Experience the majestic beauty of the Yangtze River like never before on the Yangzi Explorer Cruise. This luxurious journey takes you through some of China's most stunning landscapes, showcasing breathtaking gorges, lush mountains, and vibrant local cultures along the way. As you sail along the river, enjoy both local and international dining options and relax in elegantly appointed cabins. Engage in enriching guided shore excursions to both historical and natural sites, while onboard professional staff attend to every detail of your comfort. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or on your first adventure, the Yangzi Explorer Cruise promises an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the rich heritage and natural wonders of one of the world's great rivers.
The Yangzi Explorer offers a range of cruise options, including 4D3N and 5D4N itineraries, along with a few longer journeys available on special occasions.
Prices start at:
4D3N cruise: RMB 12,999/person (Sailings every Thursday)
5D4N cruise: RMB 13,999/person (Sailings every Sunday)
The day begins in the ancient streets of Ciqikou, a riverside town steeped in history, where street food and the whispers of old Chongqing fill the air. Wander the cobbled lanes and have a taste of local spicy snacks, before witnessing the Chongqing 1949 Rotating Theatre Performance, an artistic time capsule that brings the city’s revolutionary past to life in a way you’ve never experienced. In the afternoon, explore the stories of the Three Gorges Museum, where the wonders of the Yangtze River are unveiled, offering a glimpse into its history. Wander the Mountain City Alley, where Chongqing’s old city walls speak of ancient defence and resilience. As the day draws to a close, your journey shifts to the majestic Yangtze River where you will step aboard the Yangtze Explorer, a cruise ride where comfort meets adventure.
Awake to the tranquil waters of the Yangtze River as you approach Fuling. Here, you get to choose your adventure: For the curious and bold, an adventure awaits as you journey deep into the mountains to explore the 816 Underground Project, a hidden military site that reveals China’s secret past building the world's largest artificial military cave; For those drawn to ancient history, you can choose to descend 148 feet below the river’s surface at the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum, where intricate rock carvings tell tales from centuries ago, followed by a visit to a local bustling market. As the evening sets in, the grandeur of China’s ancient past comes alive at Zhongxian County, where the Three Kingdoms Open Air Show offers a spectacle of drama and cultural immersion, re-enacting the legendary battles that shaped the nation.
Today is a day of legends and natural splendour as you journey through the breathtaking Three Gorges — Qutang, Wu, and Xiling. As the Yangtze Explorer glides through these dramatic landscapes, you’ll witness towering cliffs and lush mountains, each with its myth and mystery that makes it unique. Step off the cruise to experience a once-in-a-lifetime ride down the Shennong Stream, where local Tujia boatmen, masters of their craft, row you through serene waters. Visit a traditional trackers village, where time seems to stand still, and catch a glimpse of a simpler way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
On the final day of your journey, disembark at Maoping to visit the remarkable Three Gorges Dam Site and Exhibition Centre. Spanning 2,335 meters in length and standing 181 meters tall, the dam is the largest and most controversial engineering project in the world. This dam has submerged 13 cities, 140 towns, 1352 villages, over 600 industrial factories and more than 1,200 archaeological projects, ultimately resulting in over 12 million people needing to resettle. Learn about the impact this massive structure has had on the environment and local communities before taking a bullet train back to Chongqing, where your unforgettable journey through Chongqing and the Three Gorges will conclude.
