5 Days Yangtze River Cruise from Hong Kong
Hong Kong / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
1. The price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers sharing one double-bed room in comfortable-class hotel(s) in tourist off-seasons.
2. The price is subject to change according to your group size, traveling seasons, hotel class, changes of activities, possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
3. The price is valid to February 28th, 2026.
Places Visited
Hong Kong (1 night), Yangtze Cruise (3 nights)
Highlights of the Trip
- Ride the Victoria Peak tram and see panoramic views from above
- Relax yourself with Yangtze Cruise and have shore excursions to see the authentic China along Three Gorges
Trip Summary
Day 1-2: Hong Kong Arrival & Hong Kong
Welcome to Hong Kong, the first stop of your China Tour. From Modern skyline of Victoria Peak to the traditional fishing Aberdeen Harbor, Hong Kong gives you different things to see to discover its mixture of cultures.
Day 2: Fly to Chongqing & Board Yangtze Cruise
Fly to Chongqing on Day 2 and before you board your Yangtze River Cruise at Chaotianmen Port. Your ship sails at 21:00!
Day 3-5: Yangtze River Cruise & Yichang Departure
Enjoy the relaxing leisure life on Yangtze cruise, take shore excursions to Three Gorges Dam Site, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Shennv Stream, appreciate breathtaking scenery along Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge.
Full Itinerary Day by day
Day 1 Hong Kong Arrival
Ni Hao! Welcome to Hong Kong, Pearl of the Orient with East-meets-West culture! Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of Hong Kong Airport / train station and escorted to your hotel by a private, comfortable and non-smoking vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to recover from your long flight or explore the energetic charming metropolis!
Free time ideas: 1) Take the charming Star Ferry to get right into the heart of Hong Kong and have an up-close look at stunning Victoria Harbor (running time during 06:30~23:30); 2) Explore the lively Kowloo area for a relaxing visit to Nan Lian Garden, Wong Tai Sin or Tsim Sha Tsui; 3) Enjoy “A Symphony of Lights”, the nightly multimedia show involving more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor which lasts about 13 minutes (at 20:00 daily).
Hong Kong, Pearl of the Orient
Day 2 Hong Kong & Flight to Chongqing & Board Yangtze Cruise (B)
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you are going to enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Hong Kong Island. The first stop is Aberdeen Harbor to step aboard a sampan ride (optional experience at your expenses) for a fascinating close-up gander at the local fishing community. The rustic lifestyles of these people have remained more or less untouched by modernity, which serves up a sharp contrast to the nearby luxury yachts.
Next you’ll pass by the pretty shoreline of Repulse Bay en route to Stanly Market. At Stanley Market, wander freely along the shops that sell everything from Chinese silk to costume jewelry and sportswear, etc.
Later you’ll get on the traditional Peak Tram to ascend to Victoria Peak from 28 meters to 396 meters high, taking you back to Hong Kong in the 19th and 21st century. While standing on the highest point of the peak (552m), you can fully have a panoramic view of the city’s spectacular skyline, Victoria Harbor and the beautiful South China Sea.
After the tour, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a flight to Chongqing (about 2 hours and 20mins). In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your ship during 18:00~21:00. Your 4-day relaxing downstream Yangtze River cruise will sail at 21:00!
Tips for boarding: 1) Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use; 2) There are 13 sub-pier of Chongqing Chaotianmen Port that tell the exact pier to your driver to avoid too much walking; 3) The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Please pay attention to the important info your travel consultants sent to you before your boarding.
Enjoy Hong Kong Night View from Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak Tram
Repulse Bay
Chongqing Chaotianmen Port for Yangtze Cruise
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Good morning! Wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine over the tranquil Yangtze. You can either follow the Taichi master to play Taichi or enjoy a cup of coffee to start a beautiful day!
Enjoy various entertainment onboard, like attending a Yangtze River History and Culture Lecture, enjoying seasonal themed activities, meeting new friends at the Captain's Welcome Party, having fun at the wonderful evening show, etc.
