CHINA ADVENTURE CLUB JOURNEYS
Luxury Yangtze River Cruise: From Chongqing to Yichang
Explore China Adventure Club journeysJourney at a glance
- Day 1 Chongqing
- Day 2 Fuling and Zhongxian
- Day 3 Wushan
- Day 4 Yichang
About this Journey
Embark on this luxurious 4-day Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang aboard the brand new, state-of-the-art Yangzi Explorer, where nature’s grandeur and rich cultural heritage converge. Boasting an exceptional staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1, the Yangzi Explorer features 74 elegantly appointed river-view suites, ensuring an unparalleled level of personalized service and luxurious comfort throughout the journey.
Discover diverse landscapes, from the serene beauty of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges to the captivating scenery of the Daning River, known for its tranquil waters and lush surroundings. Each day offers a new adventure, featuring explorations of hidden military caves in Fuling Mountain, a thrilling small boat excursion into the enchanting Madu River, and the chance to admire the remarkable hanging coffins nestled high on cliff faces. This journey offers an opportunity to connect deeply with the Yangtze’s majestic beauty and its rich history, while experiencing the height of luxury and personalized service onboard the Yangzi Explorer.
While China Adventure Club believes the deepest connections with China are often forged on land through personal encounters and immersive experiences, this Yangtze River cruise offers a comfortable and accessible alternative, perfect for travelers prioritizing ease of travel, scenic relaxation, or those with mobility considerations.
Tour Highlights
- Visiting Project 816 in Fuling Mountains, the largest man-made military cave that remained hidden for nearly 60 years.
- Hiking along the Wushan cliffs, admiring the 12 Peaks, and ending the hike with a champagne reception at the lookout point.
- Experiencing an engineering marvel onboard the Yangzi Explorer, as it ascends 113 meters from the dam on the Three Gorges Ship Lift
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Chongqing
Upon arrival at the Chongqing airport or train station, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the Yangzi Explorer • Settle into your cabin, and enjoy dinner onboard, followed by a safety briefing and the Captain’s Welcome Reception • Admire Chongqing’s night view as we set sail downstream the Yangtze River.
Embarkation time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 Fuling and Zhongxian
Begin the morning with a cup of coffee or tea, followed by a refreshing class of Tai Chi taught by a master • Disembark the ship for the morning excursion • Visit the secretive Project 816, the largest man-made military cave ever made, hidden in the Fuling Mountain for nearly 60 years (Option A) • Alternatively, visit the Baiheliang Underwater Museum, admiring the underwater ancient Tang Dynasty carvings and river bed, followed by a local market visit (Option B) • Return to the ship for an a-la-carte lunch, with the afternoon at your leisure • Embark for the evening excursion, with the option of two activities • Enjoy VIP seats at The Beacon of Three Kingdoms night show, a large-scale live performance mixing history and legend, with fireworks, light and water effects and more (Option A) • Enjoy a serene stroll through Zhongzhou Alley, where modern creativity blends with the survival of ancient architecture (Option B) • Return to the ship for a restful night, as we cruise to the next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Wushan
Enjoy breakfast as we sail across the Qutang Gorge, with surrounding green peaks and the calm river below • After breakfast, embark on today’s morning excursion • Hike along the cliffs of Wushan, admiring the Yangtze River below, and the 12 Peaks above, with a champagne reception waiting at the final lookout (Option A) • Embark on a river adventure, experiencing a scenic ferry ride on the Daning River, followed by a scenic boat excursion into Madu River, where remarkable hanging coffins hang along the cliff (Option B) • Return to the ship for lunch, while we pass through the most beautiful of all 3 gorges, the Wu Gorge • In the evening, experience an engineering marvel, as the ship ascends 113 meters from the dam on the Three Gorges Ship Lift.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Yichang
Begin the morning with a cup of coffee or tea, followed by a refreshing class of Tai Chi taught by a master • Disembark the ship for the morning excursion • Visit the Three Gorges Dam, admiring the century-long engineering work on this 2,335 meter-long marvel, and learn more about this project at the Project Museum (Option A) • Discover the cultural Quyuan Temple, a tranquil sanctuary honoring the renowned poet Qu Yuan, before gaining a glimpse into the grandeur of the Three Gorges Dam at the Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum (Option B) • Enjoy a selection of Yichang’s finest local dishes for lunch at a local restraurant • After lunch, you will be transferred to Yichang Airport or Yichang East Railway Station for your journey back home.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
The Yangzi Explorer
Gallery
The Yangzi Explorer is a luxury cruise ship built in 2025, featuring 6 decks and 74 elegantly designed river-view suites. Each spacious suite blends modern and traditional Chinese decor, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes from private terraces. With a staff to guest ration of 1:1, dedicated butler service, and 24-hour doctor service, the Yangzi Explorer provides an unparalleled level of personalized service and care. Representing a masterpiece of modern cruise ship engineering, the ship is specially designed to traverse the demanding Three Gorges Ship Lift, the first of its kind.
Indulge in a variety of Chinese and Western cuisine at the four onboard restaurants, or sip on a cocktail whipped up by an experienced mixologist at the Explorer bar, surrounded by panoramic views. Rejuvenate at the world-class Ning Spa, attend a morning Tai Chi session led by an expert, or enjoy captivating entertainment at the Tang Theater. Unwind in the stylish lounge and observation deck, where the Star Gazing Terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Photos
Photos Overlooking the Yangtze River Yangzi Explorer Star Gazing Terrace Project 816 Yangzi Explorer on the Yangtze River Champagne Reception overlooking the Yangtze River Yangzi Explorer on the Yangtze River Qu Yuan Temple The Three Gorges Dam Share this journey
Details
Departure Dates
The cruise operates weekly, departing every Thursday and concluding on Sunday.
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local guide and onboard service
- Accommodation onboard based on double occupancy
- All overland transfers with chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- Luggage service on embarkation and disembarkation days
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for many foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals and drinks, apart from those included in the itinerary
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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