Overview
Since 1995, the Yangzi Explorer has set the standard for luxury river cruising. Step aboard and experience a journey unlike any other. With a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio for a truly personalized experience, you'll feel the difference from the moment you arrive. Every detail is meticulously crafted for your comfort, from the spacious suites, all with private balconies, to the locally inspired gourmet cuisine.
The Yangzi Explorer is the first ship built to navigate the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, giving you seamless access to some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. From Chongqing’s neon-lit skyline to the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Shennongjia, this journey blends awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient history, and immersive cultural encounters.
Highlights
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Luxury Redefined: All-suite accommodations, private balconies with an unobstructed river view, and world-leading guest space ratio (1:50).
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Exclusive Access: Sail directly through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift—no transfers required.
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Wilderness & Culture: Trek through Shennongjia’s primeval forests, a UNESCO Triple Crown site (Biosphere Reserve, Geopark, and World Heritage).
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Culinary Excellence: Farm-to-table dining featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and a signature Yangtze Fat Fish Banquet.
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Sustainability: Committed to reducing carbon footprints while preserving local heritage.
Itinerary
Cruise departure date 2026
| Sailing Season |
Month |
Departure (Thur) |
| High |
3-4 |
3-29, 4-5
|
| Peak |
4-5 |
4-12, 4-19, 4-26, 5-3, 5-10, 5-17, 5-24 |
| High |
6-7 |
5-31, 6-7, 6-14, 6-28, 7-5 |
| Peak |
7-8 |
7-12, 7-19, 7-26, 8-2, 8-9 |
| High |
8-9 |
8-16, 8-23, 8-30, 9-6 |
| Peak |
9-10 |
9-13, 9-20, 9-27, 10-4, 10-11, 10-18, 10-25 |
| High |
11 |
11-1, 11-8 |
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.
Evening Onboard
Enjoy a sumptuous Captain's Welcome Dinner aboard the Yangzi Explorer.
Day 2 Shennongjia
Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓Dinner ✓
Shennongjia is recognized by the three major protection systems of UNESCO: World Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark and World Heritage Natural Site. In 2022, Shennongjia was selected into the IUCN Green List of the World's Best Protected Sites.
Day Shore Tours: Guanmen Mountain, Jinhouling Primitive Forest, Golden snub-nosed monkey Research Base
In Guanmen Mountain, you can see the geological changes over billions of years, rare animals such as giant pandas and giant salamanders, and the cliff nests of Chinese honey bees.
Jinhouling grows a variety of plants such as Bashan fir, Chinese pine, arrow bamboo and alpine rhododendron, and is one of the best protected areas of Shennongjia primeval forest.
Golden snub-nosed monkey Research Base is an important platform for the National Forestry and Grassland Administration's golden monkey research. They are resting and playing in the woods by the stream, the staff at the base will introduce you to the living habits of them.
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.
Line B: Wander through the historic streets of Xituo 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
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Cruise Fare: 4-night luxury accommodation aboard the Yangzi Explorer.
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Dining: 4 breakfasts and 7 onboard meals served at designated dining sessions.
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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.
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Guided Tours: Onboard narration by experienced English guides plus expert-led excursions at key scenic spots.
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Entrance Fees: Admission to all scheduled attractions—including shuttle bus rides, local transit, and cable car services.
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Activities: All included shore-based activities.
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Insurance: Comprehensive travel accident insurance.
Exclude
- Gratuities.
- Personal expenses: Onboard entertainment, shopping, and any additional premium activities.
Additional Information
- All tourists and staff must provide accurate ID details (name, passport number, mobile number) upon registration and bring the same valid identification when boarding.
- If passengers are unable to complete boarding and check-in procedures on time due to personal reasons or errors in the provided documents, any expenses incurred will be borne by the passengers.
- 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.
- River navigation conditions are complex and unpredictable. The ship reserves the right to adjust or cancel docking or itinerary attractions due to such as hydrological, water level, weather, waterway control, public health. The ship will make appropriate arrangements for the revised itinerary.
- If the tour cannot depart due to ship-related reasons, the ship will notify you of the cancellation 7 business days prior to departure. You may choose to postpone your departure, reroute, or receive a refund.
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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.
- Prices quoted are per person. In principle, two people will be accommodated in one room. A single person will occupy a separate room and will be required to pay a single room surcharge (75% of the applicable room rate).
- If three people need to share a room, we can accommodate an extra bed. The third person in the room (with or without an extra bed) will be charged 90% of the applicable room rate for both children aged ≥ 2 years and adults.
- Adults and children are charged the same price; No special discounts are offered. Infants under two years old will be charged 10% of the applicable room rate.
Confirmation Detail
- 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)
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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
- 100% of the amount will be charged 0-3 days (inclusive) before sailing;
- 50% of the amount will be charged 3-7 days (inclusive) before sailing;
- 30% of the amount will be charged 7-15 days (inclusive) before sailing;
- 10% of the amount will be charged more than 15 days before sailing.
