Chongqing & Three Gorges | Shan China Tours

Welcome to Chongqing

Chongqing, a sprawling megacity in southwest China, is known for its dramatic skyline, steep hills, and vibrant culture, all nestled along the banks of the Yangtze River. As a gateway to the famous Three Gorges, Chongqing is a bustling metropolis known for its spicy hotpot cuisine, multi-level architecture, historic sites like the ancient UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, and unique experiences like riding the city's sky bridges and experiences in nature such as Wulong Karst. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and urban energy, Chongqing with Shan China Tours offers a dynamic and unforgettable travel experience.

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Shan Signature Tour:

5-Day Chongqing & the Three Gorges

Tour Highlights

Explore the multi-level architecture and experience the urban energy of Chongqing.

Experience the fiery spirit of Sichuan's gastronomic delights.

Board the Yangtze Explorer for a cruise through the Three Gorges, an area steeped in legend and natural beauty.

Day 1:

Arrival in Chongqing

Arrive in the vibrant city of Chongqing, where the urban landscape and mountainous surroundings come together. Start your exploration with a visit to Kuixinglou, where the wanders of architecture brings surprise, and marvel at the famous Liziba monorail, a symbol of Chongqing's innovation that passes through a residential building. Wander through the serene Eling Gardens for panoramic views of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. After a flavourful local lunch, delve into history at the Huguang Guild Hall and stroll along charming Longmenhao, where echoes of the past linger in every alley. Sip tea in a traditional tea house, reflecting on the city's unique blend of old and new, before ending the day with a feast at a modern Sichuan restaurant.

Day 2:

The Past and Present of Chongqing

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.

Day 3:

Choose Your Adventure at Fuling

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.

Day 4:

Glide Through the Three Gorges and Shennong Stream

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.

Day 5:

Discover the Massive Three Gorges Dam

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.

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Chongqing

The gateway to the magnificent Three Gorges