You will follow a local English-speaking tour guide to visit Fengdu Ghost City onshore, which is about 2,000 years old and called “the Homeland of Divine Comedy in China”. In this “City of Ghosts”, you will see a series of temples, shrines, palaces, pavilions, and more traditional styled architecture complex. The colorful statues and story scenes of afterlife in hell displayed show the underworld, cruel tortures, different kinds of devils, Chinese demons and the traditional Chinese belief: pure spirits would be rewarded, and sinful ones would be subject to severe punishments. (Please note: Fengdu Ghost City visit requires much walking and comfortable shoes are highly recommended!)
Optional Excursion to Feng Yan San Guo (Three Kingdoms Fire Show): A reputable and impressive real landscape show telling the brilliant history during the Three Kingdoms Period (over 1,800 years ago) and praising the loyalty spirit of General Guan Yu. (with an extra fee)
Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River
Play Taichi in the Morning
Fengdu Ghost City
Three Kingdoms Open Air Show
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Today, you'll sail through the spectacular Three Gorges! Soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.
You'll switch to a smaller boat to take an enjoyable shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze River. Sail down this primitive stream to closely marvel at steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs, hear local history, and appreciate featured dance and music by Tujia ethnic people!
At evening, enjoy the well-prepared Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a whale of time of the last night onboard!
Optional Excursion to White Emperor City: This cultural and historic site at the entrance of Qutang Gorge tells the touching stories of the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and is the best spot to appreciate the magnificent “Kui Gate” on the 10 RMB note! (with an extra fee)
Our Customer Visiting Magnificent Qutang Gorge
Qutang Gorge
Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery
Enjoy Wu Gorge Scenery on Sundeck
White Emperor City
Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery
Day 5 Yangtze Cruise to Yichang & Yichang Departure (B)
After breakfast, go through a check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port and take the arranged tourist bus to visit the global famous Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest hydropower station in the world, with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours. The Dam is about 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) long and about 115 meters (377 ft) wide. With a water capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters, it can hold a huge reservoir to efficiently prevent flooding in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze. Take your time to appreciate this great project from different angles and learn more at the project museum.
After that, take the tourist bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal in Yichang downtown (arriving around 12:30-13:30). Your local guide and driver will pick you up there and transfer to Yichang Airport / train station for your flight or train to your home / the next destination. Trip Ends!
Optional Experience of Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: Take a tourist boat to sail through this world’s largest ship lift with an elevation of about 113 meters (370 ft), which is totally fresh and exciting! (with an extra fee)
Departure Ideas: You can take flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, etc. Also, you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 7.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 7.5hrs), Chengdu (about 7hrs), Guangzhou (about 7hrs), etc.
Notes: 1) Only Dam visit: take the bus from Maoping Port to visit Three Gorges Dam and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 12:30. 2) Dam visit + Ship Lift: switch to a tourist boat to sail through the Ship Lift and visit Three Gorges Dam. Then, take the bus and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 13:30.
World-famous Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam - 185 Observation Deck
Three Gorges Dam in Summer
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the Largest Ship Lift in the World
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a comfortable-class hotel and traveling with our private tour package in low seasons. The price will be much lower if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month, and date. There may be huge price increasing during the public Chinese holidays, school summer holidays (usually 2 months, July ~ August), peak tourist seasons or some special dates. (Chinese Public Holidays 2025)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include your group size, hotel class, tour activities, real-time exchange rate, and so on.
4. This price is based on the exchange rate USD 1= RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid from now to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the Confirmation Letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Price Includes:
- English-speaking guide with the professional license as listed in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees and other fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
- Yangtze River Cruise ticket as listed in the itinerary.
- Accommodation (comfortable-class) based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a double bed.
- Meals as specified with “B” (for breakfast), “L” (for lunch) or “D” (for dinner) in the itinerary.
- Private Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in each city or area by private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver as listed in the itinerary.
- Transportation: Domestic flights (economy class) or trains (second-class seat) as listed in the itinerary.
