Yangtze River Panorama Cruise from Shanghai to Chongqing 2024/2025
- To Savor Half of China’s Splendid Nature, Culture & History with Top Best Luxurious Cruise from only $2,445
China is vast! China is also splendid no matter its nature, culture, history or food! Yangtze River as one of the two important “Mother River” of China since thousands of years ago has nourished the civilization and booming economy of this enormous country! There are so many ways to travel through China and discover the amazing regions along the river, but none can be compared to the intimated, luxurious, stylish, relaxing and sophisticated experience of a river cruise! How about watching half of China in 12 days by a cruise?
The brand new 12 days Yangtze River Panorama Cruise from Shanghai to Chongqing is delicately designed by the Yangtze renowned brand - Century Cruises that is the classic luxury cruise company receiving “Magellan Awards” from Travel Weekly and praised as the “Most Dynamic Cruise Company on Yangtze River” by New York Times.
In 2024, Century Legend, the proud top best luxury cruise vessel of Century Cruises, will take you to immerse into your deluxe, relaxing and in-depth Yangtze River cruise discovery! During this half a month vacation, you will sail leisurely passing Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Three Gorges, Chongqing, and many other unknown but charming places along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze to explore the fabulous sightseeing, brilliant culture, profound history, diverse customs and flourishing economy of the core part of China! Let’s glimpse at what to expect during the vacation and on the cruise at below! You will enjoy more discounts if you book early cruises.
Shanghai to Chongqing Yangtze Cruise - Explore Half of China in 12 Days
① Valuable cruise package: enjoy a quite valuable sailing vacation with everything included in the quotation, including rooms of 5-star hotel standard, three meals per day with plentiful types of delicious food & drinks, 24-hour caring service around the cruise, all attractions visiting, tour guides, etc.
② Encounter at least 7 types of Chinese Cultures along the Yangtze: Shanghai regional culture, Wu & Yue Kingdoms Culture, Salt Merchants Culture, Buddhist Culture, Three Kingdoms Period Culture, Three Gorges Culture, poetry culture, food culture, etc.
③ Comprehensive discovery of China’s profound history: feel the great change of the key part of China from Three Kingdoms period 1700 years ago to Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming & Qing dynasties during 6th - 19 centuries, and from Republic of China era (1910s - 1940s) to the current 21st century.
④ Figure out why China’s economy flying so unbelievably: Marvel at the incredible flying development of the golden economy belt of the Yangtze in China.
⑤ Close visit to 9 cities: enjoy fantastic visits to 4 provinces (Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan), 2 municipalities (Shanghai & Chongqing), 7 cities (Yichang, Jingzhou, Yueyang, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Chizhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou). Including pacing Tour at the 4 mega dynamic cities and authentic shore excursions to 6 Ancient Cities.
⑥ Have great time at more than 10 different types of scenic sites: old towns & villages, ancient streets, ancient city walls, temples, museums, pavilions, parks, lakes, gorges, mountains, etc.
⑦ Cruise along the magnificent and classic Yangtze Three Gorges.
⑧ Savor delectable 4 main Chinese cuisines (Sichuan Cuisine, Huaiyang Cuisine, Anhui Cuisine & Hubei Cuisine) and diverse international delicacies. Also, you will be welcomed with diverse kinds of afternoon tea, snacks and unlimited selected drinks during the whole sailing.
Shanghai to Chongqing Yangtze Cruise Highlights
Leisure Vacation with Century Legend, Top Best Yangtze Luxury Ship
Century Legend first sailing in 2013 is the representative and one of the best luxurious Yangtze River cruise ships for all global travelers to the Yangtze, which is extremely popular and frequently praised with its fancy cruise hardware and skills by international teams as well as featured European styled service, catering international visitors. Click to check more info of the ship facilities, cabins, deckplans, food & drinks, onboard service, entertainment, reviews, etc. and more photos of Century Legend!
Detailed Sailing Schedules at below:
Detailed Itinerary for 12-day Shanghai to Chongqing Cruise
All the Yangtze River cruise sailing from Shanghai to Chongqing will take 12 days and 11 nights along the lower and middle reaches of Yangtze River. The first day is the embarkation day that travelers from other places should transfer to Shanghai, and the cruise company will arrange transportation escorting you from the airport / train station to Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal for embarkation. You will enjoy full days from the 2nd day to 12th day to enjoy the natural, cultural, historical, economical and food highlights all the way passing various parts of Chongqing, Yichang, Jingzhou, Yueyang, Wuhan, Jiujiang, Chizhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou and Shanghai, including visits to Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, etc. On the morning of the Twelfth day, you will arrive in Chongqing downtown and the cruise will dock at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port for your disembarkation. The cruise company will also arrange vehicle to escort you to Chongqing airport / railway station for your leaving for the next destination or home. Check the following cruise itinerary from Shanghai to Chongqing to have a general idea about what to expect during such in-depth Yangtze river vacation!
