Upon your arrival in Chongqing, either at the airport or Railway Station, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the Yangzi Explorer.
Chongqing - often called the Mountain City, is uniquely perched where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge, with surrounding peaks rising steeply to create a breathtaking backdrop.
Once you’ve settled into your suite, savor dinner at the onboard Dynasty Restaurant or any other pre-booked dining venue. Afterwards, attend a brief safety orientation followed by the Captain’s Welcome Reception at the Explorer Bar.
Begin with an invigorating dawn tea or coffee, followed by a Tai Chi session with on board master - inspiration before breakfast.
Morning Excursion (Option A or B):
Option A: Fuling Project 816: Venture into the hidden caverns of the Wuling Mountains, where 60,000 laborers carved the world’s largest secret military complex over 17 years. Explore its vast, echoing galleries and unravel six decades of guarded history.
Option B: White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and a local market. The museum will take you some 148 feet underwater to admire the river bed, and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there since AD 763 in the Tang Dynasty. Then stroll a bustling farmers’ market overflowing with Fuling’s famed pickles, fresh produce, and regional specialties.
Return to the ship for an à la carte lunch, then enjoy the afternoon at your leisure - perhaps indulge in the spa, retreat to the lounge, or simply admire river vistas from your private balcony.
Night Activities in Zhongxian (Option A or B):
Option A: The Beacon of Three Kingdoms Night Show, Secure VIP seats for this spectacular outdoor spectacle - horses in full gallop, cascading water screens, 3D holography and fireworks—all set against the luminous backdrop of the Three Gorges.
Option B: Zhongzhou Old Alley: Meander through centuries-old lanes where tile-roofed shops and timeworn bricks whisper of Ba and Yu heritage, now harmoniously reborn alongside artisan boutiques and creative ateliers.
Begin the day sailing through Qutang Gorge in the morning. Also known as Kui Gorge or Ba Gorge, this is the first and shortest of the Yangtze River's famed Three Gorges. From the Explorer Deck, enjoy panoramic views of towering green peaks and calm river waters.
After breakfast, choose between two exclusive morning excursions in Wushan:
Option A: Wushan Goddess Sky Road
Follow the Yangzi Explorer Trail along cliffs nearly 1,000 meters high, with sweeping views of Goddess Peak and the Yangtze River. Continue to a private lookout point, exclusive to Yangzi Explorer guests, offering a full view of Wushan’s twelve legendary peaks. A champagne reception awaits at the summit.
An optional 45-minute light hike is also available. Led by a local guide, this route passes through traditional mountain villages, offering a closer look at the region’s culture and natural beauty.
Option B: Daning & Madu River Adventure
Cruise along the Daning River, part of the Lesser Three Gorges, before switching to a small boat to explore the Madu River. Glide past dense forests and dramatic cliffs, discovering ancient cultural relics, including hanging coffins suspended high in the rocks — silent witnesses to a centuries-old tradition.
After the tour, return to the ship for lunch and continue cruising through Wu Gorge, often considered the most scenic of the Three Gorges. Known for its mystical beauty, Wu Gorge features peaks said to be the transformed forms of the goddess Yao Ji and her twelve attendants.
Evening Highlight: The Three Gorges Ship Lift
Conclude the day with a passage through the world’s largest ship lift — an engineering marvel capable of raising vessels 113 meters (about 40 stories) with a capacity of 15,500 tons. The Yangzi Explorer is among the few ships able to transit this structure independently. Enjoy the entire experience from the comfort of your cabin.
Please note: Passage through the ship lift is dependent on weather and water levels. The lift undergoes annual maintenance in late August, lasting approximately 35 days.
Greet the dawn with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, then join your Tai Chi instructor for a graceful morning session - an invitation to center body and mind before breakfast.
Option A: The Three Gorges Dam Experience
Depart for the River Closure Park, where you'll stand at the foot of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam—2,335 m across and 181 m tall-a testament to human ambition. Wander among the preserved artifacts of construction: the towering tetrahedron anchors, vintage haul trucks, and the very wall that once supported mountains of sand and gravel. From here, a short stroll brings you to the Three Gorges Project Museum. Housed just a kilometer from the dam, this grand thematic institution immerses you in every phase of the project-from initial design and engineering trials to its operational might—through interactive displays and monumental models.
Option B: Cultural Heritage & Resettlement
Venture first to Qu Yuan Temple, perched amid tranquil gardens that overlook the river’s shimmering expanse. In these halls, the legacy of the great poet-statesman resonates through calligraphic scrolls and classical architecture, all framing a sweeping view of the Three Gorges Dam in the distance. Next, explore the Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum, through photographs, oral histories, and thoughtfully curated exhibits, you’ll gain profound insight into the resilience and spirit of the more than 1.2 million souls relocated to pave the way for China’s greatest hydroelectric marvel.
Rejoin the Explorer for lunch at Juweng Restaurant, savoring Yichang specialties, before your transfer to Yichang Airport or East Railway Station.
Please note: All excursions are subject to weather, river conditions, and operational considerations. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to adjust the day’s program to ensure your comfort and safety.