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Quick Look: 4-Day Chongqing-Yichang Cruise
Ready to experience the ultimate Yangtze adventure? Going downstream from Chongqing to Yichang is the smart way to cruise! Not only does it save you time by flowing with the current, but you'll also follow in the footsteps of ancient Chinese poets who were inspired by these same stunning views.
Here's the cool part - pretty much every cruise company (we're talking 98%) runs this route as a 4-day journey. While different ships might throw in their own special touches or tweak the timing a bit, the core route stays the same for everyone. It's like following a greatest hits playlist of the Yangtze's best spots!
Classic 4-Day Yangtze Cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: Setting Sail at Chongqing's Chaotianmen Dock
Day 2: Fengdu Exploration (Shuanggui Moutain, Xiaoguanshan Acient Folk Culture, Threee Kindom Show)
Day 3: Fengjie to Wu Gorge (White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Shennv Sky Road)
Day 4: Dam Visit & Departure
插入船ID
Yangtze River Cruise Map: 4-Day Chongqing to Yichang Classic Journey
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise: Day 1 - Let's Set Sail!
While all Yangtze cruises start from Chaotianmen Dock, only Century Cruises has a fixed spot at Pier 11 - other cruise lines keep it interesting with different berths each time.
Quick heads up about those famous Chaotianmen steps - they're quite the workout! If you're flying solo with heavy bags. They charge around ¥10-20 per bag, and while they're trustworthy, just give your luggage a quick check before they head off.
How to Get to Chaotianmen Dock
From Chongqing Railway Station, just hop on Metro Line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station, then it's a quick 10-minute stroll. Coming from the airport? Catch the airport shuttle to Shangqingsi Station, then grab Line 3 to Linjiangmen Station - you're just minutes away from the dock.
Check-in Process At Chaotianmen Port
- Locate your cruise line's check-in counter
- Present your cruise documents and passport
- Collect your cabin key and boarding pass
- Get directions to your specific ship berth
- Staff will assist with luggage handling
- Board the ship via the gangway
- Find your cabin and get settled in
How to Get to Chaotianmen Dock for the Yangtze River Cruise
Chongqing Train Stations to Chaotianmen Dock | Car, Metro or Taxi to Chaotianmen Dock
Chongqing Airport to Chaotianmen Dock | 4 Options from Chongqing Jiangbei to Chaotianmen
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise: Day 2 - Tales of Fengdu
| Time | Attractions | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Fengdu Ghost City | Yangtze Gold, Yangtze 2, Yangtze 3, Century Cruise, Victoria Cruise |
| Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture | Victoria Cruise | |
| Shuanggui Moutain (Optional) | Yangtze Gold | |
| Evening | Three Kindom Show (Optional) | Victoria Cruise, Century Cruise (except Century Voyage), Yangtze 3, Yangtze Gold |
Wake up to an exciting morning as your ship docks at Fengdu! Almost every Yangtze cruise makes this fascinating stop, with most cruise lines featuring the famous Fengdu Ghost City as their main attraction, while some offer optional visits to Shuanggui Mountain Park or Xiaoguanshan Ancient Residences.
As night falls, don't miss the spectacular "Fengyansanguo (烽烟三国)" Three Kingdoms Show, offered by major cruise lines like Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, Yangtze 3, and Yangtze Gold Cruises. This dazzling performance combines acrobatics, dance, and drama to bring ancient Chinese history to life - definitely worth the extra fee!
Day 2 Top Highlights: Fengdu Ghost City & Three Kindom Show
Fengdu Ghost City: It is a must-see marvel combining mythology, folklore, and Buddhist-Taoist beliefs. This ancient complex of temples and shrines tells fascinating stories about the Chinese underworld. Walking through its eerie gates and testing your virtue at the Nothing-to-Be-Done Bridge adds a thrilling twist to your journey!