- Airport / train station pick-up and drop-off service as listed in the itinerary.
- Luggage Transfers between airports, train station and hotels.
- Travel Service Charge of our travel consultant, including the planning, handling, operational and communication charges, etc.
Price Excludes:
- China Visa (We do not offer any visa service or charge any visa-related fee.)
- Scenic spots not listed in the itinerary.
- Optional activities or other sightseeing.
- Accommodation not as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary.
- Flights or trains not as listed in the itinerary.
- Excess Baggage Charges.
- Personal expenses of a purely personal nature such as room service, laundry, drink, Internet charge, WI-FI, fax, telephone call, etc.
- Gratuities or optional tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.
- Travel insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
Essential China Travel Information & Service
To help you have a further understanding of your tour, we provide some essential travel information like yourtour guides, drivers, private cars/vans, accommodations and meals that you could know more about how is your China Yangtze cruise tour going. All the experience will be vivid and memorable in any time in any destination.
Your Private Tour Guide
The tour guides in all destinations are qualified, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and responsible!
All of our guides in every destination are locals. They will be greeted you punctually upon arrival at airport, train stations or cruise ports. And escort you to your hotel and tourist attractions and make you have full understanding about the local life, scenic spots as well as show you the fun places for more featured activities and things to do according to your time and interests.
“All our guides, especially those who we had a chance to spend more time with (Guilin, Chengdu, Lijiang, Zhangjiajie) were great. Always very accommodating, punctual and attentive.” - Review from Zane, Canada
Your Private Driver & Car
Taking our private transportation will make you comfortable, relaxed and worry free!
All our drivers are licensed with many years' driving experience. They are always polite, friendly and helpful, glad to offer more service you may need during the transfer. Our vehicles are air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and expertly maintained. We use different types of cars/vans to guarantee your comfort. Besides, there is need to worry about your luggage for we use vehicles with extra space for your luggage.
"With respect to the drivers, we can state that they are excellent drivers and very friendly. They are pleasant with smiling face and helpful too." - Review from Pedro Corro, USA
Comfortable & Homelike Hotel
In each destination, we guarantee you a comfortable stay!
The hotels we choose are based with star rating, great location, well-pointed facilities and high quality service and guests' feedbacks. Choices are a lot and you could decide where to stay on your own. When taking a Yangtze River cruise, you are guaranteed a comfortable cabin or suite with private balconies to enjoy breathtaking scenery.
“All the hotels were comfortable and in good locations. The food was generally good with a wide choice of both western and Chinese choices for breakfast. The room sizes even with the extra bed for Jessica were also fine.” - Review from McHale, USA
Dining, Meal & Local Food
On Yangtze River cruise, you are offered three meals (usually buffet with western and Chinese dishes) each day. In other cities of China, breakfast and lunch usually are included in your tour packages. You'll dine in local restaurants, follow local customs and enjoy local dishes. The food quality and dining environment will suit for your taste. If you have any suggestions or special requirements (vegetarian or food allergies), just let your travel consultants and guides know. They will arrange the suitable food and restaurants for you. Recommended evening dining options are: Peking Roast Duck in Beijing, Dumpling Dinner in Xian, and Hot Pot in Chengdu etc.
“We had very good breakfasts in all the hotels and were given a substantial lunch every day.” - Review from John, United Kingdom
Read what other travelers think about this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. We only accept reviews from actual, confirmed travelers who purchased the tour / activity from us, so you can be sure the reviews are unbiased and authentic.
Hi Tracy,
I have been very busy since coming home! We got back to school and work immediately. The trip was wonderful. The guides were great.
Hwai
- Hwai - April 15, 2025‚ ,
We are back to Australia. and we totally enjoyed our cruise. Food offered on board and during land excursions were excellent. Land excursions are quite comprehensive.
We would recommend the cruise to our friends.
Thank you.
