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.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey downstream through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yangtze River, a region renowned for its majestic scenery and cultural significance in China.
Chongqing is known as the "Mountain City" because many mountains converge here, and the Yangtze, Jialing, and Fu Rivers surround it, forming a unique landscape of mountains and rivers. It was once an important military stronghold and political center. It is also the birthplace of Emperor Guangzong Zhao Dun and the "place where the whip of God was broken," which influenced the historical pattern of Eurasia for hundreds of years. Today's Chongqing is a famous city and an essential node of economic links between China and Europe.
Before embarking, enjoy the optional pre-cruise tours available to Yangzi Explorer guests. Choose between a Chongqing city Walk with a hotpot lunch, a full-day UNESCO Cultural Heritage Tour to Dazu Stone Carvings, or a two-day tour to Anyue Grottoes. Please enquire about the prices with our reservation team.
After you've settled into your cabin, please join us at the Dynasty Restaurant (or any other pre-booked dining venue available on board) for dinner. This will be followed by a safety briefing and the captain's Welcome Reception at the Explorer Bar. Enjoy the stunning night-time views of Chongqing as we set sail.
Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee, followed by a Tai Chi lesson led by our Tai Chi Master, to build up an appetite for breakfast.
This morning, visit the Fuling Project 816 (Option A). Hidden in the Wuling Mountains of Fuling, Project 816 is the world's largest man-made military cave. Fifty-eight years ago, more than 60,000 constructors came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government suspended it before any nuclear material could be produced. Now, as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you can look at the true face of Project 816, hidden for almost 60 years.
Alternatively, visit the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and a local market (Option B). 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. Enjoy this fascinating museum by learning about the Yangtze River and its flora and fauna. 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 various goods ranging from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, and of course, a whole array of pickles for which Fuling is famous.
Return to the ship for a la carte lunch and an afternoon at your leisure.
In the evening, choose from two enticing activities:
Secure VIP seats at the Beacon of Three Kingdoms show, an epic performance that blendshistory, myth, and stunning visual effects around the lore of The Three Kingdoms.
Or enjoy a serene stroll through Zhongzhou Old Alley, where the past and present of local life blend seamlessly.
Option A: Night show
The Beacon of Three Kingdoms is a large-scale live performance and a cultural feast with the Three Gorges Harbor as the stage, the culture of the Three Kingdoms as the theme, and the spirit of loyalty and righteousness as the soul. Based on the famous 14th-century novel 'The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the story is a mix of history and legend. The dreamlike performance includes horseback battles, light and water effects, 3D holographic projects, and fireworks.
Option B: Town Walk
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has submerged hundreds of kilometers of towns and cities along the Yangtze River, yet Zhongxian has preserved the charm of old. Though parts of the historic town are beneath the river, the area still embodies the spirit of Ba, and Yuand protects the primitive customs of the Three Gorges. Efforts to safeguard Zhongzhou Alley ensure the survival of ancient architecture, from mottled bricks to venerable tiles, while old shops remain central to community life. At the same time, this heritage coexists with burgeoning creative industries adapted to local needs and conditions.
Today, we sail across Qutang Gorge in the morning glow. Qutang Gorge, also known as KuiGorges and Ba Gorge, is the first gorge of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. Admire the splendor of the green peaks and tranquility of the river on the Explorer Deck.
After breakfast, join the morning tour to explore Wushan. You have two options to choose from.
Option A: Wushan Goddess Sky Road
Embark on the Yangzi Explorer Trail, named after Yangzi Explorer. Stroll among the cliffs at an altitude of about 1,000 meters and admire the Goddess Peak and the Yangtze River. Going deeper, you will reach the private lookout of Yangzi Explorer. The 12 peaks of Wushan will be right in front of you. A champagne reception awaits you here, exclusive to Yangzi Explorer passengers.
En route, a 45-minute light hiking option is also available. With a local guide, you can wander through the mountain villages of Wu Gorge and gain insight into local traditions and the natural beauty of the region.