Shuanggui Mountain Park: This tranquil retreat sits right next to Fengdu Ghost City, offering breathtaking river views and traditional gardens. It's the perfect choice for those seeking a more relaxed way to explore local culture and nature.
Xiaoguanshan Ancient Residences: Located about 3 kilometers from Fengdu Ghost City, this architectural complex features well-preserved houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These authentic dwellings offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into traditional Chinese lifestyle and architecture - a paradise for photographers and a dream come true for history enthusiasts.
The Fengyansanguo Show (烽烟三国) is hands down one of the most highly-rated evening entertainments you'll find on any Yangtze cruise! This stunning performance brings the Three Kingdoms era to life through 7 epic scenes from the legendary general Guan Yu's life.
Don't worry if you're not familiar with the historical background - you'll be blown away regardless! The show is a feast for the senses with its incredible stagecraft, including massive moving sets, dynamic horseback performances, and mesmerizing dance routines.
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise Day 3: Highlights of Yangtze River Cruise (B,L,D)
Welcome to the highlights of your Yangtze River cruise! Today you'll witness the most breathtaking scenery as your ship navigates through the famous Three Gorges, including the majestic Qutang and Wu Gorges. Most cruise lines offer stops at White Emperor City (optional on some ships) and Shennv Stream, while companies like Yangtze 3 and Yangtze Gold might switch things up with Shennv Sky Road or Lesser Three Gorges for a unique experience.
| Time | Attractions | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | White Emperor City | Yangtze Gold, Yangtze 2, Victoria Cruise, Century Cruise |
| Afternoon | Shennv Stream | Yangtze Gold, Yangtze 2, Victoria Cruise, Century Cruise, Yangtze 3 |
| Shennv Sky Road | Yangtze 3 | |
| Lesser Three Gorges | Yangtze Gold |
5 Best Attractions: Best of Day 3
Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet grandest of the Three Gorges, will leave you speechless with its steep cliffs and swirling waters. Best viewed from your ship's deck, especially during sunrise.
Wu Gorge enchants with its mysterious peaks shrouded in mist and the famous Twelve Peaks. The legendary "Goddess Peak" is a must-photograph spot, especially beautiful in early morning light.
White Emperor City, perched high on Baidi Mountain, offers stunning gorge views and rich history. Its ancient temples and classic poetry connections make it a cultural treasure.
Shennv Stream provides an intimate encounter with lesser-known gorges via small boats, letting you get up close to hanging coffins and karst formations.
Lesser Three Gorges offers a more secluded adventure through pristine valleys, perfect for nature lovers seeking authentic river landscapes.
Shennv Sky Road: Treats you to panoramic views from modern cable cars, offering a unique perspective of the Wu Gorge region.
China Three Gorges: Wu, Qutang, Xiling Gorges on Yangtze River
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise Day 4: Yichang & Departure (B)
Your last morning onboard starts with breakfast, but don't think your Three Gorges adventure ends when you leave the ship! The grand finale awaits - a visit to the star attraction of the Yangtze River, the magnificent Three Gorges Dam.
Your cruise company arranges transportation to the dam site, where you'll discover this modern marvel of engineering. You'll also explore 1-2 museums of Three Gorges, which offer fascinating insights into this mega-project's construction and impact.
Want to kick it up a notch? Try the ship lift experience - it's basically a giant elevator for ships! Just remember it's optional and costs extra, so book ahead if you're keen.
When it's all wrapped up, you'll end up at the Sanxia Tourist Center (near city centre). Getting out from there is super easy:
- To Yichang East Railway Station: Take bus 811 (45 mins) or a taxi (30 mins)
- To Yichang Sanxia Airport: Airport shuttle buses run regularly (1 hour), or grab a taxi (45 mins)
| Time | Attractions |
|---|---|
| Morning | Three Gorges Dam |
| River Closure Memorial Park | |
| Three Gorges Dam Project Museum | |
| Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (Optional) |
Must-See Attractions: Your Day 4 Adventure
Three Gorges Dam: The world's largest hydroelectric dam is an engineering masterpiece you can't miss! Check out the massive turbines and epic viewing platforms. The best photos are from the 185 Platform - you'll see why they call it a modern Great Wall. Try to catch the water release if you're lucky with timing!
