Gorges.

This is the highest point of the Three Gorges, the Yangtze River is like a winding jade belt floating in front of you.

Day 4  Zhongxian

Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓Dinner ✓

The port of Zhongxian awaits with rich local stories and ancient relics.

Shore Tours

Line A: Explore the majestic Shibao Fort.

Shibaozhai was built on the mountain of Yuyin Mountain. It's a magnificent building with 12 floors and a total height of 50 meters.

Wander through the historic streets of Xitu Ancient Town.

Take a local ferry and experience the daily transportation method of locals. The boat crosses the Yangtze River and sails to the ancient town of Xituo. Go down the thousand-step cloud ladder of the Bayan Ancient Road and feel the river breeze and salt charm of the past.

Line C: Visit the Huanghua island.

The island is crisscrossed with fields and has beautiful scenery. Due to the special terrain surrounded by water on all sides and steep on three sides, the "Huanghua City" was built here during the Song Dynasty.

Day 5  Chongqing

Breakfast ✓ Lunch ㄨDinner ㄨ

Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell at Chongqing, with transfer services provided to the airport or train station.

Optionally, continue exploring the vibrant “Mountain City” of Chongqing at your leisure.

 

Include

• Cruise Fare: 4-night luxury accommodation aboard the Yangzi Explorer.
• Dining: 4 breakfasts and 7 onboard meals served at designated dining sessions.
• Transfers: Complimentary transportation on the embarkation day from Yichang’s airport/train station to the terminal and on the disembarkation day from Chongqing terminal to the airport/train station.
• Guided Tours: Onboard narration by experienced English guides plus expert-led excursions at key scenic spots.
• Entrance Fees: Admission to all scheduled attractions—including shuttle bus rides, local transit, and cable car services.
• Activities: All included shore-based activities.
• Insurance: Comprehensive travel accident insurance.

 

Exclude

• Gratuities.
  
• Personal expenses: Onboard entertainment, shopping, and any additional premium activities.

 

Additional Information

1. All tourists and staff must provide accurate ID details (name, passport number, mobile number) upon registration and bring the same valid identification when boarding.
   
2. Please arrive at the designated boarding time. In case of changes (due to hydrological, meteorological, or regulatory conditions), our dedicated team will provide updated transfer arrangements.
3. Please consider carefully when shopping and consuming locally, pay attention to quality and price, pay attention to food hygiene, and be sure to ask for and keep all shopping receipts.
4. Adult and child fares are the same; no special discounts for specific groups.
5. Single occupancy surcharges will be added at 75% of the respective room rate.
6. For a third person (using an extra bed) in a cabin, adults and children aged 2 and above incur a 90% charge of the cabin rate, while infants under 2 years incur a 10% charge.

 

Confirmation Detail

1. Please fill your pick up address in the delivery address, and your flight or train number in other info blank, so that we can confirm it.
2. You'll get confirmation within 24 hours. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please reach out to our customer support (support@realchinatrip.com)
3. If the tour is canceled by our company, you will be notified at least 7 working days prior to departure. You may choose to reschedule, modify your itinerary, or request a refund.

 

Cancellation policy

1. 100% of the amount will be charged 0-3 days (inclusive) before sailing;
2. 50% of the amount will be charged 3-7 days (inclusive) before sailing;
3. 30% of the amount will be charged 7-15 days (inclusive) before sailing;
4. 10% of the amount will be charged more than 15 days before sailing.