Option B: Daning River & Madu River AdventureEmbark on an unforgettable journey along the serene waters of the Daning River, known as the Lesser Three Gorges, a breathtaking tributary of the Yangtze River nestled in Wushan.Your experience begins with a scenic ferry ride and an intimate small-boat excursion more profound into the enchanting Madu River. As you glide through this magnificent riverine gorge surrounded by lush forests and dramatic limestone cliffs, you'll be captivated by the remnants of ancient settlements, including the remarkable hanging coffins resting high on the cliff faces - a powerful testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
Following your morning adventure, return to the ship for a delightful lunch, then enjoy passing Wu Gorge, the most beautiful gorge among the Three Gorges. Characterized by majestic peaks crowned by lush forests, Wu Gorge is said to be celestial. Legend has it that Yao Ji loved this area so much that she and her 12 attendants were transformed into the graceful peaks you can see here along the river.
In the evening, experience a marvel of modern engineering as the Yangzi Explorer navigates through the world's largest and most technologically advanced ship lift, the Three Gorges Ship Lift. This lift boasts a lift capacity of 15,500 tons and a vertical lift height of 113 meters, equivalent to a 40-story building.
Yangzi Explorer is one of the select few vessels that can journey through this impressive structure on its own, eliminating the need to book an additional excursion. Enjoy this unique spectacle comfortably from your cabin on board.
Please be aware that the passage is subject to weather conditions and water levels, which may affect the transit. Additionally, the ship lift will undergo annual maintenance at the end of August, during which it will be closed for approximately 35 days.
Begin your day with a refreshing early morning tea or coffee followed by a traditional TaiChi session, setting the tone for a day of exploration.
Today, you can choose from two-morning excursions - visit the Three Gorges Dam(Option A) or Quyuan Temple & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum (Option B)
The Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel, stretches 2,335 meters in length and stands 181 meters tall, making it the world's largest and most ambitious project. With 32 massive generators, it produces vast amounts of clean energy, significantly reducing China's reliance on coal. However, its construction has been subject to controversy. The project led to many cities, towns, and villages submerging, displacing over 1.2 million people.
As part of our exclusive itinerary, you can visit the River Closure Park and the Three Gorges Project Museum. The latter was opened to the public in August 2022(option A).
In the Three Gorges Project River Closure Park, you can admire the grandeur of this century-long project from the front of the dam. The Park preserves the construction materials and objects left behind at the Three Gorges Dam construction site, including the wall used to support the stockpile of sand and gravel, the four remaining tetrahedrons, the 77-unloading and unloading truck, and large construction machinery such as the flat throw boat.
The Three Gorges Project Museum is located on the right bank of the Three Gorges Dam area, 1 km away from the Dam. It is one of the best viewing points of the Project and one of the largest thematic museums of hydropower projects in the world. It displays the preparation, design, construction, and operation of the Three Gorges Project.
Alternatively, you can take a cultural tour to visit the Qu Yuan Temple & the Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum (Option B).
Qu Yuan Temple is nestled in the scenic surroundings of Hubei Province and offers visitors a deep dive into China's rich cultural and literary heritage. This historic site honors Qu Yuanthe, an esteemed poet and statesman whose enduring legacy is celebrated yearly during the Dragon Boat Festival. Visitors to the temple can explore a beautifully preserved environment that echoes ancient times, with traditional architecture, tranquil gardens, and exhibits that tell the story of Qu Yuan's life and contributions to Chinese literature. The view of the Three Gorges Dam from Qu Yuan Temple is breathtaking, offering a panoramic glimpse into the harmony between nature and human achievement.
Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum offers a unique glimpse of the Three Gorges Dam. Located in Yichang, this museum chronicles the remarkable stories of the millions of people who were relocated to make way for this monumental project. The museum not only honors the resilience and adaptability of those who were resettled but also provides a profound understanding of the environmental, social, and cultural impact of the Three Gorges Dam.
Lunch will be served at Juweng Restaurant, featuring a selection of Yichang's finest local dishes. After lunch, we will arrange your transfer to Yichang Airport or Yichang East Railway Station.
As your journey with us draws to a close, we thank you for choosing to explore the stunning landscapes with Yangzi Explorer!
In case of force majeure, such as flood, low water level, weather, or other safety reasons, we have the right to cancel or adjust the sailing schedule or change the itinerary and scenic spots at any time. We will not be liable for any loss caused to the guests by cancellation, adjustment of flight schedule, or change of itinerary and scenic spots due to the above reasons.