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: Think of it as a giant elevator for ships - how cool is that? It lifts vessels weighing up to 3,000 tons over 113 meters in just 10-30 minutes. Even if you don't ride it (yes, you can!), watching ships go up and down is mind-blowing.
River Closure Memorial Park: This peaceful park marks where they actually closed the mighty Yangtze during construction. The exhibition halls tell the story of this incredible feat, plus you'll find cool photo spots with dam views and historical markers.
Three Gorges Dam Project Museum: Geek out on interactive exhibits showing how they built this monster project! The 3D models and multimedia displays make the engineering easy to understand, even for non-techies. Don't miss the scale model of the entire Three Gorges region - it's awesome!
Chongqing to Yichang Cruise: 2 Alternative Options
Looking for something different from the classic cruise experience? The Yangtze River cruise has got you covered! Whether you're dreaming of living it up in luxury, exploring off-the-beaten-path routes, or just want to take things slower with a laid-back 5-day journey, there's a perfect cruise waiting for you.
These alternative options mix things up with exclusive experiences, unique stops, and special activities you won't find on standard tours. From ultra-luxe ships with butler service to adventurous detours into lesser-known gorges, cruise companies have crafted these routes to give you a fresh perspective on the mighty Yangtze.
Let's explore these exciting alternatives to find your perfect match!
Option 1: Luxury Yangzi Explorer - A Premium Chongqing to Yichang Experience
| Day | Attractions & Activties |
|---|---|
| 1 | Setting Sail at Chongqing's Chaotianmen Dock |
| 2 | (Fuling District, Chongqing]) A: 816 Underground Nuclear Project B: Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Local Market (Zhongxian Couty) A: Three Kindom Show B: Zhongzhou Alley |
| 3 | A: Shennv Sky Road B: Lesser Three Gorges, Mini Three Gorges Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift |
| 4 | A: River Closure Memorial Park, Three Gorges Dam Project Museum B: Qu Yuan Memorial Temple, Three Gorges Migration Museum |
Unlike traditional Yangtze cruises, this luxury itinerary offers unique flexibility with A/B options at major stops, allowing travelers to personalize their journey based on their interests. Whether you're fascinated by modern engineering, cultural heritage, or natural wonders, you can craft your perfect experience. The route also includes exclusive access to premium venues and VIP experiences, setting it apart from standard cruise packages.
Notable Highlights:
Project 816 stands as a testament to Cold War history, where visitors can explore a formerly classified nuclear facility tunneled deep into mountains. The Baiheling Underwater Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese hydrology through submerged rock carvings and water markers, making it the world's first underwater museum.
The Zhongzhou Alley offers an authentic glimpse into traditional riverside life. For nature enthusiasts, the Shennv Sky Road provides thrilling views from its glass walkway, complemented by the intimate boat journey through the Lesser and Mini Three Gorges.
Optiona 2: A Leisurely 5-day Chongqing to Yichang Cruise
| Day | Attractions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Setting Sail at Chongqing's Chaotianmen Dock |
| 2 | Fengdu Ghost City |
| 3 | White Emperor City, Shennv Sky Road |
| 4 | Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam Ship, Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift |
| 5 | Yichang Departure |
The Yangtze 1 cruise offers the only 5-day journey from Chongqing to Yichang, and it's pretty special! Unlike shorter cruises, this laid-back 5-day trip lets you take things slow and really soak in the experience.
What makes it cool? Think of it as your greatest hits playlist of the Three Gorges - you'll see all the must-visit spots that put this region on the map. No rushing around, no complicated choices - just the classic highlights that have been wowing visitors for generations. Perfect for first-timers who want the full Three Gorges experience without any hassle.
