Wuhan to Chongqing Cruise | Wuhan Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise 2026

16:00 | Boarding at Wuhan Port

Guests board the cruise ship at Wuhan Port, a major passenger terminal on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Han River, the port lies close to Wuhan’s city center and offers convenient access from high-speed rail stations and Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, making embarkation smooth and efficient.

18:00 | Departure from Wuhan Passenger Port

In the early evening, the cruise officially sets sail from Wuhan, marking the beginning of your Yangtze River journey. As the ship glides away from the port, enjoy views of Wuhan’s riverside skyline and bridges while settling into life onboard. As one of central China’s most important transportation hubs and historic river cities, Wuhan serves as an ideal gateway for a relaxing and well-connected Yangtze River cruise experience.

Your unforgettable voyage along the Yangtze River now begins.

(Travel Tips: Wuhan is easily accessible by both train and air. High-speed trains reach Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Zhangjiajie in about 4–5 hours, while Wuhan Tianhe International Airport offers frequent daily flights to major gateway cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, making pre- and post-cruise travel convenient and flexible.)

Yellow Crane Tower

08:30–10:30 | Yueyang Port – Visit Yueyang Tower & Bianhe Riverside Cultural Street

After docking at Yueyang, enjoy a morning visit to Yueyang Tower, one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan and an enduring symbol of classical Chinese culture. Overlooking Dongting Lake, the tower is renowned for its elegant architecture and profound literary legacy, most notably connected to Fan Zhongyan’s famous essay “On Yueyang Tower”, which reflects traditional Chinese ideals of responsibility and public spirit. From the upper levels, take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding waterways that highlight Yueyang’s historic importance as a river-and-lake junction.

Continue your visit with a stroll along Bianhe Riverside Cultural Street, a charming area that recreates the atmosphere of a traditional waterside town. Lined with local snack stalls, souvenir shops, and teahouses, the street offers a relaxed introduction to Hunan-style flavors and local daily life, making it an enjoyable and unhurried cultural experience before returning to the ship.

This short yet rewarding stop in Yueyang blends classical heritage with lively riverside charm, adding a cultural highlight to your Yangtze River cruise.

Yueyang Tower

Yueyang Bianhe Street

11:00 | Passage through the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock

Late in the morning, experience a transit through the Gezhou Dam 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 offers a close-up look at river engineering in action and marks an important transition between the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze.

12:30 | Cruise into the Eastern Section of Xiling Gorge

Shortly after, the ship enters the eastern section of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. This stretch is known for its winding river course, dramatic cliffs, and historical reputation as the most challenging section of the Yangtze for ancient navigation. Today, it presents a scenic blend of rugged landscapes and calmer waters shaped by modern river management.

14:00–17:30 | Visit the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area

In the afternoon, disembark for a guided visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project. From major viewpoints such as Tanziling and the 185 Observation Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the massive dam structure, the ship locks, and the vast reservoir upstream. The visit highlights the dam’s key roles in flood control, power generation, and navigation improvement, offering insight into one of China’s most significant engineering achievements.

20:00 | Passage through the Three Gorges Dam Five-Stage Ship Locks

In the evening, return onboard for the memorable experience of passing through the five-stage ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam. Watching the ship gradually rise or descend under night lights provides a dramatic finale to the day and a powerful contrast between natural river scenery and modern engineering.

This day combines classic gorge landscapes with two of the Yangtze River’s most important water-control projects, offering both visual impact and deeper understanding of the river’s past and present.

Xiling Gorge

World-famous Three Gorges Dam

Three Gorges Dam in Summer

08:00–10:30 | Wushan – Excursion to Shennv Stream

After docking at Wushan, transfer to a smaller boat to explore Shennv Stream, a serene tributary of the Yangtze River. Enclosed by steep limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, the stream offers an intimate contrast to the main river’s grandeur. Along the way, you may see ancient plank paths, hanging coffins, and hear local boatmen’s traditional songs, providing insight into the region’s natural beauty and long-standing river culture.

11:00 | Cruise through Wu Gorge

Late in the morning, the ship enters the elegant Wu Gorge, famous for its misty scenery and layered mountain peaks. As the cruise passes the legendary Shennv Peak (Goddess Peak), learn about the ancient myths associated with the mountain, which have inspired poets and travelers for centuries. The soft, poetic landscape of Wu Gorge creates one of the most atmospheric sections of the Three Gorges.

14:00 | Cruise into Qutang Gorge

In the afternoon, continue into Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Sheer cliffs rise abruptly on both sides of the narrow river, forming the iconic Kuimen Gate, long regarded as the most majestic gateway of the Yangtze River and famously featured on the former 10-yuan RMB note.

15:00 | Fengjie – Visit White Emperor City

Later, dock at Fengjie to visit White Emperor City, a historic site closely linked to the Three Kingdoms period. Set high above the river at the entrance to Qutang Gorge, Baidi City is known for the story of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang and for its rich literary heritage that earned it the title “City of Poetry.” The site also offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the dramatic gorge landscape.

This day brings together tranquil side-stream scenery, legendary gorge landscapes, and profound historical heritage—one of the most culturally rich days of your Three Gorges journey.

Our Customer Visiting Magnificent Qutang Gorge

Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery

White Emperor City

Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery

13:00–17:00 | Fengdu Port – Visit Fengdu Ghost City Scenic Area

After docking at Fengdu Port, enjoy an afternoon excursion to Fengdu Mingshan Scenic Area, widely known as Fengdu Ghost City—one of the most distinctive cultural sites along the Yangtze River. Rooted in over 2,000 years of history, Fengdu is famous for its unique integration of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs, using vivid legends of the afterlife to convey traditional moral values.

As you explore the hillside complex of temples, gates, and pavilions, you will encounter symbolic landmarks such as the Ghost Gate, Bridge of Helplessness, and judgment halls, each representing ancient Chinese concepts of virtue, justice, and karma. Beyond its folklore, the site also offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River and surrounding mountains, blending cultural depth with scenic beauty.

This visit to Fengdu provides a fascinating glimpse into Chinese mythology, philosophy, and folk religion—an unforgettable cultural highlight of your Yangtze River cruise.

Fengdu Ghost City

08:30 | Disembarkation at Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing

Your Yangtze River cruise concludes this morning at Chaotianmen Dock, Chongqing’s most iconic river terminal. Located at the dramatic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chaotianmen has long been regarded as the historic gateway to Chongqing and remains a major hub for river transportation today. The pier sits in the heart of the city, adjacent to the modern Chaotianmen Square and the landmark Raffles City Chongqing, with convenient access to downtown districts, metro lines, and major transport connections.

After disembarkation, you may continue your journey independently—exploring Chongqing’s vibrant urban landscape, sampling its famous spicy hot pot, or transferring easily to the airport or railway stations for onward travel.

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

Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock