Discover the beauty and culture of the Yangtze River as it cuts through the heart of China. Includes shore excursions, full board, and evening entertainment.

Yangtze River cruises are either downstream from Chongqing to Yichang (4 days/3 nights), or upstream from Yichang to Chongqing (5 days/4 nights). There are typically 3-4 shore excursions on a cruise, which vary between different ships. Ironically, the shorter 4 day downstream cruise is more expensive than the longer 5 day upstream cruise due to higher demand.

Airport/hotel/pier transfers with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

This evening you will board your luxury cruise ship in Yichang. By 10pm all passengers will have checked in, and you will overnight on the ship.

The newly renovated Yangtze Explorer (formerly East Queen) sets new standards for luxury on the river, and is operated by Orient Royal Cruise the premier cruise company. 180 passengers luxuriate in 80 cabins, including standard, Jade, and Imperial suites - the largest available on the Yangtze River. Large picture windows in each beautifully appointed stateroom offer breathtaking views. Breakfast is usually served at 7:30 a.m., lunch at 12:30 a.m. and dinner at 7:00p.m. at a pre-assigned table number. In-cabin dining is also available 24hrs a day.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Upstream.

This morning you will leave Yichang around 9am, and pass by Xiling Gorge East. Comprising many rapids and currents, Xiling Gorge starts at Badong County and zigzags for 76 kilometers down to the Nanjin Pass in Yichang. It is the longest part of the Three Gorges system with dangerous rapids like Xietan, Qintan and Kongling, collectively known as the Three Rapids of Xiling. The swift current carries boats down river at the rate of seven meters per second. It is a thrilling ride. Arrive at Yangjiawan Pier, where you will take a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project, which is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by mankind. This great dam, the largest of its kind in the world, provides China with tremendous power generation and flood control services. Visitors see the panorama of Three Gorges from the highest point of the building site, the exhibition house, natural scenic spot Maogongshan and Huangling Temple.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Upstream.

This morning you will pass by Xiling Gorge West. Kongling Rapids has 24 reefs, named Great Pearl, First Pearl, Second Pearl, Third Pearl, and so on, which overlap each other. The Great Rapid sprawls in the middle of the river, dividing the water into two channels; the south channel is full of jagged reefs and fickle eddies, and the north channel is narrow, twisted and littered with submerged rocks. This is a rapid where passing boats have to thread their way through the reefs. Visit the Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River. With crystal clear water, this stream flows swiftly from north to south through deep gorges. A sampan tour will allow you to experience a high speed adventure along this unspoiled river. An arrow-like sampan glides through the four-kilometer-long Mianzhu Gorge and then enters the main stream of the Shennong. Next visit Wu Gorge, which is the most beautiful section of the Yangtze River, flanked by high peaks that are often capped by fog or clouds. The steep slopes of the gorge are green with trees and bushes. Also see Qutang Gorge, which is famous for its sheer and spectacular precipices, with uniquely beautiful rock formations in every direction.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Upstream.

Today you will visit Shibaozhai, a gem of Chinese architecture. From a distance the protruding 220-meter hill resembles a jade seal. Located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, it was first built during the Qing Dynasty in 1650. As one of the most spectacular sites along the river, this 12-story 56m wooden red pavilion hugs a sheer rectangular cliff.

Overnight at Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer Upstream.

This morning you will arrive into Chongqing for disembarkation around 9am. Continue on your journey through China!

Airport/hotel/pier transfers with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Departure transfer

Overnight at Depart.