Yangzi Explorer
Luxury and Adventure Await on the Yangzi Explorer
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Luxury and Adventure Await on the Yangzi Explorer
Contact our cruise travel specialists via email or submit your request through our online BOOKING INQUIRY form.
Spanning more than 6,300 kilometers across China, the Yangtze River offers some of the country's most awe-inspiring scenery, none more captivating than the legendary Three Gorges. Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges are renowned for their sheer cliffs and dramatic ravines, with towering rock walls and seasonal greenery forming a living tapestry that changes with every sailing. These breathtaking panoramas have enchanted travelers for generations.
Beyond the gorges, the river winds through peaceful rural landscapes and terraced hillsides, where age-old agricultural traditions endure. The region is also rich in biodiversity, home to unique species of flora and fauna that add to the Yangtze's natural and cultural significance.
Between Chongqing and Yichang, the riverbanks are lined with destinations and attractions that reflect the Yangtze's deep heritage and scenic beauty. The following highlights are presented in geographic order, tracing the river's course from Chongqing to Yichang.
Chongqing, a dynamic metropolis perched above the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Known for its vibrant cuisine, historic neighborhoods, and mountainous skyline, Chongqing offers a bold contrast to the serenity of the river ahead.
At the meeting point of the Yangtze and Wu Rivers, Fuling has flourished as a key transportation hub. Its unique location nurtured economic vitality and cultural exchange, making it a birthplace of both Ba culture and southeastern Chongqing’s regional traditions.
On the northern bank of the Yangtze lies Fengdu, famously known as China’s "City of Ghosts." For centuries, its temples, statues, and rituals have brought to life ancient beliefs about the afterlife and the spirit world.
Zhong County, along the Yangtze River, has long been a key gateway to northeastern Chongqing. Its river trade and rich history gave rise to a unique culture blending the famed “Culture of Loyalty” with local Ba-Yu traditions. Historic sites like Shibao Zhai showcase its enduring role in the Yangtze civilization.
Perched on the banks of Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges, Fengjie boasts over 2,300 years of history. Its stunning landscapes once inspired Tang Dynasty poets Li Bai and Du Fu, making it a place where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage.
Qutang Gorge is only eight kilometers long, making it the shortest of the Three Gorges, yet it is also the most dramatic. The Yangtze River flows between towering limestone cliffs, creating a striking gateway into China’s legendary river landscapes.
At the heart of the Three Gorges region, Wushan is a town of stunning landscapes and timeless legends. Surrounded by steep valleys, misty ridges, and ever-changing waters, it serves as the gateway to the graceful Wu Gorge.
Wu Gorge stretches 45 kilometers from Wushan to Badong and is celebrated as the most graceful of the Three Gorges. Its gentle curves, misty cliffs, and peaceful harmony between river and peaks create a poetic landscape that contrasts with the dramatic Qutang Gorge and the vast Xiling Gorge.
Badong lies on the southern bank of the Yangtze River at the western end of Wu Gorge. This charming town blends river, mountains, and rural life in perfect harmony, offering visitors a peaceful and scenic stop along their journey.
Shennongjia National Park, nestled in the mountains of western Hubei, is one of China’s most ecologically rich and culturally significant regions. With its alpine forests, deep valleys, and high plateaus, it remains one of the few areas in the Yangtze River basin to preserve its original wilderness.
Xiling Gorge, the easternmost and longest of the Three Gorges, spans over 70 kilometers between Badong and Yichang. In this stretch, the Yangtze River slows and deepens as it gradually reconnects with the lowland plains.
Nestled along the Yangtze River where towering mountains give way to vast plains, Yichang has long been a natural gateway connecting the rugged western gorges with the expansive eastern waterways. Its prime location makes it the perfect starting point for unforgettable Yangtze River cruises.