Comparing Yangtze Cruise Ships: Chongqing to Yichang
Looking for the perfect Yangtze cruise? There's something for every style and budget. Century Ships (Paragon & Oasis) hit that sweet spot of comfort and value with 5-star perks at reasonable prices. Traveling with kids? Check out Century Voyage or Victoria Ships - they're pros at keeping families happy with spacious cabins and English-speaking staff.
For the ultimate luxury experience, Yangzi Explorer is the way to go, featuring the river's largest cabins and butler service. Tech lovers will appreciate Century Voyage's brand-new 2024 fleet with its modern amenities. If you're the social type, Victoria Sabrina is your best bet - it's the biggest ship on the river with loads of public spaces and entertainment options.
Want something different? Each cruise line has its special touch: Yangzi Explorer ventures off the beaten path to hidden gorges, Yangtze 1 takes you to exclusive archaeological sites, while Yangtze Gold and Miracle specialize in Mini Three Gorges adventures. Just pick what matches your travel style and budget!
- Best For Value: Century Ships (Paragon & Oasis), Victoria Sabrina
- Family-Friendly Options: Century Voyage & Victoria Ships (Jenna/Anna)
- Luxury Choice: Yangzi Explorer
- Newest & Most Modern: Century Voyage (launched 2024), Yangzi Explorer (launched 2025)
- Biggest Ship Experience: Victoria Sabrina (690+ passengers)
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How to Plan a Chongqing to Yichang Cruise Tour?
Planning your Yangtze cruise? Head to Chongqing on the day your ship departs for a relaxing 4-5 day journey. Spring through fall (April to November) is perfect - you'll get the best weather. As for what to pack, think casual and comfy: some light layers for day trips, comfy shoes, and maybe one nice outfit for dinner.
Extend Your Yangtze Cruise: Top 6 Must-Visit Destinations
Chongqing: Kick off with 2-3 days exploring this mountain city. Don't miss the spicy hotpot, Three Gorges Museum, and Hongya Cave's night views. Perfect cruise starting point!
Chengdu (6 hours by train from Yichang): Give yourself 3-4 days to meet the giant pandas, taste authentic Sichuan food, and chill at People's Park. The laid-back tea culture here is amazing.
Zhangjiajie (6 hours by train from Yichang): Plan 3 days to explore the incredible Avatar-like mountains, ride the world's longest cable car, and brave the glass bridge. Pure natural wonder!
Guilin (8 hours by train from Yichang): Spend 3-4 days cruising the Li River, cycling through Yangshuo's countryside, and exploring the Reed Flute Cave. The scenery here is straight off a Chinese painting.
Beijing (2.5 hours by flight from Yichang): Allow 4-5 days for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and hutong adventures.
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Cruise Yangtze River with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure along China's legendary Yangtze River with Asia Odyssey Travel. From the stunning Three Gorges to ancient riverside towns, our cruises let you discover China's heartland in style and comfort. Whether you're into amazing views, local culture, or just want to relax on deck, AOT's expert team will help plan your perfect river journey. With years of experience showing travelers the best of Asia, we know all the secret spots and must-see sights along this mighty waterway. Contact us Now!
Asia Odyssey Travel Benefits for Your Journey:
Tour Packages: Yangtze River Tours, Beijing Yangtze Tours, Shanghai Yangtze Tours, China Cruise Tours
Our Yangtze Cruise Partners & Ships: Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Changjiang Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, 20+Yangtze River Cruise Ships
How to Chosse a Ship: Family-friendly, Luxury, Largest, Best-value, New, Cheap
Cruise Lines: Yichang to Chongqing, Chongqing to Yichang, Chongqing to Shanghai, Upsteam or Downstream
Attractions: Yangtze River Attractions, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam
Travel Guide: Yangtze River Facts, How to Plan, Itinerary, Cost, How to Book, Best Time to Visit, Reviews
Transportation: Cruise Ports, Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing Airport, Chongqing Train Stations, Yichang Airport, Yichang East Station
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