Kai
- Kai - April 14, 2025‚ ,
Hi Jack,
It was great thanks. We really enjoyed it. The cabin and the food were excellent. We were very well looked after by the crew and the cruise director.
Stunning scenery and the live show was a particular highlight.
Thank you for your help,
Jane
- Jane - April 11, 2025‚ ,
Tracy,
Everything is up to our expectations.
I will definitely refer my friends to Yangtse cruise & to you personally too.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Mr Yew
- Mr Yew - April 11, 2025‚ ,
Recommended Add-on Options
+ 1~2 more days to UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site - Wulong Karst Landscape
Wulong Karst Geopark in Wulong County of Chongqing is not only the filming location of “Transformers IV”, but also a super famous natural spectacle to marvel at the unique Karst landscapes, including sinkholes, natural bridges and caves. Plan 1 to 2 days to explore the awesome Three Natural Bridges, Longshuixia Gap, Furong Cave based on your physical condition and interests.
+ 2~3 more days to visit the largest metropolis in China - Shanghai
Experience the past, present and future of China all at once!
The Huangpu River splits Shanghai into two districts: Pudong and Puxi. The Pudong skyline with stunning tall buildings like Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Oriental Pearl TV Tower gives you a flourishing scene of modern Shanghai. On the Puxi side, walk along the Bund to get a taste of old Shanghai. What a huge contrast!
+ 3~4 more days to visit the city with best scenery under heaven - Guilin
Surrounded by karst peaks, Yangshuo is situated on the bank of Li River in Guilin. Yangshuo has long been renowned as a popular place for foreign tourists. It is said “guilin landscape tops those elsewhere, and yangshuo landscape tops that of Guilin”. Outdoor options are plenty here and West Street is a good place to explore.
+ 2 more days Chengdu Leisure Life Experience & Giant Panda Visit
Immerse yourself in the Land of Abundance and Hometown of Giant Pandas!
You’ll totally enjoy the ancient culture and slow pace of living when having close contact with the cute pandas in Chengdu Panda Base, sipping tea in the hundred-year-old teahouse in Renmin Park, seeking for Three Kingdom culture in Jinli Old Street, exploring Ancient Shu Civilization in Jinsha Site Museum...
+ 3~4 more days to step into the World Geological Park - Zhangjiajie
Reputed as “a miniature fairyland” and “a maze of nature”, Zhangjiajie is a surreal world with hundreds of grotesque peaks, beautiful waters, towering trees, deep valley, marvelous caves and exuberant forest. In Zhangjiajie, you’ll fully explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to catch the outstanding landscape and experience the world’s longest and highest glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
+ 2 more days to enjoy the fairyland on earth - Jiuzhaigou
Both Huanglong National Park and Jiuzhaigou National Park were listed as Natural World Heritage Sites for the superb landscape. Take two days that you can fully immerse yourself in the Fairyland on Earth to appreciate travertine lakes, green and purplish pools, waterfalls, forests and mountain scenery.
+ 1~2 more days to 8-dimensional magic mountainous city - Chongqing
Conquered by the incredible mountain landform & UNESCO heritage treasures!
Famed as the "Little Hong Kong" for the splendid nightscape, it is also the cyber-popular 8D magic city with complicated mountainous urban structure and spicy hot pot! Diverse means of transport & spots will let you have distinct city panorama experience. Additionally, rich UNESCO heritage carvings, Karst landscapes, etc. will leave you a wonderful Chongqing!
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If you have some ideas or suggestions for this tour, please feel free to talk with our professional, experienced and enthusiastic travel consultants now.
They’ll help you modify the China Yangtze cruise tour and itinerary from time to time until you are totally satisfied.
Not easy to find the right cruise ship/itinerary for you? Please contact one of our Yangtze cruise specialists to save your time and money. Click the right button to send an online inquiry and we will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Karen
Wonder
Jack
Rita
Johnson
Vivien
Wing
Ariel
Tracy
Leo
Evelyn
April
Phoebe
Kelly
Shirley
Reya
Juliet
Elk
Felix
Sean
