Yangtze River Cruises from Chongqing to Wuhan 2026

Welcome to Chongqing, the City of Mountain. Chongqing is China’s fourth municipality after Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, attracting visitors from home and aboard for its 4D mountain cityscape, delicious food, cultural heritage, tourist attractions... Located at the confluence of Yangtze River and Jialing River, it is best to appreciate the view of the city center. Board your 6-day Chongqing Wuhan Yangtze River cruise at Chaotianmen Dock (18:00), which will sail at 21:00!

Tips for Cruise Boarding: 1) Chaotianmen Dock consists of 12 sub-piers; please confirm the exact boarding pier with your travel consultant one day prior; 2) Tell your driver the exact pier to minimize walking; 3) Boarding time and pier changes based on the ship line or factors like water level, season, weather condition, etc. Please pay attention to the important information from your travel consultants.

Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock

08:30–13:00 | Fengdu Port – Visit Fengdu Ghost City Scenic Area

After docking at Fengdu Port, enjoy a guided visit to Fengdu Ghost City (Mingshan Scenic Area), one of the most culturally distinctive sites along the Yangtze River. Known in Chinese folklore as the “Gateway to the Afterlife,” Fengdu combines Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs with vivid legends about the underworld. As you explore temples, pavilions, and mountain pathways, you will encounter symbolic attractions such as the Ghost Gate, Bridge of Helplessness, and judgment halls, offering insight into traditional Chinese views on morality, life, and death—both thought-provoking and visually striking.

19:30–22:00 | Zhongxian Port – Watch Feng Yan San Guo Show

In the evening, the ship docks at Zhongxian Port for a spectacular open-air performance, Feng Yan San Guo Show. Set against real mountains and river scenery, this large-scale live show brings the legendary era of the Three Kingdoms to life through dramatic storytelling, choreography, lighting, and special effects. Featuring heroic figures such as Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Zhuge Liang, the performance vividly recreates epic battles and historical moments, making it one of the most impressive nighttime cultural experiences along the Yangtze River.

This day seamlessly blends traditional folklore, history, and immersive entertainment, offering a rich cultural highlight of your Yangtze River cruise.

Fengdu Ghost City

Three Kingdoms Open Air Show

08:30 | Fengjie – Visit White Emperor City

After docking at Fengjie, visit the historic White Emperor City (Baidi City), one of the most renowned cultural landmarks along the Yangtze River. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, White Emperor City is famous for its deep connection to the Three Kingdoms period, particularly the story of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang. Often praised as the “Poetic City,” it has inspired generations of Chinese poets with its dramatic setting at the entrance of the Three Gorges. From the site, enjoy sweeping views of the Yangtze and the gateway to Qutang Gorge (Kui Gate).

13:00 | Cruise into Qutang Gorge

At midday, the ship enters Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Towering cliffs rise abruptly on both sides, creating a powerful and narrow river corridor. Highlights include the iconic Kuimen Gate, long regarded as the most majestic river gateway on the Yangtze and featured on the former 10-yuan RMB note.

14:30 | Cruise through Wu Gorge

In the afternoon, continue into the elegant and misty Wu Gorge, known for its graceful scenery and layered peaks. As the ship glides through the gorge, pass the legendary Shennv Peak (Goddess Peak), associated with ancient myths and romantic legends. The softer landscape and cloud-wrapped mountains offer a striking contrast to the rugged grandeur of Qutang Gorge.

15:30 | Wushan – Excursion to Shennv Stream

Disembark at Wushan and transfer to a smaller boat to explore Shennv Stream, a narrow and tranquil tributary of the Yangtze. Surrounded by steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and clear waters, the stream presents a more intimate view of the Three Gorges landscape. Along the way, you may see hanging coffins, ancient plank paths, and local boatmen performing traditional songs, offering insight into the region’s natural beauty and local culture.

22:00 | Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks – Overnight at Huangling Temple Pier

Late in the evening, the ship passes through the Five-Stage Ship Locks of the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel that lifts or lowers vessels by over 100 meters. After this impressive nighttime experience, the ship moors at Huangling Temple Pier for the night.

This day perfectly combines history, legendary landscapes, serene river scenery, and modern engineering—an unforgettable highlight of your Three Gorges journey.

Our Customer Visiting Magnificent Qutang Gorge

Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery

White Emperor City

Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery

08:00–11:30 | Visit the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area

Begin the day with a guided visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project and a landmark of modern Chinese engineering. From key viewpoints such as the Tanziling Platform and 185 Observation Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the massive dam structure, the ship locks, and the vast reservoir stretching upstream. The visit offers insight into the dam’s role in flood control, power generation, and navigation improvement, while also highlighting its profound impact on the Yangtze River and regional development.

13:00 | Cruise into the Eastern Section of Xiling Gorge

After lunch, the ship sails into the eastern section of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Known for its winding river course and dramatic landscapes, Xiling Gorge combines steep cliffs, rocky shoals, and lush mountain scenery. This section is especially admired for its balance of natural beauty and historical significance, once considered the most challenging stretch of the Yangtze for navigation.

15:00 | Pass through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock

In the afternoon, experience passage through the Gezhouba Ship Lock, China’s first large-scale water control project on the Yangtze River. Observing the ship’s smooth rise or descent inside the lock provides a close-up view of river engineering in action and marks a symbolic transition from the classic Three Gorges scenery to the middle reaches of the Yangtze.

This day blends monumental engineering with classic gorge landscapes, offering both visual impact and deeper understanding of the Yangtze River’s past and present.

Xiling Gorge

World-famous Three Gorges Dam

Three Gorges Dam in Summer

14:00–18:30 | Yueyang Port – Visit Yueyang Tower & Bianhe Riverside Cultural Street

After docking at Yueyang, begin your afternoon with a visit to the iconic Yueyang Tower, one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan and a symbol of classical Chinese architecture. Overlooking Dongting Lake, the tower is celebrated for its deep literary heritage, most famously associated with Fan Zhongyan’s essay “On Yueyang Tower”, which expresses the timeless ideal of caring for the nation before oneself. From the tower, enjoy sweeping views of the vast lake and surrounding waterways, gaining insight into Yueyang’s historic role as a strategic river and lake junction.

Following the cultural visit, stroll through Bianhe Riverside Cultural Street, a lively area that recreates the atmosphere of a traditional waterside town. Lined with shops, local snack stalls, tea houses, and handicrafts, the street offers a relaxed setting to experience Hunan-style flavors, browse souvenirs, and enjoy the riverside scenery. The blend of historical charm and modern leisure makes it a pleasant way to unwind before returning to the ship.

This afternoon in Yueyang combines classical Chinese culture, literary heritage, and local life, offering a well-balanced and enriching shore excursion.

Yueyang Tower

Yueyang Bianhe Street

08:30 | Arrival at Wuhan Port – Disembarkation

Your Yangtze River cruise concludes this morning at Wuhan Port, one of the most important passenger ports along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Located in the heart of Wuhan, where the Yangtze and Han rivers meet, the port offers convenient access to the city’s major transportation hubs, including Wuhan Railway Station, high-speed rail terminals, and Tianhe International Airport.

As a key gateway city in central China, Wuhan is well known for its rich history, vibrant urban life, and excellent onward connections. After disembarkation, guests may continue their journey independently, explore Wuhan’s highlights such as the Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, or Hubei Provincial Museum, or transfer easily to their next destination by train or flight.

This marks the end of your memorable Yangtze River cruise. We wish you a pleasant onward journey and hope to welcome you again on board in the future.

Yellow Crane Tower