Map of Chongqing Shanghai Cruise Route
Sampling Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1 Shanghai Arrival & Embarkation (D)
Embark at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. (Opposite to the Pearl Tower); Safety Briefing.Captain’s Welcome PartySituated at the mouth of Yangtze River, Shanghai is the largest and most developed city in China. It is a flourishing international metropolis and a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks the Bund, Yu Garden as well as the extensive and growing Lujiazui skyline. The cruise company will arrange vehicle to meet you at Shanghai airport / train station for your embarkation.
Day 2 Yangzhou (B, L, D)
Slender West Lake; Expert Forum; Crew Gala at nightHighlight include
Slender West Lake is the symbol of the dignified and graceful Yangzhou and the must-visit site in this city. The verdant trees with branches and flowers dancing in the wind dress the lake into a pretty and gorgeous lady who will arouse your interest to enjoy the seasonal scenery. Moreover, the old garden architectures, multiple bridges of different shapes, remaining literary works of those historically famous scholars and poets would offer very suitable opportunity to go into the history and cultural connotation of Yangzhou. To discover the romance of famous and dreaming city, it is not to be missed.
Day 3 Nanjing (B, L, D)
Mt. Niushou Cultural Park; Live Music Masquerade at night onboardHighlight include
Niushou Mountain, named from its two peaks seeming two ox horns. It boasts the parietal Sarira of Shakyamuni, attracts numerous visitors to feel its rich Buddhist culture and its peculiar building that has won "Luban" Prize, a high prize of architecture in China.
Day 4 Chizhou (B, L, D)
Option A: full day to Mount Jiuhua or Option B: Jindezang Temple and Anhui Cuisine Lunch at Pingtian Lake; Movie time in the cinema or Happy Hour in the bar onboardHighlights include
Option A:
Mount Jiuhua is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. Step into the hallowed grounds frequented by Buddhists and pay a visit to the mountain’s most venerable establishment, “Hua Cheng Temple,” to light incense and seek blessings for safety. Following this, head to “Zhantan Forest,” Jiuhua Mountain’s most expansive temple, and then to the three revered halls: Huayan Hall, Great Vow Hall, and Great Compassion Hall, to bow before the mountain's most significant indoor Buddha statue. Indulge in a Jiuhua-style vegetarian lunch at the scenic area. After lunch, take the cable car up to “Baisui Palace” to honor the preserved body of the Wuxia Zen Master, who achieved Mahasthama at 124 and has kept his body undecayed for a century on Jiuhua Mountain. Finally, explore additional sites such as the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats and Dongya Temple.
Or Option B:
Jindizang Temple facing Mount Jiuhua and backing the elegant mountain is a magnificent temple site to admire the rich royal flavored religious architectural set as well as tranquil nature view. Giant Buddha statues can be found in each hall. During this excursion visit, you will enjoy the authentic Anhui Cuisine at lunch arranged at Pingtian Lake.
Day 5 Jiujiang (B, L, D)
Option A: Jingdezhen Porcelain Town or Option B: Full day to Mt.Lushan; Karaoke onboardHighlights include
Option A:
Lushan Mountain is listed as one of the 10 Famous Mountains in China and is famous for having long been complimented by many famous ancient Chinese poets in their masterpieces to describe its peculiar beautiful sightseeing and many kinds of looks from different angle of view.
Or Option B:
Jingdezhen Town has been especially famous for over 1,000 years and reputed as “City of Ceramics” for its excellent skill of porcelain production. Visit this elegant town in Jiangxi Province to watch in person the real ancient porcelain factory, ancient kiln porcelain yard, Expo area and various exquisite artistic porcelain works.
Day 6 Wuhan (B, L, D)
Yellow Crane Tower; Hubei Provincial Museum; Line Dance Party with classic music at nightHighlights include
Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most renowned towers south of the Yangtze River. It enjoys the fame of “The First Scenery under Heaven”. And its cultural significance led to its being made the symbol of Wuhan City.
Hubei Provincial Museum, one of the 8 national class museums in China, displays nearly 1,000 pieces of state-level historic and cultural relics. It currently holds over 240 thousand objects to logistically introduce the history and culture of the ancient Chu State and the ancient Yangtze River, among which the most astonishing are the objects excavated from the Zenghouyi Tomb which was built about 2,400 years ago.
