Yichang to Chongqing

4 Night Upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing

Day 1 - Yichang, on board the Yangzi Explorer

This afternoon, board the Yangzi Explorer at Maoping Pier and prepare for your cruise upstream through this stunning section of the Yangtze River, famous for its stunning scenery and historic and cultural importance to China.

Please note that your passport or local ID is required for check-in, and that your photograph will be taken for security identification purposes.

Settle into your room before joining your fellow guests in the Explorer Bar for a welcome drink.

Tonight, there is an optional embarkation dinner(additional cost) and a welcome safety briefing.

Later in the evening, the 7 Wonders of China documentary will be shown in the Tang Theatre.

Day 2 - Xiling Gorges & Three Gorges Dam Project

Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee and a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our certified Tai Chi Master and work up an appetite for the buffet breakfast.

This morning's lecture is on the Three Gorges Project. Learn more about the dam's construction, including the controversial resettlement of 1.2 million people.

Mid-morning there is a Chinese foot reflexology demo in the Tang Theatre. Alternatively, take this time to visit our luxurious spa and select from a range of deluxe treatments, or work out in the well-equipped gym.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board.

After lunch, depart Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer and visit the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre. Spanning 2,335 metres in length and 181 metres in height, the dam is the largest and most expensive engineering project in the world. While the dam's 32 generators will produce enough clean energy to reduce China's reliance on coal, the project has also caused much controversy. During construction, 13 cities, 140 towns, 1,352 villages, over 600 industrial factories and more than 1,200 archaeological projects were submerged.

This afternoon, the lecture topic is traditional Chinese medicine. Afterwards, we sail through Xiling Gorge - the longest of the Gorges, measuring some 76 kilometres (47 miles) in length. Enjoy the view of the river where the river widens and sweeps through groves of orange and pomelo trees. This is the perfect introduction to the relaxed pace of the Yangtze River.

This evening we have prepared a special Captain's welcome reception and a delicious a la carte dinner.

Tonight, show off your singing skills with some karaoke, before a live band perform in the Explorer Bar.

Day 03 - Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge

This morning, early bird tea and coffee is available in the Explorer Bar. Begin today with traditional Chinese exercise before an international buffet breakfast.

This morning's shore excursion is a unique ride along the Shennong Stream on a sampan - a traditional longboat rowed by expert Tujia boatmen. As we gently float through this stunning riverine gorge flanked by verdant forest, you'll see evidence of early settlements in the form of hanging coffins stowed high within the limestone cliffs.

Before returning from Shennong Stream we will visit a traditional trackers village, where you will have a chance to catch a fascinating glimpse of the traditional, rural Chinese community. You’ll find mud huts as homes, basic kitchens where the meat is dried on hooks and coffins in the bedroom. And, while there are satellite dishes, villagers still pride their heritage.

Back on board, lunch is served.

This afternoon, guests are encouraged to appreciate the scenery from the Sun Deck as we sail through the spectacular Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, complimented by informative commentary.

Relax and enjoy the on-board activities, including a silk embroidery demonstration, snuff bottle painting and a Chinese tea ceremony.

Tonight, indulge in an a la carte dinner in the Dynasty Dining Room. A talk on the 816 Underground Project in the Tang Theatre will leave you well equipped for tomorrow's excursion.

The onboard entertainment tonight is a movie complete with popcorn, and a live band performance in the Explorer Bar.

Day 4 – Fuling

This itinerary is valid for travel from March - mid of May and mid of September - November.

Start the day right once more with a delicious tea or coffee and a session of Tai Chi to further refine your skills before breakfast.

This morning we'll visit the most intriguing and secret project, hidden in the mountains of Fuling. The 816 Underground Project is the world’s largest artificial military cave.

Over 50 years ago, more than 60,000 constructers, came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction project of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced.

Now as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of 816 project hidden for 50 years.

After a lunch buffet, you have the option to visit the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum, which will take you some 148 feet under water to admire the river bed and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there many years ago. Learn about the Yangtze river, it’s flora and fauna, while enjoying this fascinating museum. Your next stop will be the local market, where you will gain insight into the region's rich culinary culture. This is a daily market where farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, and of course a whole array of pickles - which Fuling is famous for.

If you choose to stay on board we invite you to take part in a range of activities, including a traditional painting and calligraphy demonstration and a dumpling cooking class. All the while, complimentary tea, coffee and pastries are served.

We'll also introduce you to the ancient Chinese board game - Mahjong.

Tonight, we'll treat you to a sumptuous farewell dinner, 'A Taste of China', before a live band performance in the Explorer Bar.

This itinerary is valid for travel from mid of May - mid of September.

Start the day right once more with a delicious tea or coffee and a session of Tai Chi to further refine your skills before breakfast.

Learn about beautiful pearls in this morning's lecture, Pearls of the World and develop your artistic skills with a traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy demonstration, before a delicious lunch buffet on board.

This afternoon you can choose between a visit to an intriguing, secret project, hidden in the mountains of Fuling - The 816 Underground Project or the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and a local market tour.

The 816 Underground Project is the world's largest artificial military cave. Over 50 years ago, more than 60,000 constructers, came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction project of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced. Now as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of 816 project hidden for 50 years.

A visit to the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum will take you some 148 feet under water to admire the river bed and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there many years ago. Learn about the Yangtze river, it's flora and fauna, while enjoying this fascinating museum. Your next stop will be the local market, where you will gain insight into the region's rich culinary culture. This is a daily market where farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, and of course a whole array of pickles - which Fuling is famous for.

Back on board we will serve afternoon tea before introducing you to the ancient Chinese board game - Mahjong. Tonight, we'll treat you to a sumptuous farewell dinner, 'A Taste of China', before a live band performance in the Explorer Bar

Day 5 - Disembark in Chongqing

Enjoy a tea or coffee with an international buffet breakfast before disembarking in Chongqing for your onward journey.