Day 7 Yueyang (B, L, D)
Yueyang Tower & Ancient Bianhe Street; Leisurely afternoon on the ship; Movie time in the cinema onboardHighlights include
Yueyang Tower, a member of the trio of renowned towers in the Jiangnan area, stands as a genuine ancient structure, historically celebrated with the saying, “Dongting’s waters are unparalleled, and Yueyang’s tower is peerless among towers.” Climbing to the top provides a sweeping vista of Dongting Lake and a distant view of Junshan Mountain.
Afterward, a walk along Bianhe Street in front of the tower allows one to appreciate the seamless expanse of the lake’s waters stretching for hundreds of miles, a view as magnificent as a finely crafted painting.
Day 8 Jingzhou (B, L, D)
Option A: The Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of the King of Chu or Option B: Jingzhou Museum & Jingzhou Ancient City Wall; Demonstration of Hospitality & Service Skills by the crewHighlights include
Option A:
The Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of the King of Chu (Xiongjia National Archaeological Site Park) has the precious largest chariot and horse pit even over 200 years early than that of the Terracotta Warriors discovery. The 43 warrior horses and 163 horse skeletons as well as a rich array of high value burial objects presents the brilliant history of the King of Chu more than 2000 years ago!
Or Option B:
Jingzhou Museum is one of the top National First Class Museums in China with over 130 thousand pieces of historical cultural relics. Admire the top best silk and colorful lacquer exhibitions from the Warring States period, well preserved swords of famous ancient kings. Besides, it boasts the best preserved and most historic ancient male corpse buried in 167BC from the Western Han dynasty.
Jingzhou Ancient City Wall is one of the best preserved and larges scaled city wall in southern part in China, which is historic from the Warring States period. Visit this ancient site to admire its look kept from the Qing dynasty and understand the history of Jingzhou being the famous place in the past dynasties.
Day 9 Yichang (B, L, D)
Three Gorges Dam, Sail through the Five-stages Ship Locks; Sail through Xiling Gorge, Themed Party onboardHighlights include
The Three Gorges Dam is the No.1 must-see attraction arranged by every ship as the first or last shore excursion. Located in Yichang City, it has been the world’s largest power station. Three Gorges Dam is 3,335 meters long and the top of the dam is 185 meters above sea level. The dam consists of three parts - dam body, power plants and ship lift. It is used for producing electricity, but also increase the Yangtze River’s shipping capacity. Travelers with a Yangtze River cruise will spend about 2 to 3 hours visiting the River Closure Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum. You will not only take a close look at the impressive huge dam, but also learn the history, social impact, economics about the dam.
Three Gorges Dam Five Stages Ship Locks is so far the largest ship locks globally. With a water height difference of 113 meters in total, it is the most complicated ship locks to construct universally.
Xiling Gorge is the longest part with 76 km and also the most beautiful one among all the three gorges. Known for its dangerous rugged shoals & turbulent waters, historically. Now tourists can hardly see the billowy waves, but the beautiful landscape will let you forget the worries and linger.
Day 10 Fengjie (B, L, D)
Option A: White Emperor City or Option B: Three Gorges Summit; Sail through Qutang & Wu Gorges; Return to the Three Gorges Show (directed by Yimou Zhang) at nightHighlights include
Qutang Gorge at the western section is narrow and dramatic like an art gallery of nature, which offers superb magnificent scenery for all guests. Wu Gorge is the middle one gorge. It is a mysterious gorge site well-known for its frequently rising and passing mists, which is extremely beautiful and gorgeous with the leaves in red, yellow, golden and orange during autumn.
Option A:
White Emperor City is located on the north side of Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City offers the best angle to view the magnificent Kui Gate. Known as the Poem City, White Emperor City has attracted many poets come and left many famous poems. What makes this place known to outside is the historical story of “Entrusting Zhuge Liang with an Orphan in Baidi Town”.
Option B:
Three Gorges Summit is the highest peak of the famous Three Gorges area to catch the most beautiful gorge and winding river sightseeing
Return to the Three Gorges Show is an extravagant live spectacle masterminded by Yimou Zhang, which uses the natural backdrop and historical essence of the Three Gorges to bring classic verses to life through contemporary technology such as sound, light, and special effects. The show melds poetic recitations, dance performances, and visual projections to celebrate the allure of Chinese poetry.
Day 11 Fengdu (B, L, D)
Fengdu Ghost City; Photo Sharing Salon about the Yangtze & CruiseHighlight include
Fengdu Ghost City is a large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife located on Ming Mountain. You’ll have a learning about Chinese demons and beliefs of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.
Day 12 Chongqing Disembarkation (B)
Disembark at Chaotianmen Port around 08:30 a.m.; Escorted to airport / railway station in ChongqingWelcome 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 delicious food, cultural heritage, tourist attractions, unbelievable mountain landform... Located at the confluence of Yangtze River and Jialing River, it is best to appreciate the view of the city center. The cruise company will arrange a vehicle to see you off at the Chongqing airport / train station. If you like, you can also choose to discover Chongqing after disembarkation.
Quotation Includes:
- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin with private river-view balcony, based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a king size bed; Please note double bed room is on request basis which is subject to Hotel's availability and re-confirmation upon check-in;
- Meals onboard and on land as specified in the itinerary;
- Transportation: pick-up and drop-off service for embarkation and disembarkation in Shanghai and Chongqing, while sightseeing in each shore excursion visit; shuttle vehicle, cable, etc. during exursion visit;
- Luggage Transfers between airports, trains and the cruise;
- Entrance fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary;
- English-speaking guide introduction service during each shore excursion listed in the itinerary;
- High staff-to-guest ratio ensures personalized service;
- Room Service: Free Room Service Menu 24 Hours a Day;
- Elegant casual ambience & enrichment programmes;
- Free and unlimited access to shipboard Wi-Fi;
- Welcome fruits on the boarding day;
- Unlimited selected drinks throughout the cruise;
- Free gratuities, luggage handling, service charge;
- Government Taxes.
(The price will be a little lower if you pay in Chinese Yuan (RMB!)
Price excludes:
- Accommodation not as listed in the itinerary;
- Visa Fees: Please make sure that you have got your valid passport and visa before your entry to China. We can send you a free official invitation letter to assist you in obtaining your visa after the reservation deposit is received;
- Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary;
- Meals not listed in the itinerary;
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, shopping, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc.;
- Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Service Charge;
- Life Tourist insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
Here are recent candid photos of this China trip / Yangtze cruise trip. If you want to share your own tour photos, simply email your photos to info@yangtze-river-cruises.com with your Booking ID Number. Thanks in advance for sharing!
Note:
1. The above information including itinerary, attractions, and shore excursions, is not fixed and will be changed slightly because of the differences in ships, seasons, water levels, and weather condition.
2. Included meals as noted in above itinerary: (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner.
3. Tips onboard: Cruise service fee (tips) is 600 RMB/person/voyage, domestic guests pay voluntarily, foreign guests and guests from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan requires to pay with the cruise payment or cash at the front desk when boarding the ship;
4. Get to / away from Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport are two top busy airports in China, which have frequent flights every day to most destinations in China and international destinations. Besides, high speed trains launch frequently from / to Shanghai Hongqiao Station, Shanghai South Railway Station and Shanghai Railway Station every day, linking it with many destinations in China, like Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, etc.
5. Get to / away from Chongqing: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has frequent flights to majority domestic places in China and some direct flights to Seoul, Tokyo, Nagoya, Bangkok, etc. Besides, Chongqing North Railway Station, Chongqing West Railway Station and Chongqing Shapingba Railway Station has high speed trains to / from Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Guangzhou, etc.
6. What to Wear for Yangtze River Cruise: wear casual seasonal wears like coats, T-shirts, light knitwear, jeans, etc. in spring and autumn, shorts, light jackets, T-shirts, skirts, sunglasses, sun hat, sunblock, etc. in summer and jackets, warm pants, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc. in winter.
7. What to Pack: Travel documents, “Carry On” luggage, confirmation letter, casual clothes to pack, daily commodities, credit cards, cash, mobile phone, cameras, as well as any essential medicines, etc.
8. Complimentary Services for booking "Executive Suites": Dining at VIP Restaurant; 24-hour Executive Lounge Service; Mahjong & KTV services for free; Complimentary fruit basket; A bottle of welcome red wine on the embarkation day; VIP night turn down service; Private tourist group for shore excursions; Free laundry service during whole cruise; Private cruise party; Free MINI bar in the room.
9. Complimentary Services for booking "Presidential Suites": Concierge service; 24-hour butler service; Free selected wines and drinks; Private tourist group of each suite for shore excursions; Room service; Exclusive shower products of luxury brand; Privilege for embarkation and disembarkation; Reserved seats for lectures and performances onboard.
Interested in the cruise? Select from the following cruise dates and make an inquiry to start your trip planning & cruise vacation!
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